Remove malware from your Windows PC (2024)

FAQs

Remove malware from your Windows PC? ›

In general, the first steps to remove malware for a Mac or PC are to disconnect from the internet and enter safe mode. Next, check your activity monitor for malicious applications and run a malware scanner. Finally, clear your cache and delete your web browser history when you are back online.

In general, the first steps to remove malware for a Mac or PC are to disconnect from the internet and enter safe mode. Next, check your activity monitor for malicious applications and run a malware scanner. Finally, clear your cache and delete your web browser history when you are back online.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 or 11 to scan your PC. Important: Before you use Microsoft Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs. Open your Windows Security settings.

What to do if you have Malware. Removing malware can be extremely difficult. Malware, by design, will try to make itself almost impossible to remove. The only guaranteed way to remove malware is to reformat your computer and reinstall - which will delete all of your files.

Yes, Google Chrome features a built-in malware scanner that will find and remove harmful files and applications on your computer or browser. Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up and Chrome will scan your computer and remove malicious programs.

Microsoft Defender has powerful built-in features that can help protect your device against malware. Note: Microsoft Defender currently offers anti-malware only on Windows, Mac, and Android.

Removing a Trojan from your system doesn't need to be expensive or take a long time. There is free software that checks your system for malware and removes it in a matter of minutes. To show how easy this can be, we've used Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes is available for Windows, macOS, and Android.

What is the first step in malware removal? ›

If your device is showing symptoms of a virus, Malwarebytes' free virus scanner will scan your computer for viruses and remove them. It will perform a fast, free online scan for viruses and let you know if you've been infected. If you give your ok, it will then delete viruses and malware.

Frequent error messages. Unexpected pop-up windows. New applications (like web browser toolbars) that appear without you downloading them. Overworked hard drive, which you can detect if your device's internal fan seems to be whirring and working hard when you aren't doing much.

Scan your device with antivirus software.

If you have an antivirus or anti-malware suite, use it to thoroughly scan your system. It should be able to detect and quarantine the malicious code on your device.

Although rare, there are ways certain malware can permanently damage your computer hardware. Overheating – Some malware programs can cause a computer's CPU or GPU to overwork, leading to overheating and potentially causing permanent damage to the hardware if not fixed.