How To Remove A Computer Virus? (Windows)

Date First Published: 8th May 2023

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Threats To Systems, Data & Information

Article Type: Computer Questions & Answers

Difficulty Level: 4/10

Learn about how to remove a computer virus in this article.

This article explores how you can get rid of a computer virus or other unwanted software on your computer and the steps you should take when your computer is infected with a virus. When removing a virus from your computer, it is best to also search for specific instructions to remove that virus. This article does not contain instructions on how to remove a specific virus. It is about general instructions on how to get rid of a computer virus on the Windows operating system.

1. Use Antivirus Software To Detect and Remove The Virus

The simplest way to remove most types of viruses and malware is to use antivirus software. Windows 10 comes with a built-in antivirus, called Microsoft Defender. It comes with real-time protection and options to run a quick scan, a full scan, or an offline scan. In most cases, Microsoft Defender will detect and block malware before it has a chance to harm your computer. However, it may not be able to catch every type of virus that exists if the threat definitions are not up to date.

Some Trojan horses may also trick you into disabling Microsoft Defender in the setup instructions to install malware on your computer. They may claim that it is a useful program or utility and that it is incorrectly detected as malicious by antiviruses, when it actually is a harmful program, which is a common way to trick users into installing malware.

To access the Windows security panel, press the Windows key on your keyboard, type security, and click Windows Security in the search results. Then, click 'virus & threat protection' in the left panel, 'scan options', and select 'Windows Defender offline scan'. This scan helps you find viruses and malware using up-to-date threat definitions and will take around 15 minutes. Your PC will automatically restart when finished and Windows Defender will immediately remove any viruses or malware that it has found.

It is also recommended to run a full scan, not a quick scan. A full scan may find hidden malware on your computer. It will scan all files and running programs on the hard disk. Depending on your computer, this scan will probably take a few hours.

2. Start Your Computer In Safe Mode

Some types of viruses and malware interfere with the normal functioning of your computer and simply using antivirus software is not enough. Safe Mode is a version of your computer that only loads the necessary files when starting up your computer, making it impossible for most viruses to run.

If you can get past the login screen, but can't access the internet to install an antivirus, or your current antiviruses won't work, the virus has most likely taken over the ability to access the internet or access your antivirus. To start your computer in safe mode, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type 'settings', and then select settings in the search results.
2. Then, select Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Under advanced startup, select 'restart now'.
4. Then, after your PC restarts to the 'choose an option' screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
5. Finally, you will see a list of options. Select 4 or press F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.

If you can't get past the login screen even with the correct password, you will have to start Windows in safe mode. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Press and hold the Shift key whilst you select Power > Restart.
2. Then, after your PC restarts to the 'choose an option' screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Finally, after your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode.

Once your PC starts in Safe Mode, your desktop background will be black and only the necessary files will be loaded. From there, you should be able to access basic system tools, like system restore. A system restore can help get rid of viruses or other malware that you cannot remove using Microsoft Defender or other antivirus software.

You should try restoring your system to a point when you are sure that your computer wasn't infected with the virus or malware. To access system restore, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type 'recovery', and select the control panel result.
2. Under advanced recovery tools, select 'open system restore'.
3. A 'restore files and settings' window should now appear.
4. Click 'next' and a list of restore points should now appear. Make sure to select a restore point that you know was before your computer was infected with the virus or malware.
5. Then, click 'next' and 'finish'. Remember that decisions to restore your system to a certain point are final and system restore cannot be interrupted or undone after it has been completed. After clicking 'yes', your system should now start restoring to the previous state. This will take some time.

You should also open disk cleanup. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type 'disk cleanup', and click Disk Cleanup at the top of the Start menu.
2. Delete your temporary files. To do this, click 'clean system files' in the top left corner of the system window, tick every box in the middle of the window, and then click 'ok' and delete the temporary files.

Note:

Deleting temporary files will help speed up future virus scans. It may even clear up the virus infection.

3. Reinstall Windows or Get Professional Help

If you have tried everything above and still can't get rid of the virus, you can get professional help. You can consider finding a computer repair shop in your area. They might be able to remove the virus for you. If you can't afford it, then your only option is to reinstall Windows and start all over again to remove all traces of the virus. Reinstalling Windows should only be a last resort when none of the above worked. You can back up your files to avoid losing your data, but doing this will probably back up the virus as well.

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