How to Remove Viruses on Your Windows 10 PC
As technology advances, cyber threats become more sophisticated, and the risk of falling victim to malware, viruses, spyware, or other kinds of malicious attacks increases. When a virus infects your computer, it can wreak havoc on your system and damage your data, causing expensive repair costs and even facing irreversible data loss. It is crucial to know how to remove viruses from your Windows 10 PC. Here are some methods we recommend:
1. Install reliable Antivirus Software
The best way to prevent and remove viruses from your Windows 10 PC is to install Antivirus software. Several antivirus tools offer complete protection against all types of malware, viruses, Trojans, and spyware, and provide a real-time scan for all the files stored on your computer.
2. Run a Full Computer Scan
The antivirus software will detect and remove any viruses that have infected your PC. However, if the virus is already present, you can eradicate the virus by running a full computer scan. A Full Scan will deep scan your system and look for any threats that may be hiding in your files, folders, and memory.
3. Remove any Suspicious Programs
Check your Programs and Features in the control panel. Remove any programs that you don’t recognize or doubt might be malware. Avoid downloading software or files from untrusted sources, as they might have viruses that can harm your PC.
4. Update your Windows and Security Software
Updating your Operating System and security software regularly is an essential part of your PC’s maintenance. Windows OS updates include security fixes and patches that can protect your PC from various types of viruses and malware.
5. Boot Your PC in Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a useful way to boot your Windows 10 PC to run a diagnostic scan and removal of malware. It is a minimal boot version of your Operating System, preventing any viruses from launching at startup.
6. Use Malware Removal Tools
You can download specific malware removal tools that will target and eliminate the specific virus that has infected your PC. The removal tool is the easiest and quickest way to remove specific viruses and malware that may be challenging to remove using normal antivirus software.
7. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies
Many viruses can be present in the cache and cookies stored by your internet browser. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies regularly to ensure that your PC is not infected with any malware.
8. Avoid Clicking on Pop-Ups
Viruses might come in the form of pop-up windows that prompt you to download software or click a link, leading you to a malicious site. Avoid clicking on pop-up windows and ads as they may contain viruses that could harm your PC.
9. Use a Firewall
Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your PC by preventing unsolicited apps and connections from accessing your network. A firewall ensures that your PC is safe from any external security threats.
10. Backup your Data
Backing up your data regularly will protect your data from any potential virus attacks. If your PC is infected, your backup can be used to restore your data, so you don’t lose any essential documents, pictures, or files.
How to get rid of Virus and Malware on your Computer
Malware and Virus are two types of computer infections that are becoming a part of our day-to-day digital lives. They are pervasive, and their attacks continue to be a threat to our safety online. Here are some ways to get rid of malware and virus on your computer and protect your system from future attacks:
1. Install Antivirus Software
The first step in getting rid of malware and virus on your computer is to install reliable Antivirus software that provides complete protection against all types of threats.
2. Disconnect from the Internet
If you have identified a virus or malware on your PC, disconnecting from the internet will prevent it from potentially spreading to other devices on your network.
3. Scan Your Computer
Run a full scan of your computer with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware or viruses that could be impacting your computer.
4. Perform a System Restore
Performing a System Restore can help remove any malicious files or programs and bring your computer back to a point prior to the infection.
5. Use Malware Removal Tools
Downloading specialized malware removal tools could help detect and remove specific malware and viruses that may be affecting your PC.
6. Delete Suspicious Files
Remove any suspicious files that may have caused the malware or virus to infect your computer.
7. Update Your Operating System and Programs
An updated Operating System and programs often come with security patches that can address vulnerabilities that malware and viruses exploit. These updates can help prevent future infections.
8. Strengthen Your Passwords
Strengthen your login credentials to protect your accounts from potential users and hackers. Using password managers can help create complex and unique passwords for each account.
9. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts, ensuring that only authorized users have access to your data.
10. Use Encryption
If you have any sensitive data, encrypt it to protect it from malware and viruses that may gain access to your system.
11. Avoid Downloading Suspicious Content
Avoid downloading software or content from unknown or suspicious websites. Malware and viruses often hide in downloads that trick users into installing them unknowingly.
12. Stay Alert and Vigilant
While new threats emerge every day, staying vigilant will minimize your chances of getting infected. Keep your antivirus software updated and perform regular scans on your computer, and stay away from suspicious websites and suspicious links.
13. Disconnect Backup Drives
Disconnect your backup drives after backing up your files. This will prevent the spread of malware or virus to the backup drive, ensuring that your backup is clean and safe.
14. Limit User Access
Limit user access to your computer or network to ensure that only authorized and trusted users can log in.
15. Educate Yourself
Stay informed about the latest malware and virus trends and how they operate. This will help you identify potential threats and recognize when you could be in danger.
16. Backup Your Data
Always have a backup of your data in case of an unexpected infection or loss of data.
17. Use a Firewall
Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to your computer and network, preventing potential malware or virus infections.
18. Keep Your Browser Up-to-date
Browsers can be an entry point for malware and viruses. Keep your browser up-to-date, minimize your browser extensions, and keep your plugins secure.
19. Check Your Network for Vulnerabilities
Check your network for vulnerabilities, such as open ports, and secure your network by disabling any unnecessary services.
20. Monitor Your Computer
Always keep an eye on your computer and system performance. Strange or surprising performance changes can indicate a malware or virus infection.
How to remove virus from PC without antivirus in Windows 7 “Update”
Removing viruses and malware from your PC without antivirus tools can be a daunting task. These viruses can damage, corrupt, or delete files, making it difficult to perform normal computer operations. Here are some methods to remove viruses from your PC without antivirus software.
1. Enter Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that helps you troubleshoot and fix problems with your PC. Entering Safe Mode will prevent any viruses from launching.
2. Use System Restore
Windows 7 has a built-in System Restore feature that can restore your system files to a previous state, free from viruses.
3. Use Command Prompt
Run Command Prompt as an administrator using the Windows key + R, then type “cmd” and press Enter. Enter the command “attrib -h -s -r -a /s /d DRIVELETTER\*” to unhide the hidden files.
4. Run Disk Cleanup
Running Disk Cleanup will remove any unnecessary temporary files that may have been downloaded with the virus or malware and delete it.
5. Use System Configuration
System Configuration allows you to disable startup applications and services, limiting the virus or malware’s ability to operate on your PC.
6. Run Check Disk
Check Disk can find and delete viruses or malware that may be hiding in your system files.
7. Delete the Virus Manually
If you know the virus’s location, you can delete it manually using the Command Prompt.
8. Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a free malware detection and removal tool that can detect and remove malware like viruses, spyware, and adware.
9. Use Kaspersky Rescue Disk
Kaspersky Rescue Disk is a powerful virus removal tool that runs through a CD or USB drive, booting your PC safely in a secure environment to detect and remove viruses.
10. Use Bitdefender Rescue CD
Similar to Kaspersky, Bitdefender Rescue CD is a virus removal tool that can detect and remove viruses from your PC through USB or CD Boot.
11. Use AVG Rescue CD
AVG Rescue CD is a free virus removal tool that detects and removes viruses on an infected system by running through a CD or USB drive.
12. Run Online Virus Scanners
Online virus scanners including ESET Online Scanner, Trend Micro HouseCall, and Kaspersky Security Scan scan and detect viruses on your computer remotely.
13. Delete Temp Files
Clear your temporary folder and delete all unnecessary files to prevent viruses from using them to harm your PC.
14. Disable Startup Programs
Disable any startup programs and media that may be running in the background.
15. Scan with Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials scans and removes viruses from your PC. It is essentially a lightweight antivirus software and is free to use.
16. Run a Chkdsk Scan
Check Disk scan will repair any corrupt files that may have been damaged by the virus or malware.
17. Use Windows Defender Offline
Windows Defender Offline is a virus removal tool that requires you to boot your PC using a USB or CD that you can download from Microsoft’s website.
18. Use Norton Power Eraser
Norton Power Eraser is a free virus removal tool that scans and removes malware and viruses on your PC.
19. Clear Your Browser’s Cache
Clearing your browser’s cache can get rid of any malicious files that may have been downloaded unknowingly.
20. Disable AutoPlay
AutoPlay may start a virus or malware program, so disabling it ensures that your PC is safe.
FAQ:
1. Why do we need Antivirus software?
Antivirus software protects your computer from malicious programs, malware, and viruses that can corrupt data and steal your personal information.
2. What is Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that helps you troubleshoot and fix problems with your PC.
3. What is System Restore?
System Restore is a feature in Windows that reverts your PC’s system files to a previous state
4. What are some free virus removal tools?
Some free virus removal tools include Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Kaspersky Rescue Disk, Bitdefender Rescue CD, and AVG Rescue CD.
5. How do I prevent virus infections?
You can prevent virus infections by installing reliable antivirus software, updating your operating system and programs regularly, and avoiding suspicious downloads and pop-ups.
Conclusion
Keeping your PC safe from malware, viruses, spyware, and other malicious attacks is critical in today’s age of cyber threats. Installing antivirus software and regularly updating your operating system and programs can go a long way in preventing potential infections. Running regular scans, using Malware Removal tools, clearing your cache and cookies, and avoiding suspicious downloads and pop-ups will ensure that your PC is protected from any potential threats. Be wary of random emails and links, and regularly backup your data to protect yourself from any virus attacks, ensuring that your essential data is always safe.
By following the above suggested methods, you can remove viruses from your PC without antivirus software, get rid of malware, and protect your system from any future attacks. Know what to look for and stay alert and informed to prevent falling victim to viruses or any other cyber threats.