Remove malware from your Windows PC (2024)

FAQs

How do I remove malware from my PC? ›

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here's how to use it in Windows 10 or 11 to scan your PC. Important: Before you use Microsoft Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs. Open your Windows Security settings.

In general, the first steps to remove malware for a Mac or PC are to disconnect from the internet and enter safe mode. Next, check your activity monitor for malicious applications and run a malware scanner. Finally, clear your cache and delete your web browser history when you are back online.

AVG AntiVirus FREE is consistently recognized as a top-tier solution for free malware removal and protection.

Download and use security software to scan your PC.

Malware protection programs will search your system for hidden and dangerous programs, including spyware. Best of all, these programs also scan incoming files for threats and alert you when they detect something dangerous.

Use an anti-malware app - Installing an anti-malware app and keeping it up to date can help defend your PC against viruses and other malware (malicious software). Microsoft Defender is free anti-malware software included with Windows, and it's kept updated automatically through Windows Update.

Can I scan my Android phone for malware? The Play Store comes with a built-in security feature called Play Protect. Play Protect can scan your apps for malware, even on apps downloaded from other sources.

How to remove malware from PC? ›

On Windows 10

Go to Update & Security. Select Recovery, then click the Reset this PC link to get started. While there is an option to Keep My Files, you should click Remove Everything to perform a factory reset because malware could be embedded within these files.

The easiest way to remove malware from your Windows PC is to use a free virus removal tool like Avast One, which scans for and removes existing malware, as well as prevents future infections. Avast One is compatible with all devices, so you can scan for, detect, and remove malware on Mac, iPhone, and Android too.

If you leave a virus on your computer, a few things could happen: You could be spied on. Your personal information could be stolen. Your computer might slow down.

The average removal will cost between $60 and $120 (When the work is done in my office). Some infections may have affected the system so badly that windows needs to be reloaded.