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Virus or Malware Infections

Difficulty: 6/10Estimated fix time: 30 minutes - 2 hours

Suspicious pop-ups, your browser homepage changing on its own, or the computer running extremely slow and behaving oddly – these can be signs of a virus or malware infection. Malware is any malicious software (virus, spyware, ransomware, etc.) that can harm your system or steal data.

Why It Happens

Malware typically infects a computer when a user unknowingly downloads or runs an unsafe program. This can happen by clicking on email attachments from unknown senders, downloading pirated software, or visiting compromised websites. Once infected, a virus can cause all sorts of issues – from annoying ads to serious data theft or damage.

In many cases, malware will try to remain hidden while consuming your system's resources for nefarious tasks (sending spam, mining cryptocurrency, etc.), which also leads to slow performance.

Common infection sources:

  • • Email attachments from unknown senders
  • • Downloaded pirated software or "cracks"
  • • Visiting compromised or malicious websites
  • • Fake software updates or security warnings
  • • USB drives from unknown sources
  • • Outdated software with security vulnerabilities
  • • Social engineering attacks

How to Fix It

Important: If you suspect an infection, disconnect from the internet if possible to prevent data theft or further damage while you clean the system.

Step 1: Run Full Antivirus Scan

Use Windows' built-in security software for an immediate scan:

  1. 1. Search for "Windows Security" in the Start menu
  2. 2. Click on "Virus & threat protection"
  3. 3. Click "Scan options"
  4. 4. Select "Full scan" for comprehensive check
  5. 5. Click "Scan now" and let it complete (may take 1-2 hours)
  6. 6. Follow prompts to quarantine or remove any threats found

Step 2: Use Secondary Scanner

Run a second opinion scanner to catch anything the first scan missed:

  1. 1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free version available)
  2. 2. Install and run a full system scan
  3. 3. It may catch adware or spyware that regular antivirus misses
  4. 4. Remove any additional threats it finds

Tip: Different antivirus tools detect different threats. Running two scanners gives you better coverage.

Step 3: Restart and Re-scan

After removing malware, restart and verify the system is clean:

  1. 1. Restart your computer
  2. 2. Check if the suspicious behavior has stopped
  3. 3. Run another quick scan to confirm removal
  4. 4. Monitor system performance for improvements

Step 4: Update Everything

Patch vulnerabilities that malware may have exploited:

  • • Install all Windows updates
  • • Update your web browser to latest version
  • • Update Java, Adobe Flash, and other plugins
  • • Update antivirus definitions

Step 5: Change Passwords (If Necessary)

If you had banking Trojans or credential-stealing malware:

  1. 1. Use a clean device to change important passwords
  2. 2. Start with banking and financial accounts
  3. 3. Change email passwords
  4. 4. Update social media and other important accounts
  5. 5. Enable two-factor authentication where possible

Step 6: Check Browser Settings

Malware often changes browser settings:

  • • Reset homepage to your preferred site
  • • Remove suspicious browser extensions
  • • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • • Check default search engine settings

Step 7: Consider System Reset (Severe Cases)

For persistent or severe infections (like ransomware):

  1. 1. Back up important files (scan them first!)
  2. 2. Consider Windows Reset or clean reinstall
  3. 3. This ensures the system is completely clean
  4. 4. Restore files after scanning them on clean system

Caution: Only restore files you're certain are clean. Some malware can hide in documents.

How to Prevent It

Safe Browsing Habits

  • • Never open email attachments from unknown senders
  • • Don't click links in suspicious emails
  • • Download software only from official websites
  • • Avoid pirated software and "cracks"
  • • Be skeptical of pop-up warnings about infections

Keep Security Software Active

  • • Keep Windows Defender enabled and updated
  • • Enable automatic Windows updates
  • • Keep browser security features enabled
  • • Use Windows SmartScreen filter

System Hardening

  • • Use standard user account for daily activities
  • • Keep all software updated, especially browsers
  • • Use strong, unique passwords
  • • Enable firewall protection
  • • Regular system backups

Education and Awareness

Stay informed about current threats and scam tactics. Many malware infections rely on social engineering – tricking users into installing malicious software voluntarily.

Persistent Malware Issues?

If you're still experiencing malware symptoms after trying these solutions, or if you've been hit by ransomware, professional malware removal may be necessary.