If your browser keeps redirecting you to Locaterlynow.com, your device may be infected with a browser hijacker or adware. These unwanted programs modify browser settings, show intrusive ads, and can disrupt your online experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove the Locaterlynow.com redirect from Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and your Windows system, step by step.
What Is Locaterlynow.com and Why It’s a Problem
Locaterlynow.com is not a website you intentionally set as your homepage. It is usually installed silently when users download freeware or click intrusive ads.
This site often:
- Changes your browser homepage and search engine
- Displays unwanted redirects and pop-ups
- Attempts to show ads or notifications
- May collect browsing data without consent
Browser hijackers like this are considered Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) by most security experts.
For more on how browser hijackers work, see our article What Is a Browser Hijacker and How to Remove It.
Signs Your Browser Is Hijacked
Watch for these common signs:
- Redirects to unknown search pages or Locaterlynow.com
- Homepage or default search engine changed without permission
- New unwanted browser extensions
- Excessive pop‑up ads
- Slower browser performance
If you notice these behaviors, remove the hijacker immediately. Browser hijackers often lead to more intrusive ads or tracking.
Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows)
Some hijackers install as regular software. To remove them:
- Open Control Panel on Windows.
- Go to Programs and Features or Uninstall a program.
- Look for recently added or unfamiliar applications.
- Right‑click and choose Uninstall.
This can remove installed adware that triggers the redirect. If you’re unsure which program is harmful, check installation dates and remove anything installed just before the redirect started.
For detailed help, see How to Uninstall Programs on Windows.
Step 2: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three‑dot menu → More tools → Extensions.
- Look for unknown or unwanted extensions.
- Use Remove to delete them.
After removing extensions:
- Go to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm reset to remove hidden changes.
Detailed Chrome cleanup steps: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/3296214
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge.
- Go to Settings → Extensions.
- Remove any suspicious extensions.
- Reset Edge: Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values.
Edge help page: https://support.microsoft.com/edge
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox.
- Menu → Add‑ons and themes.
- Remove troubling extensions.
- Refresh Firefox: Menu → Help → More troubleshooting information → Refresh Firefox.
Firefox refresh guide: https://support.mozilla.org/kb/refresh‑firefox‑reset‑add‑ons‑settings
Step 3: Disable Locaterlynow.com Notifications
Many hijackers trick users into accepting push notifications. These notifications can show ads even when your browser is closed.
Remove them:
Chrome
- Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Notifications
- Find Locaterlynow.com and choose Block or Remove
Edge
- Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Notifications
Firefox
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Notifications
If you see Locaterlynow.com in the list, remove it.
Step 4: Scan Your System for Malware
A thorough scan can find and remove leftover malware files that keep the hijacker active.
Recommended tools:
- Malwarebytes – strong for adware and browser hijackers
https://www.malwarebytes.com - AdwCleaner – free cleanup tool focused on unwanted programs
https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner - HitmanPro – second‑opinion malware scanner
https://www.hitmanpro.com
After installing one of these tools:
- Update the malware definitions.
- Run a Full Scan.
- Remove detected threats.
- Restart your computer.
The combination of these tools often catches hidden threats that basic scans miss.
Step 5: Reset Browser Settings to Default
Even after removing malware, hidden settings may remain. Reset browser settings:
Chrome
- Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults
Edge
- Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their default values
Firefox
- Help → More troubleshooting information → Refresh Firefox
A reset restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and disables extensions.
Step 6: Clear Cache, Cookies, and History
Clearing your browser data removes leftover files that could trigger redirects.
Steps (Chrome, Edge, Firefox):
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy or Clear browsing data.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Choose All time.
- Clear data.
This ensures no stored data from hijackers remains.
How Locaterlynow.com Gets Installed
This redirect often appears due to:
- Bundled software installers (free tools that include extra apps)
- Clicking fake “Allow” buttons on fake alerts
- Visiting risky or pirated websites
- Downloading cracked apps or installers
To avoid future infections, always download software from official sources, and avoid clicking confusing pop‑ups.
For best safety practices, read 10 Ways to Protect Your PC from Malware.
How to Prevent Future Redirects
Follow these best practices:
- Use Custom Installation when installing software
- Avoid clicking unwanted ads and pop‑ups
- Keep your browser and operating system updated
- Use an ad blocker
- Regularly scan your PC with anti‑malware tools
Keeping your system clean prevents unwanted programs from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Locaterlynow.com a virus?
No, Locaterlynow.com is a browser hijacker or potentially unwanted program, not a destructive virus. However, it can negatively affect privacy and browsing.
Can Locaterlynow.com steal my data?
While it may track browsing habits and display ads, it does not typically steal passwords or banking information. Removing it protects your privacy.
Will resetting my browser remove Locaterlynow.com?
Yes, resetting browsers often removes hijackers and restores normal operation.
Conclusion
The Locaterlynow.com redirect is a common but removable browser hijacker. By following the steps above, you can:
- Remove unwanted programs and extensions
- Stop push notifications
- Scan and clean your system
- Restore normal browsing settings
Regular maintenance and safe browsing habits will help keep your device secure.
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