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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How does a computer get infected with a virus or spyware?

How does a computer get infected with a virus or spyware?

There are dozens of ways a computer can become infected with spyware, viruses, and other malware. Below is a list of methods of how your computer can become infected. We've made this list in the order we believe to be most to least common.

Accepting without reading

By far one of the most common ways a computer becomes infected is when a user accepts what they see on the screen without reading the prompt before proceeding. For instance:

1. While browsing the Internet, an Internet advertisement or window appears that says your computer is infected or that a unique plug-in is required. Without fully understanding what it is you're getting, you accept the prompt.
2. 
   When installing or updating a program, you're prompted (often check boxes already checked) if it's okay to install additional programs that you may not want or are designed to monitor your usage of the program.

Tip: When installing a program you are given the options between an automatic and custom install. If you are installing something from the Internet, we suggest doing a custom install to make sure nothing else is added or changed during the install.

Downloading any infected software

When downloading any software (programs, utilities, games, updates, demos, etc.) via the Internet, make sure you're downloading the software from a reliable source. Be sure to run your downloads through your antivirus and spyware scanners upon completion. As we stated in a previous section, during the installation process, read all prompts about what the program is installing on your computer.

Tip: You can help verify if a website is reliable by using tools such as WOT.

Opening e-mail attachments

As a general rule, do not open e-mail you were not expecting to receive. Computers can become infected when users open e-mail attachments that contain malicious code. Even if the message is from a co-worker, friend, or family member, always use caution before opening a link or downloading an attachment.

Inserting or connecting an infected disk, disc, or drive

Any disk, disc, or thumb drive connected or inserted into your computer can be infected with a virus. As long as something is writable, a virus can move from a computer to that disk, disc, or drive. A common tactic used by hackers to gain access to a network is by leaving out a thumb drive with malicious code on it. Then, when a user puts the thumb drive into their computer, it becomes infected with a virus or trojan horse.

Note: This same rule applies to any networked drive or computer. If another computer has write access to your computer or a drive accessible by your computer, a virus can move between computers on a network.


Can a thumb drive be infected with a virus?

Visiting unknown links

It is possible for anyone to create a website and if a malicious person has designed the website it could give them access to your computer, send malicious files, or obtain sensitive information about your computer. Always be cautious and suspicious of any link sent to you over chat, e-mail, or SMS.
Note: A tactic commonly used with phishing is to make a link look like a legitimate link, but redirect you to a different page or may closely resemble a legitimate URL.

Not running the latest updates

Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft Windows, are security oriented. Always keep your operating system and programs up to date. The plug-ins associated with your browser can also contain security vulnerabilities.

How to update a Microsoft Windows computer.

Pirating software, music, or movies

If you or someone on your computer is participating in a BitTorrent or other service to unlawfully exchange copyrighted music, movies, or software, you may be at risk. Sometimes these files and programs contain viruses, spyware, trojans, or malicious software in addition to what you believe you are downloading.

No antivirus spyware scanner

If you're running a computer with Microsoft Windows, we highly recommended you have some form of antivirus and spyware or malware protection. This software can remove any existing viruses and spyware, and it helps prevent future infections.

What are the currently available antivirus programs?
How do I scan or check for computer viruses?
My web browser has been hijacked.

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See the virus, spyware, and malware definitions for further information and related links.

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