How to Remove Adware That Reopens Tabs on Startup

If your browser keeps opening random pages every time you start your computer or launch Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, adware is a common cause. The good news is that this problem is usually fixable without wiping your PC, and this guide will show you how to remove adware that reopens tabs on startup and stop it from coming back.

Why this happens

This issue often starts after installing a free app, browser extension, PDF tool, video converter, or fake update prompt that bundled extra software. The unwanted program may change your browser startup settings, add a scheduled task, install an extension, or place itself in Windows startup so it can reopen ad pages, fake search sites, or scam notifications every time you sign in.

In some cases, the problem is not a full virus but a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Even so, it can still track browsing habits, flood the browser with ads, and slow down your system. That is why it is important to clean both the browser and Windows settings instead of only closing the tabs.

Fix it step by step

1. Disconnect from the ad source and note the pattern. Close the unwanted tabs and pay attention to which browser is affected and what pages keep reopening. If the same site appears every time, that can help you identify a bad extension or startup item later. Save any important work before continuing.
2. Check and reset browser startup pages. In Chrome, go to Settings > On startup and remove any unknown pages. In Edge, open Settings > Start, home, and new tabs and delete suspicious startup URLs. In Firefox, open Settings > Home and change Homepage and new windows to your preferred option. Also review your default search engine and remove anything unfamiliar.
3. Remove suspicious browser extensions. Open the extensions or add-ons page in your browser and uninstall anything you do not recognize, especially coupon tools, search helpers, shopping assistants, PDF add-ons, or video downloaders you did not intend to keep. If an extension says it is managed by your organization on a personal computer, that may need deeper cleanup.
4. Uninstall recently added programs from Windows. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11, or Control Panel > Programs and Features on older versions. Sort by install date and remove anything suspicious added around the time the problem began. Be cautious and uninstall only items you recognize as unwanted; if you are unsure, look up the publisher first.
5. Scan for adware and potentially unwanted apps. Run a full scan with Windows Security or your trusted antivirus. Then run a second-opinion scan with a reputable anti-malware tool that detects adware and PUPs. Quarantine or remove anything flagged. Restart the computer after cleanup if prompted, then test whether the browser still opens random tabs on startup.
6. Review startup apps and scheduled tasks. Open Task Manager and check the Startup tab for unknown apps with vague names or no publisher. Disable suspicious entries one at a time. Next, search for Task Scheduler and review Task Scheduler Library for tasks that launch a browser or open a web address at logon. If you find an obviously unwanted task tied to the pop-up behavior, disable it and note its name.
7. Check browser shortcuts for added URLs. Right-click your Chrome, Edge, or Firefox shortcut, choose Properties, and look at the Target field. It should end with the browser executable name, not a website address. If a URL appears after the executable path, remove only the added website portion and click Apply. This is a common trick used by startup browser adware.
8. Reset the affected browser if the problem persists. Use the built-in reset option in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox to restore the browser to default settings while keeping important personal data such as bookmarks in most cases. This helps remove hidden changes that basic cleanup can miss. After the reset, sign back into the browser carefully and avoid reinstalling old extensions until you confirm the tabs no longer return.

If the problem keeps coming back

If you remove the tabs but they return after every reboot, there may still be a hidden startup item, a scheduled task, a policy entry, or synced browser settings reapplying the bad change. Sign out of browser sync temporarily, scan again, and review startup entries more closely. If the system shows other signs such as fake alerts, slow performance, or new toolbars, it is smart to get hands-on help before the infection spreads or your accounts are exposed.

Frequently asked questions

Is this definitely a virus?

Not always. Many cases involve adware or a potentially unwanted program rather than a severe virus, but the behavior is still unsafe and intrusive. Because some adware tracks activity and downloads more unwanted software, you should still remove it promptly.

Why do random tabs open only when I start Windows?

That usually means something is launching with Windows, such as a startup app, scheduled task, browser shortcut change, or startup page setting. If tabs open only after you sign in, focus on Windows startup items as well as your browser settings.

Will resetting the browser delete my bookmarks?

In most browsers, bookmarks are usually kept, but settings, extensions, startup pages, and search preferences may be reset. It is still wise to export bookmarks or confirm sync is working before you reset, especially if the browser contains important saved data.

Need help cleaning up persistent browser adware or suspicious startup behavior? Call 247TechTeam at 888-549-0702 or request a secure remote session.