Windows: How to Remove Malware

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A malware infection can create serious trouble on your computer and pose a real safety threat. They are responsible for making your system sluggish and can harm any files. That’s why it’s recommended not to visit or download any unauthorized applications or files. If you’re also the one facing this issue then we’re here to help you with some of the best methods and tools to prevent such activity in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Remove Malware From Windows – Effective Steps

It is crucial to maintain a malware-free computer, as these malicious programs can compromise your security and privacy. Neglecting computer security could make you susceptible to cybercrime. Also, safe internet browsing is important for Cybersafety.

Step 1: Disconnect the Internet

Pull out the Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi from your system
If you’re able to use basic navigations, take your curson towards bottom-right of your screen and click on te Internet Connections
You’ll find three sections, Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode and Hotspot
Click on Airplane Mode to turn it ON

Step 2: Restart & Enter Safe Mode

You’ll now be required to enter the Safe Mode by booting your system. Here’s how you can do it in both Operating systems (Windows 10 and Windows 11)

Windows 10:

Restart your PC
Press & hold down Shift button during boot to enter directly in Safe Mode
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Enable Safe Mode with Networking

Windows 11:

Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery
Select Advanced Startup > Restart Now
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings

Step 3: Run Full Scan

You can use Microsoft Defender (in-built malware protector) provided to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Windows 10:

Go to Start Menu by pressing the Win key or click on the bottom left corner Win logo an type “Windows Defender Security Center” in the search box.
Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection > Scan options > select Full Scan > Scan Now

Windows 11:

Go to Start Menu by pressing the Win key or click on the bottom left corner Win logo an type “Windows Defender Security” in the search box.
Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection > Scan options > select Full Scan > Scan Now

Note: If you want to run a deep scan (offline mode) then choose Microsoft Defender Offline Scan under Scan options.

Step 4: Clear temp Files

You may also clear all the temporary files as tey helps in eliminating any suspicious traces that your system might have. Here’s how you can do it:

Open “Run Dialog” by pressing Win + R or click on Start icon and type “Run” and hit enter button
Now type temp (in the search box) and hit the enter button
A pop-up will appear, select all files and delete
Now, open Run dialog again with the same process and type %temp% and perform the same method to erase all its files.

Step 5: Check for any Malicious Programs

There are high likely chances that some of your installed apps may have issue with. You can remove those applications including their files. Here’s how to perform in both Windows 10 and Windows 11:

Click on Start icon and type “Settings” or press Win key and then type “Settings” in the search box
Navigate from Settings to Apps > Apps & Features
Check for all the installed applications
Click on the suspicious program to Uninstall it.

Step 6: Check & Reset Browser Settings

While browsing the internet, users often click on unwanted links which either installs any malicious extension or download malware files that causes a serious threat to your computer. So, you need to change the system browser settings to it’s default to remove any malicious files or extensions ( can be performed in same method for Windows 10 and Windows 11).

If you’re aGoogle Chrome user, follow these steps:

Open Google Chrome > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore settings to original defaults

For Microsoft Edge users:

Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings

Step 7: Windows Update

You can run the Windows updates to ensure that your system has the latest available security patches in your computer. Here’s how you can do it:

Note: You can perform the same method in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Also, ensure to have internet connectivity in your computer.

Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
Download and Install any pending updates

Alternate Method: Third-Party Software

You can also look out for trusted third-party tools and software that can help your system from unwanted advanced threats. Some of them are:

Norton
Kaspersky
Avast
malwarebytes

Preventive Measures

There are some precautions that you need to start applying for protecting your system so that you don’t put your system and security at risk.

Enable Real-Time Protection to ensure that your system is protected throughout the time
Keep checking and updating your system regularly as the latest patches helps in fighting against any unwanted malicious threats
While browsing Internet, do not click on any suspicious links as you might end up getting virus attack in your system
Always pick the trusted official resources while downloading any utility tool or software
Microsoft offers Windows Defender (an in-built threat protector) for both Windows 10 and 11 users so ensure that its active all the time.

Whether you’re a Windows 10 or Windows 11 user, you can follow these steps and take appropriate action to remove and protect your system from virus and malware. The easiest way is to keep your system up to date and stay cautions while installing any application.

How to Remove Malware From Windows – FAQs

How do I remove malware from my Windows?

Step 1: Disconnect any Internet connection from your computer

Step 2: Restart your computer and keep pressing F8 button to enter the Safe Mode

Step 3: Open Windows Security and Select Virus & Threat Protection

Step 4: Click Full Scan to identify and remove any threats

Step 5: Reconnect your Internet and try to update available Anti-virus

What are the signs of malware infection on Windows?

The most widespread signs of system ailment include a slowdown in speed, the frequent occurrence of crashes, uninvited advertisements, alteration of the home page or the search engine, and other unrelated applications popping out on the device. If you come across any of these symptoms, it is imperative to remedy the problem straight away.

How do you do malware removal with Windows Defender?

Step 1: Press Win + S and type Windows Security

Step 2: Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection

Step 3: Click Scan options and select Full Scan

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the task.

Can I remove malware manually from my Windows 10 or 11 computer?

Yes, you can remove malwares from your system by following these steps:

Step 1: Click Win + X and select Task manager

Step 2: Navigate for any suspicious task or program that’s consuming more space

Step 3: Navigate to the file location and delete the files

Step 4: Remove remaining registry entries using regedit

Is there any free tools to remove malware for Windows?

Windows OS provides in-built feature to protect against any unwanted malware (Windows Defender). However, you can download and install external software such as Malwarebytes, Norton, etc.