The Ultimate Guide on How to Remove Malicious Programs From Your Computer

The problem has happened?! A malicious virus is now on your computer! So, what is your next step? Despite the damage that a virus can cause to your device, you can get your computer back to work easily, with the help of some of the most useful tools. 

We will use the word malware to refer to any annoying computer software, ranging from viruses and ransomware to adware. Each of these threats has its definition. So, when we mention the word “malicious software,” we mean anything you do not want to have on your computer. It includes a virus that tries to delete your files and adware that tracks your browsing websites. 

In this article, we will mention some important tips that will put you on the right path if you face such enemies. 

What should you do first?

The first step is to let you know the problem exists. When a malicious program arrives, you may or may not receive a system error message. So, you should watch for dangerous indicators, such as excessive system slowdown, infinite browser pop-ups and sluggishness, and sudden stops of various applications. Most devices have antivirus protection such as Avast or Windows Defender that comes with Windows 10. Mac OS does not need an additional protection tool as it has powerful defenses, but it doesn’t mean that there is no malware able to penetrate. also, With Avast, You can generate password Randomly

Windows Defenders is an essential protection tool for Windows 10 against malware

If you don’t have a security tool, you should keep Windows Defender up to date. If you think you have been exposed to malware, perform a full system scan.

Do you know how to do that?

No problem, the app itself has the instructions on how to do so. You may find that the security software on your computer has detected the problem and eliminated it automatically. Then, you can continue watching YouTube and check your Facebook without any worries. Unfortunately, if your antivirus software does not detect the problem or can not fix it, you have to act on it.

Search the Internet for solutions 

If specific signs appear on your computers – such as a message containing a code, or a warning of a ransom program, you should search the Internet for more information. It is better to access the web via smartphone or any other device if you suspect that your computer has been infected and there are problems with your browser.

Finding the problem on the Internet is like transferring responsibility. But it may be the best way to tackle new and dangerous threats. You have to follow specific instructions to remove the problem that bypassed your antivirus software. Badly, if you do not do it right, you may inadvertently make the situation worse.

For example, Security blogs can advise a specific malware.

After new threats are identified, security companies deploy tools and updates. So, it is essential to keep up to date with the latest news about it. If your security software can not solve the problem, check the relevant companies’ websites for new repair tools that can solve your problem. 

Use on-demand tools

So far, you have scanned your computer for malware using your traditional anti-virus software, and done an Internet search for what is going on with you. If the problem still exists, look for on-demand malware scanning tools. These programs need more steps to install and run. They can be your “second choice” alongside your existing software. 

The following tools can support your device: Microsoft Safety Scanner, Spybot Search and Destroy, Bitdefender Virus Scanner (also for macOS), Kaspersky Security Scan, Avira PC Cleaner, and Malwarebytes. These tools will scan for the problem and help existing security programs.

Example: Microsoft Safety Scanner

On-demand scanners like Microsoft Safety Scanner scan your programs and files again.

The reason for using additional software is that malware can prevent existing security tools from working properly. It may prevent you from accessing the Internet, in which case you will have to use another computer to load the on-demand scan program on external memory and transfer it to the infected computer. The program performs an extensive search on your computer and deletes any dangerous viruses. To make sure it works, you can scan again using different tools.

These tools will often detect and fix the problem, or at least provide you with appropriate instructions. After using your security software and on-demand scanners, the system will be free of malware. Any existing errors or problems will be due to other factors such as incorrectly installed updates and faulty hard drives.

Delete programs or reset your operating system 

After using the antivirus programs, you have two other options.

Option 1: Track installed programs and browser extensions to find something suspicious and uninstall it. But in this way, you may delete an important program. So you may need to do an internet search to check the reliability of your programs and add-ons before uninstalling them. 

Option 2: Completely delete the computer data and reinstall the operating system from scratch. Although this method will delete your files, it will also delete any malicious software. Before you take this step, make sure you backup your important files and folders elsewhere, and that you can reinstall your programs again.

Reinstall Windows

The option to reinstall and reset the operating system is always there, but it will delete your files and the malware.

The process of reinstalling the operating system and resetting the computer to its primitive state has become much easier. Microsoft has the necessary instructions for Windows, and Apple has the instructions for Mac OS. You can find a lot of instructions on the Internet.

Now you can get rid of the problem with recommended deletion methods, existing security software, on-demand scan tools, and system deletion. If the problem persists, after all that, then you should call the experts.

Prevent future problems

Proactively protecting your computer from malware is another matter, but we will give you the principles. Be wary of links and attachments you open and allow on your computer. Remember that most viruses and malware will find their way to your computer via email or a web browser. Therefore, be careful when you click on links or download files and anonymous external USB drives. You should also protect and secure your accounts.

Always update your operating system and antivirus software. Most browsers and operating systems update automatically, but you can check this from time to time. Please remember that there is no 100% effective protection, so you should always be prepared for any emergency. 

Finally, consider cutting off your computer’s connection to the Internet to prevent the malware from spreading, or shutting down your computer completely to protect files from getting corrupted.