You're facing a critical issue: Malware/Viruses. These infections are insidious, capable of crippling your computer's performance, causing erratic behavior, stealing personal data, and opening your system to further attacks. Early detection and thorough removal are paramount.
Common Signs and Causes of Malware/Virus Infections:
- Slow Performance: Computer runs much slower than usual, programs take a long time to open, or frequent freezing/crashing.
- Unexpected Behavior:
- Pop-up ads appearing constantly, even when not Browse the internet.
- New toolbars or homepages in your browser that you didn't install.
- Programs opening or closing automatically.
- Changes to desktop background, screensaver, or other settings without your input.
- Error messages or "blue screen of death" appearing frequently.
- Security Vulnerabilities:
- Antivirus software is disabled or won't update.
- Firewall warnings or settings are changed.
- Files are encrypted (Ransomware).
- Unusual network activity or high data usage.
- Friends or contacts receiving spam emails from your account.
- Missing Files or Corrupted Data: Files are deleted, moved, or become unreadable.
- Unknown Programs: New applications or processes appearing in Task Manager that you don't recognize.
- Causes:
- Clicking on malicious links in emails (phishing) or on websites.
- Downloading infected files from unofficial sources (e.g., pirated software, cracked games).
- Visiting compromised websites (drive-by downloads).
- Using infected USB drives or other external media.
- Not keeping software (OS, browser, antivirus) updated.
Detailed Steps for Windows 10 & Windows 11 (Malware/Virus Removal):
This process is about containment, identification, and thorough removal. It's crucial to follow these steps carefully.
1. Disconnect from the Internet:
- Why it helps: Prevents the malware from spreading, downloading more components, or sending your data out. This is your first line of defense.
- How to do it:
- Wi-Fi: Turn off Wi-Fi on your laptop, or disconnect from the Wi-Fi network.
- Ethernet: Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer.
2. Boot into Safe Mode (with Networking, if needed for scanner download):
- Why it helps: Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential services and drivers, preventing most malware from loading. This allows your security software to detect and remove threats more effectively.
- How to do it:
- Windows 10/11 (from Sign-in screen):
- On the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key while you click Power > Restart.
- After your PC restarts to the "Choose an option" screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After restart, you'll see a list of options. Press F5 (or 5) for "Enable Safe Mode with Networking" if you need to download tools, or F4 (or 4) for "Enable Safe Mode" if you already have the tools.
3. Run a Full System Scan with Windows Security (Defender):
- Why it helps: Windows Defender is integrated and often capable of detecting common threats. Running a full scan in Safe Mode can give it an edge.
- How to do it:
- Windows 10: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Click "Scan options."
- Select "Full scan" and then "Scan now." This can take a very long time (hours), so be patient.
- If threats are found, allow Windows Security to Remove, Quarantine, or Clean them.
4. Run Scans with Reputable Third-Party Anti-Malware Tools:
- Why it helps: No single antivirus is 100% effective. Using multiple tools (especially dedicated anti-malware scanners) can catch threats that Windows Defender might miss.
- How to do it:
- Connect to the Internet (temporarily in Safe Mode with Networking if you don't have these already).
- Download and install reputable free anti-malware tools (e.g., Malwarebytes Free, Sophos HitmanPro, Emsisoft Emergency Kit).
- Malwarebytes Free (Highly Recommended): This is excellent for catching adware, spyware, and other non-virus malware.
- Download from malwarebytes.com.
- Perform a Full Scan. Let it quarantine or remove any detected threats.
- Other Scanners: After using Malwarebytes, you can try another on-demand scanner for a second opinion.
- Restart your PC after each major scan and removal.
5. Uninstall Suspicious Programs:
- Why it helps: Malware often installs itself as a regular program to persist.
- How to do it:
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Sort the list by "Install date" to see recently installed programs.
- Look for any programs you don't recognize, didn't install, or that have suspicious names.
- Select the program and click Uninstall.
- Be cautious: If you're unsure, search for the program name online to confirm if it's legitimate or malware.
6. Check Browser Extensions and Reset Browser Settings:
- Why it helps: Many forms of malware (adware, browser hijackers) reside as browser extensions.
- How to do it:
- Google Chrome: Open Chrome > Click three dots (top right) > More tools > Extensions. Remove any suspicious extensions. Then go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Mozilla Firefox: Open Firefox > Click three lines (top right) > Add-ons and themes > Extensions. Remove any suspicious extensions. Then go to Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
- Microsoft Edge: Open Edge > Click three dots (top right) > Extensions > Manage extensions. Remove any suspicious extensions. Then go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
7. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:
- Why it helps: Malware can corrupt core Windows system files. These tools help repair them.
- How to do it:
- Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell as an administrator (Win + X, then choose the appropriate option with "(Admin)").
- First, run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) to ensure the Windows image is healthy:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (This one can take a while and requires an internet connection).
- After DISM, run SFC (System File Checker):
- Restart your PC after these commands complete.
8. Check for Unwanted Startup Programs:
- Why it helps: Malware often tries to launch itself every time Windows starts.
- How to do it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab (Windows 10) or Startup apps tab (Windows 11).
- Disable any suspicious or unrecognized programs. Right-click and select Disable.
- You can also perform a Clean Boot (refer to step 14 in the "Slow Performance/Freezing" guide) to isolate further if issues persist.
9. Change All Passwords:
- Why it helps: If your system was compromised, your passwords might have been stolen.
- How to do it: Change passwords for your Microsoft account, email accounts, banking sites, social media, and any other critical online services. Do this from a different, known-clean device if possible.
10. Backup Important Data (After cleaning) & Reinstall Windows (Last Resort):
- Why it helps: The only way to guarantee a system is free of deep-rooted, persistent malware is a clean installation of Windows. This ensures no remnants remain.
- How to do it:
- Backup: After performing all the above cleaning steps, if your system seems stable, back up all your essential personal files to an external drive or cloud storage. Do NOT back up any executable files (.exe, .zip containing executables) or installers from your compromised drive, as they might be infected. Focus on documents, photos, and media.
- Reset or Clean Install Windows:
- Reset this PC (Removes everything): This re-installs Windows and can clean out most malware, but some very persistent rootkits might survive. Choose "Remove everything."
- Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Get started under "Reset this PC." Choose "Remove everything."
- Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC. Choose "Remove everything."
- Clean Install (Most thorough): Create a Windows installation media (USB drive or DVD) and boot from it to perform a fresh, uncompromised installation. This is the recommended method if you suspect a very severe or persistent infection.
Prevention is Key (Future Protection):
- Keep Software Updated: Enable automatic updates for Windows, your web browsers, and all installed applications.
- Use Reputable Antivirus: Keep Windows Security (Defender) enabled and updated, or use a trusted third-party antivirus solution.
- Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download software from official websites. Avoid torrents, cracked software, and suspicious file-sharing sites.
- Exercise Email Vigilance: Be wary of suspicious emails, especially those with attachments or links from unknown senders. Don't open attachments or click links unless you're absolutely sure they're safe.
- Use a Firewall: Ensure your Windows Firewall is enabled.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your important data to an external drive or cloud service. This can save you from data loss in case of ransomware or irreparable infection.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: And enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
When to Seek Professional Help:
If you are dealing with a severe or persistent infection (e.g., ransomware, rootkits that survive reboots and standard scans, or if you can't even get into Safe Mode), or if you are uncomfortable performing some of the more advanced steps (like a clean install), it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a professional IT technician. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle stubborn infections and recover data if possible.