If your computer has become unusually slow, shows unexpected pop-ups, or has programs you don’t remember installing, it may be infected with malware. Removing it doesn’t require professional help in most cases.
Start by disconnecting from the internet to prevent the malware from communicating with its source or spreading further. Then boot your computer into Safe Mode, which loads only essential system files and can prevent malicious programs from running automatically.
Run a full scan using Windows Defender or your installed antivirus software, and let it complete fully rather than interrupting it partway through, since some malware takes time to fully detect across all system files.
If Windows Defender doesn’t catch everything, download a reputable second-opinion scanner specifically designed to catch malware other tools might miss, run a full scan, and remove or quarantine anything it flags.
After cleaning your system, change your important passwords from a different, clean device, since malware can sometimes log keystrokes or steal saved credentials before you notice the infection. Finally, keep your operating system and all software updated going forward, since most malware exploits known vulnerabilities that updates have already patched.
How to Avoid a Repeat Infection
Once your PC is clean, take a few minutes to change your important passwords, especially for email and banking, since malware often logs keystrokes before it’s detected. Going forward, avoid downloading software from unofficial sites, be cautious with email attachments from unknown senders, and keep automatic updates turned on for both Windows and your browser, since most infections exploit outdated software rather than sophisticated hacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reinstall Windows after a bad infection? Usually not, but for severe ransomware or rootkit infections a clean reinstall is the safest option.
Can malware hide from antivirus scans? Some advanced malware can, which is why running a scan in Safe Mode with a second opinion scanner catches things a single quick scan might miss.