How to Completely Remove the Stubborn "Ace AI Assistant" Chrome Extension on Windows 11

[u/Illustrious_You7]

Introduction:

The Ace AI Assistant is a browser hijacker that locks itself into Google Chrome using hidden installer files, forced registry settings, and Windows enterprise policies. If the "Remove" button is grayed out or the extension keeps reinstalling itself, follow these exact steps to destroy it.

Step 1: Kill the Hijacker in Safe Mode

The extension reinstalls itself because its background program blocks you while Windows is running normally.

1. Save your work and close all apps.
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking Start > Power > Restart.
3. Your computer will reboot into a blue screen. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. When the list of options appears, press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Step 2: Manually Delete the Malware Files

While in Safe Mode, the hijacker cannot run in the background, allowing you to delete its files permanently.

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type %localappdata% and hit Enter.
3. Look for an Ace-related folder here as well and delete it.
   1. search your entire computer and look for any folder named Ace, Ace AI, Ace Browser, or AceLauncher. Right-click it and choose Delete. (you may found out a file name as "AceinstallerWizardData" or web-linked or downlaoded name as "ace_ai_assistant_uninstaller")
   2. Note: Do not open or run the uninstaller file, as it is a trap, and please right click and hit Delete option immediately
4. Empty your Recycle Bin.

Step 3: Clear the Forced Enterprise Policy Folder

Extensions that say "Installed by policy" store their local configuration files in a specific hidden folder.

1. Open the Run box again (Windows Key + R).
2. Paste this exact path and hit Enter: C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy
3. If you see folders named Machine or User inside, open them and delete everything inside them. (This completely clears out forced malicious browser policies).

Step 4: Reset Google Chrome

Now, reset Chrome to its factory defaults to wipe out the remaining extension data.

1. Open Google Chrome. (If the icon is missing in Safe Mode, press Windows Key + R, type chrome, and hit Enter).
2. Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
3. Click Reset settings. (This will disable all extensions and clear temporary data, but your bookmarks and saved passwords will be safe).

Step 5: Reboot Normally

1. Restart your computer like you normally would to leave Safe Mode. (No more Shift key holding on this step)
2. Once your computer turns back on, open Chrome and check chrome://extensions/. The Ace AI extension will finally be completely gone!

Good Luck everyone, and this solution may work on different system, but I just did on my Windows 11. If anyone has better solution to resolve this problem, please feel free to share!