Remove Cosmic Plutone

Cosmic Plutone is a browser hijacker that stealthily installs itself on your web browser, often without your knowledge or consent. Once activated, it modifies browser settings, redirects search queries, injects intrusive advertisements, and collects browsing data. This extension is often bundled with free software, deceptive pop-ups, or phishing websites that trick users into installing it unknowingly.

While Cosmic Plutone may appear to be a harmless browser extension, it significantly disrupts browsing experiences. It forces users to use a rogue search engine, often leading them to unwanted sites filled with advertisements or malicious content. Even after attempting to remove it, users often find that the hijacker reinstalls itself or continues to affect their browser in different ways.

Threat Overview

Category	Details
Threat Name	Cosmic Plutone
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUA
Symptoms	Browser redirects, unwanted ads, slow browsing, modified search settings, data collection
Damage Level	Moderate (Privacy invasion, security risks, intrusive ads)
Distribution Methods	Software bundling, deceptive ads, fake updates, phishing emails
Detection Names	Varies by security software (e.g., PUA:Win32/BrowserModifier, Trojan.BrowserHijacker)
Associated Emails	N/A
Persistence	Can reinstall itself after removal, modifies system settings

How Does Cosmic Plutone Infect Computers?

This hijacker typically infiltrates systems through software bundling, where it is attached to free software downloads. Users installing these programs may unintentionally agree to install Cosmic Plutone if they do not carefully check the installation settings. It can also be distributed via:

• Deceptive advertisements and pop-ups
• Fake browser updates
• Unofficial software download sites (e.g., Softonic, third-party extension stores)
• Phishing emails with misleading links

Once installed, the hijacker alters browser settings, replacing the default search engine and homepage with a rogue one, often preventing users from reverting to their preferred settings.

Symptoms of Cosmic Plutone Infection

Users affected by Cosmic Plutone may experience:

• Browser redirects – Search queries are redirected through unknown or suspicious search engines.
• Excessive pop-up ads – Intrusive advertisements appear on webpages, even on sites that usually do not display ads.
• Slower browsing speed – The extension consumes system resources, leading to slower browsing and lag.
• Changes to browser settings – Default search engines, homepages, and new tab settings are modified.
• Personal data tracking – Browsing history, IP addresses, search queries, and other identifiers are collected without consent.

The Risks and Impact of Cosmic Plutone

Although Cosmic Plutone is not a traditional computer virus, it poses serious risks by exposing users to:

• Privacy invasion – Data collected by the hijacker may be sold to third parties or used in malicious ad campaigns.
• Security risks – Users are often redirected to dangerous websites, which may distribute malware or phishing scams.
• Unwanted software installations – The hijacker may introduce additional adware, toolbars, or other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
• Persistent reinstallation – Even after manual removal, the hijacker may reinstall itself or leave behind hidden components that continue to affect the browser.

How to Remove Cosmic Plutone Safely

Removing Cosmic Plutone from your system requires more than just uninstalling the browser extension. Since this hijacker is persistent, it may leave behind residual files or even reinstall itself after removal. Follow the step-by-step removal guide below to ensure complete removal from your system and browser.

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Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs from Your Computer

Since Cosmic Plutone often comes bundled with free software, removing any suspicious applications can help eliminate the root cause.

For Windows Users:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Locate Cosmic Plutone or any unknown/suspicious software.
3. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for Cosmic Plutone or any recently installed suspicious programs.
3. Drag them to Trash, then empty the Trash.

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Step 2: Remove Cosmic Plutone Extension from Browsers

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and go to Menu (⋮) > Extensions (or type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar).
2. Locate Cosmic Plutone and click Remove.
3. Go to Settings > Search Engine > Manage Search Engines, remove any unknown search engines, and set Google or your preferred search engine as default.
4. Reset Chrome (optional):
   • Go to Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults
   • Click Reset settings.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox, click Menu (≡) > Add-ons > Extensions.
2. Find Cosmic Plutone and click Remove.
3. Reset Firefox (optional):
   • Go to Menu (≡) > Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
   • Click Refresh Firefox, then confirm.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge, click Menu (⋮) > Extensions.
2. Find Cosmic Plutone and click Remove.
3. Reset Edge (optional):
   • Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
   • Click Reset.

Safari (Mac Users):

1. Open Safari, click Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Find Cosmic Plutone, select it, and click Uninstall.

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Step 3: Check Hosts File & DNS Settings (Windows & Mac)

Since Cosmic Plutone may alter your network settings, resetting your Hosts file and DNS settings can help.

For Windows Users:

1. Press Win + R, type notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts, and hit Enter.
2. Delete any unknown entries at the bottom (suspicious IP addresses or redirects).
3. Reset DNS:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type
     • ipconfig /flushdns
   • Hit Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Terminal and type:

   sudo nano /etc/hosts

2. Look for suspicious entries and remove them.
3. Reset DNS:
   • In Terminal, type:
     • sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   • Press Enter.

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Step 4: Scan Your System with an Anti-Malware Tool

Since Cosmic Plutone may leave behind hidden files or reinstall itself, running a full system scan with a trusted anti-malware program is essential.

1. Download and install your SpyHunter.
2. Run a Full System Scan.
3. Remove all detected threats.
4. Restart your computer.

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Step 5: Reset Web Browsers (If Issues Persist)

If Cosmic Plutone still affects your browser, perform a full reset:

• Chrome: chrome://settings/reset → Click Restore settings to their original defaults → Confirm.
• Firefox: about:support → Click Refresh Firefox → Confirm.
• Edge: edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → Click Reset.
• Safari: Click Safari > Clear History and Reset all settings from Preferences.

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Final Words

By following these steps, you can completely remove Cosmic Plutone from your system. To prevent future infections, always be cautious when installing free software, avoid suspicious websites, and keep your security software up to date.