Desktop Program Showing Up On Chrome Web Browser Address Bar?


newmann

Well-known member
VIP
Local time
6:04 PM
Posts
617
OS
Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11. I only use windows defender that comes with it. I previously used a paid Kaspersky Total but haven't used that in a while. I know I can't use it anymore.


I have a lot of chrome windows and tabs open. So imagine 7 chrome windows and there is over 10 tabs open each for. Whenever I turn on my computer and open the chrome browser, all these chrome tabs restore to the same pages it was in before I shut it down. I have that setting saved where it remember my last web pages.


I noticed in one of the tabs, it showed untitled which is a bit strange. I then click on the tab and notice it has something showing like this on the chrome address bar

C:Users/{Public/Desktop/XXX.lnk


To the left of the C there is a Small circle and question mark and the word File next to it. When I click on the Small circle and question mark with the File which is all together, it says You're viewing a a local or shared file.


The XXX that I typed is a program that I use and it's on my desktop. How did this show up in my chrome web browser because I don't believe I clicked on anything that caused this. I read it's possible it's browser hijacking? Is there a way I could have left or right clicked the program and then pasted that in the address bar for that to show up?


Someone mentioned Probably just accidentally dragged a shortcut into your browser. I don't believe I did this yesterday and I am pretty certain I didn't do this today.


I used windows defender for quick scan and full scan and it shows nothing I don't believe I can do the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) because the last few times I tried, it did not work.


Is there a way to know if I have malware on my computer? Would I have to buy Bitdefender or Eset? Would either of those be able to check this?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro
OS
Windows 11 Pro
AV/AM scanners you can try...

Malwarebytes

Emsisoft Emergency Kit

Hitman Pro


You can also try running the Defender Offline Scan from PowerShell...

Open an elevated (Run as Administrator) PowerShell prompt..

Copy/paste and run Start-MpWDOScan
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 26H2
OS
Windows 11 Pro 26H2
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Toshiba
Antivirus
Defender
Back
Top Bottom