What is Rel-s.com Redirects Virus?
The Rel-s.com Redirects Virus is a browser-based threat associated with intrusive redirects and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). If you are experiencing unexpected browser redirections to Rel-s.com or similar suspicious domains, your system may be affected by a hidden browser hijacker component. Read this article to find out how the Rel-s.com Redirects Virus operates, how it may have infiltrated your system, and what risks it poses to your online security.
Rel-s.com is not a legitimate or trustworthy website. Instead, it is commonly linked to aggressive advertising networks, questionable browser extensions, and software bundles that alter browser configurations without the user’s informed consent. Once active, the redirect mechanism may modify key browser settings, including the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, in order to push sponsored content and potentially malicious destinations.
Security researchers categorize this threat as a browser redirect virus due to its behavior of forcefully rerouting user traffic. Although it may not be a traditional self-replicating virus, its impact on system security and browsing integrity should not be underestimated.
![Rel-s.com Redirects Virus - Removal Guide [Solved]](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/rel-s-com-redirects-virus-removal-guide-1024x576.jpg)
Rel-s.com Short Overview
| Type | Fake website, Scam, Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A suspicious website and rogue search engine that hijacks your browsers and causes redirects. |
| Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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Rel-s.com Redirect Overview
The Rel-s.com Redirects Virus typically demonstrates the following characteristics:
- Unexpected browser redirects to Rel-s.com and affiliated domains.
- Installation through bundled freeware or deceptive download prompts.
- Altered browser settings without clear user approval.
- Exposure to phishing pages, scam portals, or malware-laden sites.
- Persistent advertisements and intrusive pop-ups.
Due to its connection with potentially unwanted programs, Rel-s.com redirects may serve as a gateway to more serious malware infections.
How Did I Get It?
The Rel-s.com Redirects Virus is most commonly distributed through software bundling techniques. Free applications downloaded from unofficial or third-party sources may include additional components that are pre-selected for installation. If users proceed with a “Quick” or “Express” setup, these hidden additions can be silently deployed onto the system.
Other infection vectors may include deceptive advertisements, fake update prompts, and misleading download buttons embedded in compromised or low-quality websites. Clicking on such elements may trigger the installation of a browser extension or background process responsible for initiating redirects.
Common Distribution Methods
Threat actors rely on several social engineering and technical distribution strategies to spread browser redirect threats like Rel-s.com:
- Bundled freeware installers from unverified platforms.
- Fake browser or software update notifications.
- Malicious advertising campaigns (malvertising).
- Spam email attachments containing dropper scripts.
- Compromised torrent or file-sharing websites.
Once installed, the potentially unwanted program linked to Rel-s.com may embed itself within browser profiles, scheduled tasks, or system startup entries to maintain persistence.
What Does It Do?
The primary objective of the Rel-s.com Redirects Virus is traffic monetization. By redirecting users to specific landing pages, the operators behind the domain may generate pay-per-click revenue or affiliate commissions. However, the consequences for affected users extend far beyond simple annoyance.
In many cases, Rel-s.com may forward traffic to high-risk domains, including:
- Phishing pages designed to harvest login credentials or financial information.
- Technical support scam websites displaying fake security alerts.
- Fake giveaway or survey scam portals.
- Pages prompting downloads of rogue security software.
- Malware-hosting domains distributing trojans or spyware.
Another significant concern is data tracking. Browser hijacker components associated with Rel-s.com may collect browsing-related information such as search queries, IP addresses, geolocation data, and clicked advertisements. This data can be aggregated and shared with third-party advertising networks.
Potential Security Risks
While categorized as a PUP-related redirect threat, the Rel-s.com Redirects Virus can expose users to broader cybersecurity dangers:
- Increased risk of secondary malware infections.
- Credential theft via phishing redirections.
- Financial fraud through scam pages.
- Privacy invasion through tracking technologies.
- System performance degradation due to background processes.
Over time, the presence of such browser-based threats can weaken overall system security posture, making it easier for more severe malware strains to infiltrate the machine.
How to Remove It
Removing the Rel-s.com Redirects Virus requires thorough inspection of both browser and system-level components. Because this threat is often linked to potentially unwanted programs, simply closing the redirected tab will not eliminate the root cause.
Effective removal typically involves identifying suspicious applications installed around the time the redirects began, reviewing browser extensions for unknown entries, and resetting altered browser settings. Additionally, scanning the system with reputable anti-malware software can help detect hidden components, malicious scripts, and registry modifications associated with the redirect behavior.
It is important to ensure that all browsers installed on the affected system are checked individually, including commonly used ones. Some PUP-related redirect mechanisms inject configuration changes across multiple browsers simultaneously.
After removal, users should implement preventive measures such as:
- Downloading software only from official and verified sources.
- Using advanced installation settings to review bundled components.
- Keeping operating systems and browsers up to date.
- Installing a trusted real-time security solution.
- Avoiding suspicious ads, pop-ups, and unsolicited downloads.
What Should You Do?
If you are experiencing persistent browser redirects to Rel-s.com, you should act immediately. The Rel-s.com Redirects Virus may not only disrupt your browsing experience but also expose you to phishing attacks, scams, and malware infections. Ignoring the issue can increase the risk of data theft and financial loss.
We strongly recommend following the comprehensive removal instructions provided below this article to fully eliminate the Rel-s.com Redirects Virus from your system. Taking prompt action will help restore your browser’s normal functionality and protect your device against further security threats.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Rel-s.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Rel-s.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Rel-s.com and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Rel-s.com on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Rel-s.com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Rel-s.com (Windows).
Get rid of Rel-s.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Rel-s.com and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Rel-s.com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Rel-s.com via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Rel-s.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Rel-s.com, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Rel-s.com (Mac)
Remove Rel-s.com from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Rel-s.com from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Rel-s.com from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Rel-s.com from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Rel-s.com will be removed.
Eliminate Rel-s.com from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Rel-s.com-FAQ
What Is Rel-s.com?
The Rel-s.com threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Rel-s.com?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Rel-s.com?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Rel-s.com Work?
Once installed, Rel-s.com can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Rel-s.com can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Rel-s.com Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Rel-s.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rel-s.com how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Rel-s.com?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Rel-s.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.