Viruses & malware
Most infections can be found and removed with Microsoft Defender, which comes with Windows 11 and Windows 10. Start with the signs, then work through scanning, Safe Mode and browser clean-up. There is a separate guide for ransomware, which needs a different approach.
5 guides in this topic
Not sure where to start? Follow these in order
- Check the signs
Rule out the everyday causes that look like a virus but are not.
- Scan with Defender
A full scan, then an offline scan, using the protection already in Windows.
- Use Safe Mode if blocked
Start Windows with only the essentials so nothing can interfere.
- Clean up the browser
Remove unwanted extensions, notification spam and forced settings.
Guides about viruses & malware
- Does my computer have a virus? Signs to check calmly The signs that really point to malware, the ones that usually do not, and one safe first check.
- Remove a virus with Microsoft Defender: full scan and offline scan Run a full scan, then an offline scan, deal with what they find and confirm the PC is clean.
- Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode when something blocks a scan Three ways into Safe Mode, what it is for, and how to get back out again.
- Browser homepage or search engine changed by itself? Put it back Remove unwanted extensions and notification spam, then reset Chrome, Edge or Firefox.
- Files locked and a ransom note on screen: first steps Disconnect, do not pay, record what you see, look for a free decryptor and restore from backup.
Other topics
- Scams & fake warningsFake virus pop-ups, invoices you never ordered, and what to do if a stranger got in.
- Antivirus softwareIndependent steps for McAfee, Norton and Microsoft Defender, and whether you need to pay at all.
- Everyday PC problemsA slow computer, a printer that says offline, and Wi-Fi that connects but loads nothing.