Remove Cosmic Plutone

Cosmic Plutone is a deceptive browser extension classified as a browser hijacker and potentially unwanted application (PUA). It is designed to modify browser settings, redirect web searches, and bombard users with intrusive advertisements. Many users unknowingly install this extension as it is often bundled with free software downloads, deceptive pop-ups, or phishing websites. Once installed, it aggressively alters browsing settings and can be difficult to remove.

Overview of Cosmic Plutone Threat

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Cosmic Plutone
Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUA
Symptoms	Unwanted pop-ups, slow browser performance, modified homepage and search engine, search redirections, difficulty removing browser extensions
Distribution Methods	Software bundling, phishing websites, fake software updates, deceptive pop-ups
Detection Names	Adware.CosmicPlutone, PUA:Win32/CosmicPlutone, Trojan:Script/Plutone.A
Associated Email Addresses	None reported
Damage Potential	Hijacks browser settings, tracks online activity, collects search queries and personal data, facilitates further infections with adware or malware
Danger Level	Moderate to High

What Is Cosmic Plutone?

Cosmic Plutone operates as a rogue browser extension that manipulates search engine results, injects unwanted ads, and potentially gathers user data for unethical advertising practices. It primarily targets popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, compromising their default settings and redirecting searches to questionable websites.

Even after removal attempts, Cosmic Plutone often reinstalls itself, making it highly persistent. This is because it modifies system settings or leaves behind hidden files that enable reinstallation upon rebooting. To completely eliminate it, users often need dedicated anti-malware software.

How Did I Get Infected with Cosmic Plutone?

Cosmic Plutone typically infiltrates systems through software bundling. This means it is included in the installation package of other seemingly legitimate applications. Many users install it unknowingly because these bundled programs often hide permission requests within installation steps. Additionally, it can be installed through deceptive pop-ups that trick users into clicking fake download or update buttons.

While Cosmic Plutone has primarily been identified as a rogue extension, some reports suggest it might even be available on third-party platforms like Softonic or unofficial Chrome Web Store listings, making users believe it is safe.

What Does Cosmic Plutone Do?

Once installed, Cosmic Plutone executes several intrusive actions, including:

• Search Hijacking: It replaces your default search engine with a rogue search provider, redirecting queries to unknown third-party sites.
• Intrusive Advertising: Unwanted pop-ups, banners, and in-text advertisements disrupt your browsing experience.
• Tracking & Data Collection: The extension collects user data, including browsing history, search queries, and IP addresses, which may be shared with advertisers.
• Performance Issues: The constant redirections and ad injections slow down browsing speed and may cause frequent crashes.
• Reinstallation & Persistence: It modifies system settings to ensure it reinstalls itself even after users attempt to remove it manually.

Is Cosmic Plutone a Virus?

Technically, Cosmic Plutone is not classified as a virus but rather as a browser hijacker and PUA. However, its behavior is similar to malware, as it alters critical browser settings, collects user data without consent, and resists standard removal efforts. While it does not directly harm system files like a traditional virus, it can expose users to more severe cybersecurity threats, including spyware and additional malware infections.

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.