Your computer’s biggest foe is malware that gets installed on a computer without any consent and requires a great work to wipe it off. The reason behind such malware and virus installation is to create chaos and steal sensitive data such as credit card numbers, online banking credentials from the users. Removal of malware from windows is only possible if you are able to identify the symptoms such as slow processing of computer, unknown pop-up on windows, unusual errors, etc.
Here are some tips help you in removing malware from windows and restore your computer.
Remove Malware From Windows
The word “Malware” refers to all kinds of viruses from ransomware to adware and other disgusting software that you don’t want in a computer. A virus tries to delete your files, a ransomware that demands money for restoring lost files or an adware program which tracks your browser history, all come under the roof of malware. With such massive malware, it is hard to deal with them.
We have created this guide that will help you in remove all kinds malware from Windows-PC.
Use Safe Mode
Boot your PC into the Safe Mode of Microsoft if you detect a malware infection. This mode will only load specific programs which are required. Entering into safe mode will also prevent malware if it is programmed to automatically load when Windows starts. Moreover, it is easier to remove files from PC on Safe mode as the programs are not active.
The process of booting into safe mode in Windows 10 has become much complicated as compared to Windows 7 and 8. In Windows 10, if you want to boot into Safe mode then first click the “Start Button” select “Power Button” as if you were going to reboot, however, restrain from clicking anywhere. Now hold the “Shift key” and click “Reboot”. After the appearance of the full-screen menu choose Troubleshooting -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings.
Click the “Restart button” on the next Window, a menu with numbered startup options will appear on the screen. Here select number 4 that is the Safe Mode. Also, keep in mind that if you want to connect online scanners then you will have to select number 5 from the numbered menu that is Safe Mode with Networking.
Your PC might run faster in Safe Mode if you have a malware infection or it means that when you start up your Windows many legitimate programs run alongside it. Also, PC may run faster if it is outfitted with a solid state drive.
Go Offline
Turn off internet connection by pulling the Ethernet on the PC, turning off your Wi-Fi or plugging off your router. Make sure that your PC is not connected to any WiFi. Of course, not being online will stop the antivirus definitions from getting updated. Yet you will have to get the updated software from third-party PC which may be in a different location, using a USB flash drive and inserting it into the infected PC.
Also, you can boot your PC with a CD that will run a full anti-malware scan on PC. But for that, a CD reader will be required which is usually absent on the advanced laptops. Thus, a USB flash drive can be used for booting in such case.
Install Antivirus
For the removal of malware from windows, you will have to make sure that your antivirus software is updated with the latest virus definitions. The Antivirus makers constantly update the list of new viruses and Trojans that they encounter in the lab and in the wild. Remember that if your antivirus software is even a day late then your PC is at the risk of infection. The top-rated antivirus programs are Avast Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, or Panda Antivirus. Install one of them and you are good to go.
Download Malware Scanners
Antivirus software along with a good scanner is all you need to remove malware from Windows. A run of the scanner will detect infections and remove them. Also, keep in mind that antivirus software is able to detect 100 percent of the malware, thus a scanner can work as a second defense option.
Besides a real time antivirus software, the installing of scanners for multiple programs is a good idea. This is because if any one scanner misses out any infection, the other will detect it. It is recommended to use a scanner first and later run a full scan by the antivirus program.
Some good quality and free on-demand scanners include Malwarebytes, Avast, and BitDefender, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
Update Systems
Usually, PC gets infected by malware due to the use of the outdated software. Such malware exploits the flaws in the system and takes advantage of it. You must make sure to install updates as soon as they are introduced.
Revert your Computer
If the malware removal from windows is still not achieved, means the malware has bug deep into your system then last option factory reset. Your files will be protected but any installed software will be deleted from the computer and it will convert into factory default.
“Reset PC” feature is ready to use on Windows 8 and 10 which will reset windows to its factory default settings. For Windows 7, there is a specific key that needs to be pressed during the boot process for accessing a restore partition. For knowing the exact key you need to press, you may consult your computer’s manual.
Backup
It’s important that you backed up your files before you wipe off your hard drive or revert your computer. Backup is essential because when computer hit by malware it affects your data and your files get deleted. You will have all your important files in the hard drive or on the cloud.
Conclusion
By following the above steps of removing malware from windows, you will definitely get benefited. Once you have had a fight with the malware, for next time make sure that you have installed a good antivirus program, your operating system is updated and avoid running programs that have the potential of installing nasty software.