Take a breath. We’ll fix it one steady step at a time.
Free, plain-English guides for computer viruses, frightening pop-ups, antivirus software such as McAfee and Norton, and everyday Windows problems. Nothing to download, no account, and nobody to phone.
Or choose what you are seeing
Pick the sentence closest to your problem. Each one opens a guide with short steps you can tick off as you go.
It might be a virus
- My computer is acting strangely and I think it has a virus8 min
- I want to scan my computer for viruses15 min
- Windows Security says it found a threat15 min
- Something stops my virus scan from running8 min
- My homepage or search engine changed by itself10 min
- Pop-up ads keep appearing in my browser10 min
- My files are locked and there is a ransom note12 min
It looks like a scam
- A pop-up says my computer is infected6 min
- My screen is stuck on a warning with a number to call6 min
- I got an antivirus renewal invoice I did not order7 min
- I let someone connect to my computer15 min
- I gave a caller my bank or card details15 min
My antivirus is complaining
- McAfee says I am not protected12 min
- McAfee will not update12 min
- I cannot uninstall McAfee10 min
- Norton will not open or update12 min
- Norton says my computer is at risk12 min
- I cannot uninstall Norton10 min
- Windows says virus protection is turned off8 min
Real warnings never ask you to do these three things
If a message asks for any of them, it is a scam, even when it shows a Microsoft, McAfee or Norton logo. You can close it safely. Nothing bad happens if you ignore it.
- Phone a number shown on the screen or in an email
- Pay, or buy gift cards, to get rid of a virus
- Let someone connect to your computer to “fix” it
Think your computer has a virus? Follow the steady route.
Four guides, in order. Most problems are gone by the end of the second one, using only the protection that already comes with Windows.
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Check the signs
Rule out the everyday causes that look like a virus but are not.
8 min guide -
Scan with Defender
A full scan, then an offline scan, using the protection already in Windows.
15 min guide -
Use Safe Mode if blocked
Start Windows with only the essentials so nothing can interfere.
8 min guide -
Clean up the browser
Remove unwanted extensions, notification spam and forced settings.
10 min guide
Files locked, with a message demanding payment? That needs a different approach. Read ransomware: first steps.
McAfee, Norton or Defender playing up?
Independent self-help steps for the most common problems. We are not any of these companies, and none of these guides is official support.
McAfee
- McAfee says “You’re not protected” or will not update
- Remove McAfee completely, including the leftovers
- McAfee plans explained in plain English
Account or billing question? Use the official site: mcafee.com/support
Norton
- Norton will not open, update or scan: steps to try
- Remove Norton completely with Windows and Norton’s own tool
- An antivirus renewal invoice you did not order? Check it safely
Account or billing question? Use the official site: support.norton.com
Microsoft Defender
- Windows Security says virus protection is off: turn it back on
- Remove a virus with Microsoft Defender: full scan and offline scan
- Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode when something blocks a scan
Account or billing question? Use the official site: support.microsoft.com
Not every problem is a virus
Quick, safe checks for the everyday things that go wrong, using only the settings Windows already has.
What you will find here, and what you will not
You will find
- Steps in a sensible order, quickest and safest first
- What each step does, explained before you do it
- A clear warning before anything that changes important settings
- Links to the company’s own website when a problem needs it
You will not find
- Phone numbers, chat, or anyone offering to connect to your computer
- Downloads, “PC cleaners” or anything you have to install
- Affiliate links, sponsored rankings or paid placements
- Any claim to be McAfee, Norton, Microsoft or another company
Every guide is written in plain English, checked against current versions of Windows and reviewed when things change. Read how we write and check our guides or who runs this site.