Are you searching for more information about Free Driver Maps? Here you will find important details about this hijacker as well as efficient steps for its complete removal.
Free Driver Maps Hijacker
The name Free Driver Maps is given to a browser hijacker that affects popular web browsers in an attempt to force users into using the services of a hoax search engine. This hijacker is associated with the domain freedrivermapstab.com. When this domain appears as browser homepage, new tab page and default search engine, then you should check your browser and system for any present unwanted files and programs.
As long as you are using the services of this hoax search engine, your online security will be endangered by troublesome ads and even hacked websites. Potentially unwanted programs like Free Driver Maps have the sole purpose to generate revenue for its owners. Unlike legitimate apps, PUPs monetize their presence on affected systems by implementing bogus operations.
Security experts recommend the complete removal of Free Driver Maps hijacker from the affected browsers and the affected system as well.
Threat Summary
| Name | Free Driver Maps hijacker |
| Type | hijacker, Browser Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable website that lohijacker in popular web browsers without users’ permission. |
| Symptoms | Affected web browser is redirected to Free Driver Maps Browser slowdowns occur due to increased number of online hijacker. |
| Distribution Method | Corrupted Websites, Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Free Driver Maps hijacker. |
Free Driver Maps Hijacker – Spread and Impact
The first signal that Free Driver Maps is an app you don’t need on your PC is its unwanted appearance. This program is distributed via ambiguous techniques that aim to trick users into installing it on their systems without noticing the installation process. Such a technique, for example, is software bundling. Its realization happens via free apps that feature undesired programs in their installers. It means that you might have installed Free Driver Maps together with a desired program. The reason why you might have missed the installation process of the undesired program is that it was probably hidden in the Advanced/Custom configuration option. So next time you download an app from the Internet, make sure to select this installation approach as it can help you prevent installing undesired programs like Free Driver Maps hijacker.
Whenever you search for something through the freedrivermapstab.com search, your browser will be forced to load Yahoo search results in a new tab window. In fact, Free Driver Maps is yet another browser hijacker that is pushing Yahoo search engine in an attempt to mislead users about its reliability. Beware that the results may be modified in a way to display lots of sponsored results which will prevent you from accessing the best information related to your search.
This browser hijacker can keep coming back until you delete all associated files from your affected system. For the purpose, we recommend that you follow the detailed removal guide below. If you want to skip manual steps and complete the removal process within a few minutes then consider the help of the presented anti-malware program. Another benefit of having an active anti-malware program on the device is that it will prevent browser infections like Free Driver Maps hijacker as well as other malware threats from infecting both installed browsers and system.
How to Remove Free Driver Maps Hijacker
In order to remove Free Driver Maps hijacker along with all associated files that enable their appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. The guide below presents all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approach. In order to be sure that no undesired and potentially harmful files are running on your system, we recommend that you combine the steps. Have in mind that some files associated with Free Driver Maps hijacker are not likely to be named with the name of the website. So when anti-malware tools detect them, they may display some kind of generic definitions like adware, PUP, browser hijacker, harmful app, etc.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment. We will be glad to provide further help.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Free Driver Maps hijacker from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Free Driver Maps hijacker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker (Windows).
Get rid of Free Driver Maps hijacker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker. 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Free Driver Maps hijacker, 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker (Mac)
Remove Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker will be removed.
Eliminate Free Driver Maps hijacker 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".
Free Driver Maps hijacker-FAQ
What Is Free Driver Maps hijacker?
The Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker?
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 Free Driver Maps hijacker?
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 Free Driver Maps hijacker Work?
Once installed, Free Driver Maps hijacker 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.
Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Free Driver Maps hijacker 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 Free Driver Maps hijacker?
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 Free Driver Maps hijacker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.