Suspect your Windows 11 PC has malware? Here’s how to remove viruses, trojans, adware, and other malicious software.

Signs of Malware Infection

• Computer running very slow
• Random pop-ups appearing
• Browser homepage changed
• Unknown programs installed
• Antivirus disabled
• High CPU/disk usage
• Strange network activity
• Files encrypted or missing
• Redirected web searches

Preparation

Disconnect from Internet

Prevent malware from:

• Spreading to other devices
• Communicating with attackers
• Downloading more malware

1. Disconnect ethernet cable
2. Turn off WiFi
3. Enable airplane mode

Don’t Log Into Sensitive Accounts

While infected:

• Don’t use online banking
• Don’t enter passwords
• Don’t access important accounts

Boot Into Safe Mode

Access Safe Mode

1. Press Windows + I (Settings)
2. System > Recovery
3. Advanced startup > Restart now
4. Troubleshoot > Advanced options
5. Startup Settings > Restart
6. Press 4 for Safe Mode
7. Or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking (if need to download tools)

If Can’t Access Settings

1. Hold Shift while clicking Restart
2. Or restart 3 times during boot to force recovery

Windows Security Scan

Full Scan

1. Open Windows Security
2. Virus & threat protection
3. Scan options
4. Select Full scan
5. Click Scan now
6. Wait for completion (30-60 minutes)
7. Remove all threats found

Offline Scan

For persistent malware:

1. Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
2. Scan options
3. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan)
4. Click Scan now
5. Computer restarts and scans before Windows loads

Use Malwarebytes

Download and Run

1. Download Malwarebytes Free from official site
2. Install (Safe Mode is fine)
3. Open Malwarebytes
4. Click Scan
5. Wait for scan to complete
6. Click Quarantine for all threats
7. Restart computer

Why Malwarebytes

• Catches malware other scanners miss
• Free version effective for removal
• Specializes in malware, adware, PUPs
• Safe to use alongside Windows Security

Additional Scanners

Run Multiple Scanners

Different tools catch different threats:

1. Malwarebytes - Malware, adware, PUPs
2. HitmanPro - Second opinion scanner
3. AdwCleaner - Adware and browser hijackers
4. ESET Online Scanner - Comprehensive online scan

Scanner Order

1. Windows Security offline scan first
2. Then Malwarebytes
3. Then additional scanners if needed

Remove Suspicious Programs

Uninstall Unknown Software

1. Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2. Sort by Install date
3. Look for unfamiliar programs
4. Uninstall suspicious items

Check Startup Programs

1. Task Manager > Startup tab
2. Disable suspicious items
3. Right-click > Disable

Browser Cleanup

Reset Browser

Chrome:

1. Settings > Reset settings
2. Restore settings to original defaults
3. Click Reset settings

Edge:

1. Settings > Reset settings
2. Restore settings to default values

Firefox:

1. Help > Troubleshooting Information
2. Refresh Firefox

Remove Extensions

1. Check all browser extensions
2. Remove unknown or suspicious extensions
3. Only keep what you recognize and use

Clear Browser Data

1. Clear all browsing data
2. Clear cookies and cache
3. Reset homepage if changed

Check for Rootkits

Rootkit Scanners

Deep infections need specialized tools:

1. TDSSKiller (Kaspersky) - Rootkit scanner
2. GMER - Advanced rootkit detection
3. Run from Safe Mode for best results

Manual Checks

Check Running Processes

1. Task Manager > Details
2. Look for suspicious processes
3. Search unknown process names online
4. End malicious processes

Check Services

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Look for unfamiliar services
4. Disable suspicious services (research first)

Check Scheduled Tasks

1. Search “Task Scheduler”
2. Look for suspicious tasks
3. Delete malware-created tasks

After Cleanup

Verify Removal

1. Restart in normal mode
2. Run full scan again
3. Monitor for symptoms
4. Check if issues persist

Update Everything

1. Update Windows
2. Update all software
3. Update browsers
4. Update antivirus definitions

Change Passwords

After malware removal:

1. Change all important passwords
2. Use different device or clean computer
3. Enable two-factor authentication
4. Check accounts for unauthorized access

If Malware Persists

Advanced Steps

1. Boot from antivirus rescue disk
2. Try System Restore to before infection
3. Reset Windows (keep files option)
4. Clean install Windows (last resort)

When to Reset Windows

Consider full reset if:

• Malware keeps returning
• System extremely corrupted
• Multiple scan tools fail
• Ransomware encrypted files

Specific Malware Types

Browser Hijacker

1. Reset all browsers
2. Run AdwCleaner
3. Remove suspicious extensions
4. Check and reset homepage/search

Adware

1. Run AdwCleaner
2. Run Malwarebytes
3. Uninstall adware programs
4. Reset browsers

Ransomware

1. DON’T pay the ransom
2. Disconnect immediately
3. Check nomoreransom.org for decryption tools
4. Restore from backup if available
5. Consider professional help

Trojans

1. Full offline scan
2. Run multiple scanners
3. Check for backdoors
4. Change all passwords after

Prevention Going Forward

Enable Real-time Protection

1. Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
2. Ensure all protections ON:
   • Real-time protection
   • Cloud-delivered protection
   • Automatic sample submission
   • Tamper Protection

Safe Browsing Habits

1. Don’t download from unknown sites
2. Don’t click suspicious links
3. Don’t open unexpected attachments
4. Verify downloads are from official sources

Keep Updated

1. Enable automatic Windows updates
2. Update all software regularly
3. Update browsers
4. Use supported software versions

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