Spyware tracks activity quietly. Some forms are adware and browser add-ons; others are more serious monitoring tools installed to watch someone’s location, messages, or browsing.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Windows PCs and Android phones when you suspect tracking, spyware, adware, suspicious browser extensions, or hidden monitoring apps.
Windows: scan with Windows Security and Malwarebytes
Use both tools for better coverage.
- Open Windows Security from Start.
- Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan and let it finish.
- Download Malwarebytes Free from malwarebytes.com.
- Install it, open it, and run a scan.
- Remove or quarantine anything either tool flags.
- Open each browser’s extensions page and remove add-ons you do not remember installing.
- Restart once scans are clean.
Android: check apps and admin access
Spyware may use Device Administrator access to resist removal.
- Open Settings > Security or Biometrics and security.
- Find Device admin apps, sometimes under Other security settings.
- Turn off admin access for any app you do not recognize.
- Go to Settings > Apps and uninstall that app.
- Open Play Store > profile icon > Play Protect and run Scan.
- In Settings > Apps, use Show system apps if available and review generic or unfamiliar app names.
Reset as a last resort
Use this if spyware keeps returning or cannot be removed.
- Back up photos and important files.
- On Windows, open Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC and choose Remove everything for the cleanest start.
- On Android, open Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data.
- Set the device up as new and reinstall apps individually from official stores.
More control
Be careful with stalkerware
If spyware may have been installed by a partner, ex-partner, or family member, removing it can alert that person. Use a different safe device to research options first.
Get safety help before changing things
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help with technology safety planning. In the U.S., call 1-800-799-7233 or use thehotline.org from a safe device.
Legitimate management is different
Parental controls and company device management can be legitimate when installed with appropriate knowledge or consent. The concern is hidden monitoring of the primary user.
Sources
- Malwarebytes – How to remove spyware (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Remove malware or other unwanted software (2025)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline – Technology Safety (2025)