Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (2024)

Malware is unsafe or unwanted software that may steal personal info or harm your device.

You may have malware on your device if:

  • Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
  • You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.

Find more signs of malware

Device symptoms

  • Alerts about a virus or an infected device
  • Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs
  • A significant decrease in your device’s operating speed
  • A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device
  • Your device stops working properly or working altogether

Browser symptoms

  • Alerts about a virus or an infected device
  • Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go away
  • Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
  • Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
  • Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission

Other symptoms

Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn’t send the emails or messages.

Step 1: Remove malware

Windows computers

To learn more about how to remove unsafe software, go to Microsoft support.

Mac computers

To remove unsafe software, you can remove unwanted software manually.

For more info about how to remove unsafe software, go to Apple support.

Chromebooks

You can remove unwanted apps from your Chromebook.

Tip: If a fraudulent website causes your Chromebook to become locked, you can

unlock it

.

Step 2: Remove untrusted browser extensions

If you use Chrome, uninstall Chrome browser extensions that are unnecessary, untrusted, or from sources outside the Chrome Web Store.

If you use another browser, check its help center to learn how to uninstall extensions you no longer trust.

Step 3: Reset your browser settings

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (1)Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (2)Settings.
  3. At the bottom, click Advanced.
  • Mac: Under 'Reset Settings', click Restore settings to their original defaults Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (3)Reset Settings.
  • Windows: Under 'Reset and cleanup', click Reset Settings Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (4) Reset Settings.

If you reset your browser settings, you might need to turn some extensions back on. To turn extensions on, at the top right, click More Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (5)Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (6) More Tools Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (7) Extensions. Only turn on extensions that you trust.

Step 4: Update your operating system

For steps to update your operating system, go to your manufacturer’s help center.

Step 5: Do a Security Checkup

  1. On your computer, open a web browser, like Chrome.
  2. Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.
  3. To fix any security issues in your account, follow the on-screen steps.

Tip: You can learn more about how to review your account settings and secure your account.

If you still notice signs of malware

If you continue to notice

signs of malware

, you may need to factory reset your device or take other device-specific steps. Contact your device manufacturer for additional steps.

Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (8)

Protect Your Identity Online

Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.

Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer (2024)

FAQs

Remove malware or unsafe software - Computer? ›

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.

How do you remove malware from your computer? ›

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.

How do I uninstall unsafe software? ›

Uninstall any apps that are unnecessary, untrusted, or from sources outside the Google Play Store.
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
  2. Tap Apps & notifications. See all apps.
  3. Tap the apps you want to uninstall. Uninstall.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

How to remove virus warning your computer is infected? ›

To remove fake virus pop-ups:
  1. Close the pop-up or tab.
  2. Clear browsing data.
  3. Stop pop-ups in your browser (find out how in this article).
  4. Run an antivirus scan.
  5. Update your software.
  6. Enable a pop-up blocker in your browser, such as VeePN for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Sep 26, 2023

How do you check if my computer is infected with malware? ›

Disconnect from the internet and enter Safe Mode. Open Task Manager (or Activity Monitor) to check your device for malicious applications. Turn on your antivirus and scan your computer for viruses or other malicious software. If any malware is found, quarantine or delete it.

Can I remove malware myself? ›

Scan your device for malware.

Run a malware or security Delete anything it identifies as a problem. You may have to restart your device for the changes to take effect. Run your scan again to make sure everything is clear. If the scan shows there are no more issues, you've likely removed the malware.

How do I clean my device from malware? ›

How Do I Completely Remove Malware from Android?
  1. Step 1: Immediately Turn Your Phone Off Before Performing Some Research. ...
  2. Step 2: Turn the Phone On in Safe Mode or Emergency Mode. ...
  3. Step 3: Go to Device Settings to Locate the Malicious App. ...
  4. Step 4: Uninstall the Infected Application. ...
  5. Step 5: Opt For A Factory Reset.

How do I clean my PC from viruses? ›

Removing a computer virus from a PC
  1. Step 1: Download and install a virus scanner. ...
  2. Step 2: Disconnect from internet. ...
  3. Step 3: Reboot your computer into safe mode. ...
  4. Step 4: Delete any temporary files. ...
  5. Step 5: Run a virus scan. ...
  6. Step 6: Delete or quarantine the virus. ...
  7. Step 7: Reboot your computer. ...
  8. Step 8: Change all your passwords.

What is the best defense against malware? ›

10 best malware protection solutions
  • CrowdStrike. ...
  • Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware. ...
  • Avast Antivirus. ...
  • Microsoft Defender XDR. ...
  • Norton AntiVirus. ...
  • Webroot. ...
  • Sophos. ...
  • Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes is a well-known cybersecurity brand that mainly focuses on protecting devices from malware.
Aug 22, 2024

How do I reset my computer to remove a virus? ›

On Windows 10
  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Select Recovery, then click the Reset this PC link to get started.
  4. 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.

How do I manually check my computer for malware? ›

Run a malware scan manually
  1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection. Open Windows Security settings.
  2. Under Current threats, select Quick scan (or in early versions of Windows 10, under Threat history, select Scan now).

How do I scan my device for malware? ›

Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and then select Scan now.

How do I scan my computer for malware? ›

Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan), and then select Scan now.

How do I remove malware from my computer without antivirus? ›

Removing a Virus Without Using Any Anti-virus Software
  1. Run the command prompt by going to start and type cmd on the search programs and files.
  2. Select the virus affected drive. ...
  3. type attrib -s -h *.* /s /d then press enter.
  4. type dir. ...
  5. check if there is an unusual .exe file.

What is the best way to remove malware for free? ›

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.

What happens if you leave malware on your computer? ›

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.

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