How do I remove a virus and malware from my computer?

How do I remove a virus and malware from my computer?


Virus detection and removal

If you believe your computer is infected with a virus, the best method of detection and removal is to run an antivirus scan on the computer. Open your antivirus scanner through the Windows notification area or through the Start Menu and run a full system scan to scan all files on your computer for a virus.

If you're unable to boot into Windows, boot the computer into Safe Mode and run the scan from within Safe Mode.

Removing detected virus
If the antivirus program detects the virus, a prompt to either move the virus to the virus vault or delete the infected files will be given. Both options are a good way to remove the virus from the computer.

I don't have an antivirus program installed
Tip: If you are running Windows 8 or Windows 10 on the computer you may be using Windows Defender as your antivirus.

If you do not have an antivirus or Windows Defender, but still believe a file is infected with a virus, try running an online virus scan. These websites will scan your computer hard drive for any infections. You may also consider installing a free antivirus program on the computer.
Listing of all available antivirus programs.
Note: It is not recommended to manually find and delete files on your computer that you suspect to be infected with a virus. Deleting the wrong files could result in errors on your computer, or cause the operating system to become unusable.

No virus has been detected

Unfortunately, many non-virus related issues are often blamed on computer viruses. Nine times out of ten, a computer problem is a software, driver, or hardware related issue and not a virus. If after running the antivirus, no virus is found, it's very likely the computer is not infected. If you still believe your computer is somehow infected, you may also consider running an online virus scan and scanning the computer with a malware protection program, as mentioned below.

Malware, Spyware, and Adware detection and removal
We'd also recommend running a malware protection program on the computer, such as Malwarebytes. Malware can be the cause of computer errors and other problems as well.

How to scan the computer or get software if Internet is not working
If your Internet is not working you can download Malwarebytes or other antivirus software from another computer, copy the download to a USB flash drive, and then install the program from the flash drive on your infected computer.

Additional information
How does a computer get infected with a virus or spyware?
What are the currently available antivirus programs?
If I format or erase my hard drive will it remove a virus?
See our malware and virus definitions for further information and related links.
Computer virus help and support.

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Antivirus program

Alternatively referred to as an antivirus software, AVS, antivir, or just AV. An antivirus program is a software utility designed to protect your computer or network against computer viruses. If and when a virus is detected, the computer displays a warning asking what action should be done, often giving the options to remove, ignore, or move the file to the vault.

• Do I need an antivirus program?
• What happens if a virus infects a computer without an antivirus?
• What are some examples of antivirus programs?
• After installing an antivirus what should I do?
• How do I open my antivirus program?
• When was the first antivirus program written?
• How to update antivirus definitions or keep the antivirus updated
• What happens if we do not update an antivirus?
• Related antivirus pages
• Computer virus help and support.

Do I need an antivirus program?

As mentioned above, if your computer is infected with a virus without an antivirus any number of malicious actions could occur. If you are running Microsoft Windows, we recommend having an antivirus program installed on the computer. If you have the latest version of Windows making sure at the very least that Windows Defender is running.

Does Windows come with a virus protection program?
Do Apple Macs get viruses?

What happens if a virus infects a computer without an antivirus?

If a virus infects a computer without an antivirus program, it may delete files, prevent access to files, send spam, spy on you, or perform other malicious actions. In some situations, a computer may not meet the requirements of a virus and the computer is only used to help spread the virus to other computers that may meet the requirements.

What are some examples of antivirus programs?

Today, there are dozens of different companies and antivirus products available for computers, servers, and even phones. New versions of Microsoft Windows even include Windows Defender, which with the latest versions of Windows can defend against computer viruses. Other well-known antivirus programs include Norton antivirus and McAfee, and popular free antivirus programs include Avast and AVG. See the link below for a full list of links and comparisons.

What are the currently available antivirus programs?
Where can I find free online virus scanners?

After installing an antivirus what should I do?

Once an antivirus has been installed and is running the program protects your computer from any new viruses or malware installing on your computer. All new antivirus programs also schedule times to scan all of the files on your computer for past infections or can be manually run to check for viruses.

How does an antivirus work?

How do I open my antivirus program?

After installing an antivirus program on your computer, it should automatically start each time you boot your computer. If the antivirus program is not running in memory (in the background) your computer is not entirely protected. When running the program should show in the Windows Notification Area. In the picture to the right, AVG is the center icon in the Windows Notification Area. Right-clicking or double-clicking the antivirus icon opens the program and allows you to manually start a scan or view other available options.

How do I disable my antivirus program in Windows?

When was the first antivirus program written?

The first antivirus programs began appearing in 1987 with the introduction of an antivirus program from G Data Software for the Atari ST. Later in the same year, VirusScan was introduced by John McAfee, which later became the McAfee antivirus program.

How to update antivirus definitions or keep the antivirus updated

Every antivirus program also has definitions that tell the antivirus program how to detect and clean any new viruses that may have been released. Thankfully today most antivirus programs automatically connect to the Internet and download the latest definitions or warn you if it is not up-to-date.

How do I update my antivirus program?

Note: If you do not update your antivirus it will not be able to detect any new virus.

What happens if we do not update an antivirus?

As mentioned above an antivirus update keeps your antivirus software up-to-date with all of the latest virus definitions. If a new virus is released and you have not updated your antivirus, it will not be able to detect the virus and infect your computer.

Related antivirus pages
Do antivirus companies create computer viruses?
All computer antivirus and viruses questions and answers.
Anti-spyware, Fake antivirus, Security terms, Software, Software terms, Virus

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