Buzz
Understanding how to remove viruses from your computer can turn those terrifying error messages into a mere nuisance. Muharrem huner / Getty ImagesMalware is a known threat — programs that track your activities, damage your data, wipe your hard drive, or hand control of your system to someone far away.
With the numerous types of malware circulating, it's only a matter of time before you might face an attack. When that moment arrives, it's essential to know how to get rid of a virus or any other harmful software that may be compromising your PC.
The most critical piece of advice for anyone who suspects malware on their computer is simple: Stay calm. Also, don’t automatically assume you must wipe your computer clean and start over. Most of the time, you can remove malware without completely erasing everything. Some data may be lost in the process, but you likely won't lose it all.
Identifying a Computer Virus
To begin, you need to check if your computer is infected with a virus. Sluggish performance can be a sign of harmful code. If your browser unexpectedly changes or redirects to unknown sites, that's a clear sign that malicious software might be involved.
Unpredictable behavior, like frequent crashes, can also indicate an issue. Additionally, if you attempt to open files and receive error messages about corruption, this is another warning sign.
If you think your computer is infected, run antivirus software to detect and eliminate the virus.
Antivirus software is almost essential for anyone using the Windows operating system. While practicing safe habits can help you avoid computer viruses, the creators of harmful apps and programs are constantly finding new ways to compromise systems.
Certain malware variants may try to prevent you from downloading antivirus software. If this happens, you may need to download the software on a different computer and transfer it via disk or a flash drive.
If you don't already have antivirus software, now is the perfect time to get one. There are a variety of antivirus programs available — some are free, while others require a purchase. Keep in mind that free versions often lack some of the advanced features found in paid software.
Eliminating Malware
If your antivirus software is up to date, it should be able to detect any malware on your system. Most programs will display an alert page listing every virus or malicious software it finds. Make sure to write down the names of each detected malware. (More details on this shortly.)
Many antivirus programs will attempt to remove or quarantine malware automatically. You may need to select an option and confirm that you want the software to handle the malware. For most users, this is the safest choice, as manually removing malware can be difficult.
If your antivirus software confirms it has successfully removed the malware, shut down your computer, reboot it, and run the software once again. If it reports a clean system this time, you’re all set.
If the antivirus detects more malware, repeat the previous steps. If it finds the same malware again, you may need to explore alternative solutions.
Two's a Crowd
If one antivirus program is effective, surely two would be even better, right? Not exactly. Running multiple antivirus programs can consume a significant amount of your computer’s processing power.
Having more than one antivirus program will likely slow down your computer drastically and could even cause it to crash. Additionally, not all antivirus programs are compatible with each other, which could make your system even more unstable.
Expert Tips for Removing Computer Viruses
If you’re unable to access your antivirus software or if the same malware keeps appearing after each scan, start your computer in Safe Mode. Many viruses hide files in your Windows registry folder, which functions as a database of instructions that tells your system important details about the programs installed on your computer.
This registry can also direct viruses to activate when the operating system boots up. By starting your computer in Safe Mode, you operate the system with only the essential components of the Windows OS.
Run your antivirus software in Safe Mode. If it detects new malware, you may have found the source of the problem. Some malware is designed specifically to download and install additional malware on your computer. Removing all of these applications can significantly enhance your system's security.
Investigate the Malicious Software
If your antivirus software is unable to remove the virus on its own, further investigation is required for manual removal. You should have already noted down the names of all the malware programs your antivirus software identified. Now, it's time to look up each of these files online using the same internet security company that developed your antivirus software.
Different companies may give the same virus different names, so it's best to use the same firm’s resources for consistency. Most security firms provide a list of all files linked to a specific virus and where to find them. You might need to conduct thorough searches to locate each file.
Before removing any files, be sure to back up your registry folder. Accidentally deleting the wrong file could make it impossible or extremely difficult to use your computer correctly.
Next, remove all the infected files related to the malware you’ve identified. Once this is done, reboot your computer and run your antivirus software again. Hopefully, no other malware will be detected.
Lastly, update your login credentials for your various online accounts. Some malware includes keyloggers that can send your passwords and other sensitive information to a remote user. It’s always better to be cautious than regretful.
Kick Viruses to the Curb (Disk)
Certain antivirus programs allow you to create a boot disk, which can be extremely helpful when dealing with particularly resilient malware that blocks normal operations. This disk lets you start your computer from a clean, secure environment, bypassing the infected operating system.
Once the boot disk is ready, restart your computer with the disk inserted. Your computer will read from the disk, load a simplified operating system, and perform a virus scan. This process can help you circumvent the malware's code, disabling it and ultimately eradicating the infection, allowing your system to return to normal.
Preventing Computer Viruses
To protect your Windows computer from viruses, follow these straightforward tips that mainly rely on common sense:
- Practice caution with emails. Never open attachments or click on links in emails from unfamiliar senders. Malware developers frequently use these methods to spread harmful software. Only interact with links when the sender clearly explains their purpose and destination.
- Disable auto-run. Turn off auto-launch in your email client if it’s enabled. This feature can trigger a virus to run as soon as you open an email.
- Exercise caution with messages. Be wary of links in messages from forums, social media, or instant messaging platforms. Always check the source and look for signs like unusual grammar or spelling errors, especially if the sender usually avoids these mistakes.
- Steer clear of risky websites. Avoid sites that are known to host malicious content, such as those related to piracy or explicit material. Modern browsers usually warn you when you're about to enter such sites—make sure to heed those warnings.
- Be vigilant with pop-ups. Pay attention to pop-up alerts while browsing. Be cautious if you're prompted to download software like video drivers or other programs in order to view content, as these could be a means to distribute malware.
- Perform routine checks. Run your antivirus software at least once a week, and ensure your system and software are up to date by downloading necessary updates and patches. Most antivirus programs update frequently to keep up with evolving threats.
- Clear temporary files regularly. Make sure to clear your temporary files to prevent malware from exploiting them.
The Worst-Case Scenario
If all attempts to remove a virus fail, it may be necessary to perform a complete system wipe. This involves wiping the hard drive and reinstalling the operating system from scratch.
A system wipe is usually the last resort because it will erase everything on your computer, including programs, settings, and personal files. It’s important to back up any important, malware-free files before you begin. You can use external storage devices or cloud services to do this.
Reinstalling the operating system and restoring your files will take some time, but it’s a sure way to get rid of all malware and start fresh. By doing this, you ensure that your system is clean and ready to go again.
Once you've completed a system wipe, it's crucial to promptly install antivirus software and ensure it's updated to the latest version. This will safeguard your freshly restored system from any potential future threats.
