A virus does not always announce itself. Popups, strange toolbars, unknown apps, disabled antivirus, overheating, and sudden slowness are all good reasons to scan and clean the PC properly.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Windows 10 or Windows 11 PCs with suspected malware, adware, browser hijackers, unknown programs, or unusual performance problems.
Scan and remove with Windows Security
Windows Security is built in and capable for most infections.
- If the PC is too unstable, restart while holding Shift, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and press 4 for Safe Mode.
- Open Start, search for Windows Security, and open it.
- Choose Virus & threat protection.
- Run Quick scan first and remove or quarantine anything found.
- Open Scan options, choose Full scan, and select Scan now. Let it finish even if it takes an hour or more.
- Use Start actions or Remove for any threats found.
- Restart the PC after the scan.
Get a second opinion with Malwarebytes
A second scanner can catch adware and hijackers another tool missed.
- Go to malwarebytes.com and download Malwarebytes Free.
- Install and open it.
- Click Scan.
- Review results and quarantine anything flagged.
- Restart if prompted.
- If the same item returns after repeated scans, treat it as a more stubborn infection.
Reset the PC as a last resort
Use this when scans cannot keep the system clean.
- Back up important documents and photos, but do not immediately reconnect suspicious USB drives to the infected PC.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery on Windows 11, or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery on Windows 10.
- Choose Reset this PC.
- Select Keep my files for a lighter reset or Remove everything for the cleanest reinstall.
- Let Windows reinstall fully.
- Reinstall apps only from official sources and change important passwords from the clean system.
More control
Change passwords after serious infections
If the malware may have captured typing, change email, banking, and other important passwords from a trusted device.
Check browser extensions
Malware often leaves an extension behind. Remove anything you do not recognize from every browser.
Watch for reinfection sources
If the same infection returns, check USB drives, shared network folders, cloud sync, and possible rootkits. A professional may be worth it.
Keep software updated
Many infections exploit old vulnerabilities. Keep Windows Update, browsers, and major apps current.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Stay protected with Windows Security (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Remove malware or other unwanted software (2025)
- Malwarebytes – How to remove malware from a Windows PC (2025)