How To Remove Malware And Viruses From PC? [5 Methods]

If left unattended, malware and viruses could destroy your system’s data and breach privacy by accessing your confidential information, like passwords, credit card details, and more. Thus, it is essential to know how to remove malware and viruses from your PC in case you ever encounter them. 

Key Takeaways

• Malware and viruses can delete your data, infect the system files, and steal important information from your computer.
• They are transmitted on your device when you open suspicious links, download from unsecured software, or they could travel through your device’s network.
• You can reset your PC, launch it into Safe Mode, or perform antivirus scans to eliminate malware and viruses.

What Are Malware And Virus?

Malware is any software designed to harm, infiltrate, or exploit a computer system without the user’s awareness. A few examples of malware are Trojan, Spyware, and Worm.

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Meanwhile, viruses are a type of malware that can replicate itself to spread from one computer to another by attaching to different programs or files. When users click on suspicious files, these viruses get transmitted to their computers to damage or steal data. Conficker, WannaCry, and Zeus are some prominent examples of computer viruses.

How To Remove Malware And Viruses From PC?

There are various ways to erase malware and viruses from your PC, for instance, by scanning your computer with third-party antivirus software or resetting the system.

Scan With Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is a built-in antivirus in Windows PC that can quickly look for and discard these hazards on your computer.

1. Click the Windows symbol on the extreme left of the Taskbar to open the Start menu.

   

2. Double-click the Settings gear to access PC Settings.

   

3. Press Update And Security.

   

4. Highlight the Windows Security option on the left bar.
5. Select Virus And Threat Protection.
   

   

6. It will take you to another window.
7. Click on Scan Options under the heading, Current Threats.
   

   

8. Select Microsoft Defender Offline Scan and press Scan Now.
   

   

Install Antivirus Softwares

We recommend downloading at least one antivirus software on your computer so it can timely detect and prevent virus or malware attacks. Reliable third-party antivirus software, like McAfee and Avast, identify malware and viruses and blocks them before they can threaten your system’s data and files. Deep scan your PC using antivirus software to find and resolve potential malware threats and hidden viruses. 

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Use Clean Boot On Windows PC

A clean boot helps identify if third-party software or an installed application is the source of malware attacks on your computer. Scan the PC with Microsoft Defender to look for viruses or malware.

1. Simultaneously hold the Windows+R keys to open the Run dialog box.

   

2. Enter msconfig to access the System Configurations window.

   

3. Put a tick next to Hide All Microsoft Services and click the Disable All button.

   

4. Now, go to the Startup section and Open Task Manager.

   

5. Right-click on each program and choose Disable from the mini-menu.

   

6. Close the Task Manager dialog box to return to System Configurations.
7. Press Apply, then OK to save the changes.
8. Restart your computer from the Start menu to launch in Clean Mode.
   

   

9. Once started, go to Settings and run Microsoft Defender Offline Scan to check whether the problem exists within the third-party apps or the Windows environment.
   

   

Run A Scan In Safe Mode

The system boots up with the minimum drivers and services needed for Windows’ operation. Importantly, turn off the computer’s WiFi so any viruses or malware may not be able to hinder the working while it is in Safe Mode. 

Windows

1. Open the System Configurations box and head to the Boot tab.
2. Select Safe Mode and mark Network under it.
3. Apply the settings and press OK.
   

   

4. Turn Off The WiFi on your computer and Restart it. 
5. Your computer will now start in Safe Mode.
6. In the Taskbar, write Temporary Files. Double-click on Delete Temporary Files. 

   

7. Now, head to Temporary Files.
   

   

8. Wait for the scanning to complete.

   

9. Find and select Temporary Internet Files.

   

10. Hit the Remove button to delete suspected files on your computer.

    

11. Run Antivirus Software to check if the virus or malware is gone.

MacOS

1. Restart your computer.
   

   

2. Enter the account details and long-press the Shift key once you are on the Login Screen.
3. It will load the computer into Safe Mode.
4. Launch any Antivirus Software and scan and fix potential threats.  

Reset Your Computer

Resetting the computer restores the system to its factory default settings. Consequently, removing all the files and programs on your computer can eliminate the attached virus or malware. 

Also Check: How To Wipe A Hard Drive On A Dead Computer.

Windows

1. Head to Update And Security from the Settings page.
   

   

2. Navigate to Recovery on the left panel.
3. Press the Get Started button under Reset This PC.

   

4. Select Remove Everything to ensure you get rid of the malware or virus by deleting the infected file.

   

5. Hit Reset to initiate resetting your Windows PC.

MacOS

1. Go to System Preferences by clicking the Apple symbol on the top bar.

   

2. Click on System Preferences on the menu bar.
3. Select Erase All Content And Settings.

   

4. Enter your Credentials and hit Unlock.
5. Press Continue.

   

6. Enter your Apple ID’s Password.
7. Choose Erase All Content And Settings.

   

8. You will see the Apple Loading Screen. Let it complete.

How Do Malware And Viruses Affect Your PC?

The presence of malware and viruses on your PC could adversely impact several areas of its functioning. For instance, it can;

• Slow down your computer and occupy system memory.
• Corrupt your files and data on the computer, which could result in the loss of essential data.
• Delete files or programs on your system.
• Steal confidential information from your PC, such as passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card details.
• Repeatedly display intrusive and unwanted ads on your screen as pop-ups.
• Lock you out of your computer and take over the entire system.
• Quickly spread onto other devices connected to the same network, like smartphones.

Also Read: Origin: We’ve Noticed Your Computer Is Offline 

How Can You Prevent Malware And Virus Attacks On Your PC?

It is highly advised to take precautionary steps to protect your system from dangerous malware and viruses. Occasionally scanning your computer for viruses and threats, along with utilizing a VPN, is one way to avoid such attacks.

Furthermore, you should avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening illegitimate software since they are likely to carry a virus. It would also help to be vigilant when downloading apps or software from unknown sources. Remember that a site address starting with HTTPS is more secure and reliable than HTTP since the former has an extra security layer due to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate.

Apart from these, keep your antivirus software and operating system up-to-date with the latest versions. Besides, you can enable Firewall on your PC to block unauthorized personnel from accessing your files or data.

Final Words

Since you have learned how to remove malware and viruses from your PC, you should also keep in mind the preventive measures discussed in the guide to stay safe from future attacks on your computer.  

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