When it comes to keeping your Windows 10 PC healthy and working smoothly, one of the biggest threats is computer viruses. These malicious software programs can cause a myriad of issues, ranging from annoying pop-ups and slow performance to critical data loss and theft. If you suspect that your Windows 10 PC has been infected by a virus, don’t panic! In this article, we’ll offer you a step-by-step guide on how to remove virus from Windows 10.
Steps
Step 1: Enter Safe Mode
The first thing you need to do is to boot your PC into Safe Mode. This will start your computer with only the most basic and essential services and drivers. To enter Safe Mode, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery from the left pane.
4. Click on Restart now under the Advanced startup section.
5. Click on Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
6. Click on Startup Settings and then Restart.
7. Press the F4 key to enter Safe Mode.
Step 2: Run a Scan with Your Antivirus Software
If you have antivirus software installed on your PC, run a full scan to detect and remove the virus. Most antivirus software programs offer real-time protection and can automatically detect and remove threats, but it’s always a good idea to do a manual scan as well. Follow these steps to run a full scan:
1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Click on the Scan button.
3. Select Full Scan and click on Start.
Step 3: Use Windows Defender Offline
If your antivirus software can’t detect or remove the virus, you can use Windows Defender Offline. This is a powerful security tool that runs outside of the Windows operating system, which means it can detect and remove more stubborn viruses. Here’s how to use Windows Defender Offline:
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Windows Defender from the left pane.
4. Click on Open Windows Defender Security Center.
5. Click on Virus & threat protection and then Advanced scan.
6. Select Windows Defender Offline scan and click on Scan now.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan.
Step 4: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is another popular tool used to remove viruses and malware. This tool is especially useful for removing malware that your antivirus software may have missed. Here’s how to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:
1. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from the official website.
2. Open the program and click on the Scan button.
3. Select the type of scan you want to run.
4. Click on Start Scan.
Step 5: Delete Temporary Files
Viruses and malware can leave behind temporary files that take up valuable disk space and slow down your PC. You can remove these files using the Disk Cleanup tool. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows + S keys to open the Search bar.
2. Type “Disk Cleanup” and click on the result.
3. Select the drive you want to clean up and click on OK.
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete.
6. Click on OK and then Delete Files.
Step 6: Delete Browser History and Cookies
Viruses and malware can also infect your web browser and cause issues like pop-ups and redirects. You can remove any infected files by clearing your browser history and cookies. Here’s how:
1. Open your web browser.
2. Press the Ctrl + H keys to open the History tab.
3. Click on Clear browsing data.
4. Select the types of data you want to delete.
5. Choose the time range you want to clear.
6. Click on Clear data.
Step 7: Check Your Firewall Settings
Your firewall is a critical part of your PC’s security system. It can block viruses and malware from accessing the internet and downloading additional malicious files. You should check your firewall settings to make sure they are configured correctly. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link menu.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. Select Windows Defender Firewall.
5. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
6. Make sure the apps you use are allowed to communicate through the firewall.
Step 8: Update Your Operating System and Software
Viruses and malware can take advantage of security vulnerabilities in your operating system and software applications. To prevent this, make sure you keep your Windows 10 PC and all your software up to date with the latest patches and updates. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Windows Update from the left pane.
4. Click on Check for updates.
5. Install any available updates.
6. Update all your software applications from the manufacturer’s website or built-in update tool.
Step 9: Remove Suspicious Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can be a convenient way to enhance your web browsing experience, but they can also be used by hackers to infect your PC with viruses and malware. Make sure you remove any suspicious browser extensions. Here’s how:
1. Open your web browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Click on More tools and then Extensions.
4. Click on the trash can icon next to any suspicious extensions.
5. Confirm that you want to remove the extension.
Step 10: Use System Restore
If you still can’t remove the virus from your Windows 10 PC, you can try using System Restore. This will revert your PC back to a previous state before the virus infected your system. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows + S keys to open the Search bar.
2. Type “system restore” and click on the result.
3. Click on Next and select a restore point from the list.
4. Click on Next and then Finish.
Step 11: Reset Your PC
If all else fails, you can reset your Windows 10 PC to its factory settings. This will erase all your personal files, applications, and settings, including any viruses or malware that may have infected your system. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery from the left pane.
4. Click on Get started under the Reset this PC section.
5. Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
6. Click on Reset.
Step 12: Contact Support
If you’re still having trouble removing the virus from your Windows 10 PC, you can contact the manufacturer’s technical support team or a professional computer repair service for help.
Explanation
Now that we’ve gone through the necessary steps to remove virus from Windows 10, let’s explain each step in more detail.
Step 1: Entering Safe Mode
Booting your PC into Safe Mode ensures that only the most basic and essential services and drivers start up. This makes it easier to detect and remove viruses as they are less likely to be active in Safe Mode.
Step 2: Running a Scan with Your Antivirus Software
Most antivirus software programs offer real-time protection and can automatically detect and remove threats. However, running a full scan manually can help detect and remove any viruses that may have slipped through the real-time protection.
Step 3: Using Windows Defender Offline
Windows Defender Offline runs outside of Windows, which means it can detect and remove more stubborn viruses.
Step 4: Using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is especially useful for removing malware that your antivirus software may have missed.
Step 5: Deleting Temporary Files
Removing temporary files helps free up disk space and improve PC performance.
Step 6: Deleting Browser History and Cookies
Clearing browser history and cookies helps remove any infected files that may be causing issues like pop-ups and redirects.
Step 7: Checking Your Firewall Settings
Your firewall helps block viruses and malware from accessing the internet and downloading additional malicious files.
Step 8: Updating Your Operating System and Software
Updating your Windows 10 PC and software applications is critical to preventing security vulnerabilities that viruses and malware can take advantage of.
Step 9: Removing Suspicious Browser Extensions
Removing suspicious browser extensions helps prevent hackers from infecting your PC with viruses and malware.
Step 10: Using System Restore
System Restore can revert your PC back to a previous state before the virus infected your system, undoing any damage caused by the virus.
Step 11: Resetting Your PC
Resetting your Windows 10 PC erases all files, applications, and settings, including any viruses or malware that may have infected your system.
Step 12: Contacting Support
If you’re still having trouble removing the virus from your Windows 10 PC, contacting technical support or a professional computer repair service can provide additional assistance.
Tips & Tricks
Tip 1: Install antivirus software
Installing a reliable antivirus software program is the first step in keeping your Windows 10 PC protected from viruses and malware.
Tip 2: Be careful with email attachments
Don’t open email attachments from unknown senders or suspicious emails. They may contain viruses and malware.
Tip 3: Be cautious when downloading software
Only download software applications from trusted sources, such as the manufacturer’s website or official app stores.
Tip 4: Keep your operating system and software up to date
Make sure you regularly check for updates for your Windows 10 PC and all your software applications to stay protected against security vulnerabilities.
Tip 5: Use strong passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts to prevent hackers from accessing your personal information.
Tip 6: Don’t click on suspicious links
Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or on websites. They may lead to virus and malware infections.
Tip 7: Disable macros in Microsoft Office
Macros in Microsoft Office documents can be a source of malware infections. Disable them unless they are absolutely necessary.
Tip 8: Use a pop-up blocker
Use a pop-up blocker to prevent annoying and potentially dangerous pop-ups while browsing the web.
Tip 9: Back up your data
Regularly back up your personal data, including documents, photos, and videos. This can help prevent data loss in case your PC gets infected by a virus or malware.
Tip 10: Use a virtual private network (VPN)
Using a VPN while browsing the internet can help protect your online privacy and security against hackers and other cyber threats.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing Virus from Windows 10
Advantages:
1. Improved System Performance: Removing viruses from your Windows 10 system will improve its overall performance by freeing up memory, reducing processor usage and optimizing disk space.
2. Enhanced Security: When you remove viruses from your computer, you eliminate the risk of unauthorized access to your system, as some viruses are specifically designed to steal personal information or data from your computer.
3. Increased Productivity: By removing viruses, you will be able to work more efficiently without being disturbed by pop-up windows, advertisements or other unwanted software.
4. Better Internet Experience: Viruses can slow down your internet connection and make browsing the web unpleasant. By removing viruses, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable internet experience.
5. Longer Lifespan: Removing viruses will improve the overall health of your computer, which can help extend its lifespan.
6. Cost Savings: By investing in virus removal, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements caused by extensive damage done by viruses.
7. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your system is virus-free can provide you with the peace of mind necessary to work on sensitive documents or perform important tasks without fear of being compromised.
8. Protection for Family and Friends: By removing viruses from your computer, you are also protecting your family and friends by eliminating the risk of your system spreading the virus to other machines.
9. Improved System Stability: Viruses can cause system instability, such as crashing or freezing. Removing viruses can improve the stability of your system, preventing these issues from occurring.
10. Gives an edge over others – With your Windows PC being virus-free, you gain an edge over those who don’t take care of their computers and are risking their digital lives.
Disadvantages:
1. Cost: While removing viruses may improve performance, it is an added expense that can be avoided through preventative measures such as quality antivirus software and safe browsing habits.
2. False Positives: Antivirus software may sometimes flag safe programs or files as viruses, which can be an inconvenience and disrupt productivity.
3. Time-Consuming: The process of removing viruses from a computer is time-consuming and may require a specialist to complete the job.
4. Data Loss: In some cases, removing viruses can lead to data loss if files or programs are inadvertently deleted, corrupted, or removed in the process.
5. Ineffective for Advanced Threats: Some viruses are advanced and require specialized solutions to remove them, making standard antivirus software ineffective.
6. Re-Infection Risk: As with any security measure, there is a risk of re-infection if precautions are not taken to prevent future viruses.
7. False Sense of Security: Although removing viruses can provide peace of mind, it can also lead to a false sense of security that may result in neglecting other security measures.
8. Software Compatibility Issues: Removing viruses can sometimes result in compatibility issues with software or applications that rely on the virus to function properly.
9. Limited Protection: Removing viruses does not protect against all forms of cyber-attacks, such as phishing scams, social engineering, or malware disguised as legitimate programs.
10. Limited Lifespan Extension: While removing viruses may extend the lifespan of your computer, it will not eliminate the eventual need for upgrades or replacement as technology evolves and becomes outdated.
FAQ
1. What are the signs that my Windows 10 computer has a virus?
Some signs that your computer has a virus include slow performance, crashing or freezing, pop-up ads, and strange error messages.
2. Can Windows 10 Defender remove all types of viruses?
Windows 10 Defender can remove some viruses, but it may not remove all types. It’s always best to use a reputable antivirus software for full protection.
3. How can I run a virus scan on my Windows 10 computer?
You can run a virus scan on your Windows 10 computer by opening Windows Defender Security Center, clicking on Virus & Threat Protection, and selecting the Quick Scan option.
4. How do I know if my antivirus software is working?
You can check if your antivirus software is working by looking for its icon in the system tray and checking if it is up-to-date and scanning your computer regularly.
5. Can I use more than one antivirus software on my Windows 10 computer?
No, it’s not recommended to use more than one antivirus software on your Windows 10 computer as it can cause conflicts and slow down your system.
6. What should I do if my antivirus software detects a virus?
If your antivirus software detects a virus, you should follow the instructions to quarantine or remove the virus from your computer.
7. Should I trust pop-up ads that claim to remove viruses for free?
No, you should never trust pop-up ads that claim to remove viruses for free as they may contain malware or trick you into paying for unnecessary services.
8. How can I prevent viruses from infecting my Windows 10 computer?
You can prevent viruses from infecting your Windows 10 computer by keeping your system and antivirus software up-to-date, avoiding suspicious emails and websites, and not downloading or installing software from unknown sources.
9. What is ransomware and how can I protect my Windows 10 computer from it?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. To protect your Windows 10 computer from ransomware, you should backup your files regularly, avoid suspicious emails and websites, and use reputable antivirus software.
10. Can I remove a virus manually without using antivirus software?
It’s not recommended to remove a virus manually as it can be difficult and may cause further damage to your computer. It’s best to use reputable antivirus software to remove viruses.
11. What should I do if my Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus?
If your Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus, you should run a full virus scan, follow the instructions to remove the virus, and change your passwords for added security.
12. Can I prevent viruses from infecting my Windows 10 computer by disabling Windows Defender?
No, disabling Windows Defender can leave your computer vulnerable to viruses and other malware. It’s essential to keep your antivirus software up-to-date and allow it to run regular scans.
13. How often should I run a virus scan on my Windows 10 computer?
You should run a virus scan on your Windows 10 computer at least once a week to ensure your system is protected and running smoothly.
How to Remove Virus from Windows 10
Viruses can be a real headache when you’re using your computer. They can slow down your system or even delete important files. The good news is that you can remove viruses from Windows 10 effectively.
The first step in removing a virus is to identify which one you have. There are different types of viruses such as Trojans, worms, adware, spyware, and more. Once you have identified the virus, you can begin the removal process.
One of the easiest ways to remove a virus is to run a Windows Defender scan. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program that can scan and remove viruses from your computer. To use it, go to your Windows Security settings, click on Virus & Threat Protection, and select Quick Scan. The program will scan your computer and remove any viruses it finds.
If Windows Defender can’t remove the virus, you can try using a third-party antivirus program such as Avast, AVG, or Norton. These programs can detect and remove viruses that Windows Defender might miss. Make sure to download the program from a reliable source and run a full system scan.
Conclusion and Closing
Removing viruses from your computer is crucial to keep it running smoothly and protect your personal information. By using built-in antivirus and third-party programs, you can effectively remove viruses from your Windows 10 system. Stay vigilant and keep your antivirus programs up to date to protect your computer from future threats. Thank you for reading and happy computing!