Linkury Smartbar

Quick Steps to Uninstall Linkury Smartbar from Windows & Chrome

Linkury Smartbar is an unwanted browser toolbar and adware that can alter search results, display extra ads, and change browser settings. Below are concise, step-by-step removal instructions for Windows (system uninstall and cleanup) and Chrome (extensions, settings, and profile cleanup). Follow each step in order for the best result.

1. Prepare

1. Backup important data (bookmarks, passwords) — export bookmarks from Chrome and ensure passwords are synced or exported.
2. Disconnect from the internet (optional) while removing active components to prevent re-downloads.

2. Uninstall suspicious programs (Windows)

1. Open Settings: Press Windows key + I → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Locate Linkury Smartbar and any unfamiliar entries (look for names like “Linkury,” “Smartbar,” or recently installed programs around when the issue started).
3. Uninstall each suspicious program: click the three dots → Uninstall, then follow prompts.
4. Restart Windows.

3. Remove from Chrome — extensions and settings

1. Open Chrome.
2. Extensions: Click the three-dot menu → More tools → Extensions.
   • Find any extension named Linkury, Smartbar, or unknown/unwanted extensions.
   • Click Remove for each one.
3. Reset search engine and homepage:
   • Settings → Search engine → choose your preferred engine (e.g., Google).
   • Settings → On startup → remove any pages you didn’t add; set to open New Tab or your preferred page.
4. Clear browsing data: Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data → choose “All time” and clear cookies and cached files (optionally keep passwords if already backed up).

4. Check and remove leftover shortcuts and startup items

1. Browser shortcuts: Right-click Chrome shortcut → Properties → Shortcut tab → Target field. Remove any URL appended after chrome.exe” (e.g., “…chrome.exe” http://example.com”) and click OK.
2. Startup items: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Startup tab → disable unfamiliar entries.
3. Scheduled tasks: Press Windows key, type Task Scheduler → inspect tasks for suspicious entries and delete them.

5. Scan for malware/adware

1. Run a full scan with built-in Windows Defender: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick/Full scan.
2. Use a reputable anti-malware tool (e.g., Malwarebytes) for a second opinion — install, update, and run a full scan; remove any detections.
3. Restart when prompted.

6. Inspect Chrome profiles and reset if needed

1. Profile cleanup: Settings → You and Google → manage profiles. If the profile is compromised, create a new profile and transfer bookmarks and settings.
2. Reset Chrome: Settings → Advanced → Reset and clean up → Restore settings to their original defaults → Reset settings.

7. Final checks and preventative steps

1. Reopen Chrome and confirm toolbar/ads are gone and search/homepage are correct.
2. Re-enable internet and test normal browsing.
3. Update Windows and Chrome to the latest versions.
4. Avoid installing bundled software; choose Custom/Advanced options and uncheck toolbars or extra offers.
5. Consider enabling an ad-blocker and reputable security extensions.

If problems persist after these steps, provide details (Windows version, Chrome version, symptoms) and I can offer targeted commands and advanced removal steps.