# How to Remove Malware From Windows
Removing malware can seem overwhelming after your device becomes infected with a virus, but with a quick and careful response, removing a virus or malware program can be easier than you think. We created a guide that explains exactly **how to Remove Malware [phone] From Windows or PC**.
## What is malware?
Malware (short for malicious software) can manifest itself in several forms: spyware, legitimate virus programs, back doors, worms, adware, ransomware, Trojans, and more. Whatever form it takes, the malware aims to cash in on your misfortune, be it by stealing your personal information and selling it on the dark web, or by encrypting your data, locking you until you pay a ransom to regain access.

## How to Remove Malware From Windows Pc 2023
Malware can reach your devices (both PCs and Macs are vulnerable) in a number of ways, potentially exposing your social security numbers, credit and debit card information, login information, bank account details, and more. This is why being able to recognize the symptoms of an infected device is vital to protecting your personally identifiable information and preventing identity theft.

### How your devices get infected with malware
So how does malware infect a computer? There are many ways to fall victim to a malware infection. Sometimes it can be as simple as visiting a malicious website or clicking a fake link in an email scam. Often these infection attempts will try to instill a sense of urgency to install software or download a file that contains a hidden virus. Make sure to be careful online and be careful about clicking on unfamiliar links or emails.

Malware can infect both Mac and PC. Although PCs are best known for attracting this vulnerability, Macs can be just as susceptible. Regardless of the type of device you have, it is important to be aware of the threat of malicious software.

**If your Mac or PC has malware, they might show symptoms like:**

* Slower performance than usual.
* A tool or add-on in your browser that you did not install.
* Pop-up ads that are difficult to close, contain offensive content, or are generally annoying, even outside of your internet browser.
* Unusual general function.
* If you think your PC or Mac has a malware infection, follow the steps below to get rid of a malware infection.

## How to remove malware from a PC
**Step 1:** disconnect from the Internet

Disconnecting from the internet will prevent more data from being sent to a malware server or the malware from spreading further.

**Step 2:** enter safe mode

If the malware is set to load automatically, this will prevent it from loading, making it easier to remove. To enter safe mode:

**Restart your PC.**

* When you see the login screen, hold down the Shift key and select Power → Restart.
* After restarting your PC, on the “Choose an option” screen, select:
* Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
* In the next window, click the Restart button and wait for the following screen to appear.
* A menu with numbered startup options will appear. Select the number 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode.

**Disclaimer:** Avoid logging into accounts during malware removal
To avoid sharing your personally identifiable information, do not log into sensitive accounts while your device is infected.

**Step 3:** Check your activity monitor for malicious apps

If you know you installed a suspicious application or update, close the application if it is running. Your activity monitor shows the processes that are running on your computer, so you can see how they affect the activity and performance of your computer.

In Type to find type → Resource Monitor → Find final task → Right click → End process

**Step 4:** run a malware scanner

Fortunately, malware scanners can remove many standard infections. But remember that if you already have an antivirus program active on your computer, you should use a different scanner for this malware check, as your current antivirus software may not initially detect the malware.

**Step 5:** fix your web browser

The malware is likely to modify the home page of your web browser to reinfect your PC. Check your home page and connection settings by following the steps below for common browsers.

**To verify your home page in Chrome:**

**4.** In the upper right corner of your Chrome browser, click More → Settings.
**5.** Select the drop-down menu in the “Search Engine” section.
**6.** Check your default home page.

**To verify your home page in Internet Explorer:**

* Select the Tools icon.
* Click Internet Options.
* On the General tab, find the “Search” section and click Settings.
* Check your default home page.
* Step 6: clear your cache

Once you have verified your home page settings, it is imperative to clear your browser’s cache. Follow these steps below to learn how to clear your cache for Chrome and Internet Explorer.

**To clear your cache in Chrome:**

* History → Clear browsing data → Time range → All the time → Clear data.
* To clear your cache in Internet Explorer:
* Tools → Security → Delete browsing history.

### What if the malware removal is unsuccessful?

If the malware removal is unsuccessful, sometimes the only way to make sure your computer is malware-free is to completely reinstall the operating system and its applications or programs from scratch. Before cleaning your hard drive, back up all your files to an external drive and consult Apple or Microsoft technical support before beginning the process. Learn how to erase your startup disk before reinstalling MacOS in the following steps:

#### To reinstall MacOS:

Restart the Mac and hold down the Command-R key after the startup chime → Select Disk Utility → Erase.

#### To reinstall Windows:

**Follow the factory reset options. Windows gives you the option to keep your files or delete everything.**

* Select the Start button → Settings → Type Recovery options → Reset this PC → Start → Delete all

### How to know if your device has been infected with malware

**Some of the telltale signs that your device is infected with malware include:**

* Changes in the behavior of your device: For example, unusual ads or pop-ups may start to appear, even when you are not browsing the web.
* Your device may start to work more slowly.
* Your device may suddenly lose storage space.
* The behavior of your browser or the appearance of the home page may change.
* Ads with inappropriate content and flashing colors may appear. They can also block whatever content you are trying to view.

## How to remove malware from your Mac
**Step 1:** disconnect from the Internet

Before doing anything else on your Mac, you should disconnect the Internet to prevent it from transmitting your information to the malware server or infecting other devices. Do your best to stay offline.

If you need to go online to download a tool, immediately go offline once it’s done and don’t go back online once you have what you need. It may be helpful to print these instructions before logging out.

**Step 2:** enter safe mode

Isolate any issues with your Mac by entering Safe Mode. Do this by starting or restarting your device, then immediately press the Shift key. The Apple logo should appear on your screen. If this doesn’t work, find out more here.

**Step 3:** refrain from logging into accounts

Many forms of malware aim to access your confidential information. They do this by stealing your login credentials after tracking your keystrokes or removing your password from your screen or clipboard. Avoid losing any login information by avoiding login at all.

**Step 4:** delete temporary files

**Eliminate temporary files that may have been installed by malware by closing any open applications; right click, select “Exit” and then:**

**Step 1:** in the Finder, select “Go” in the top bar

**Step 2: **Click “Go to Folder” and then type or copy paste “~ / Library /”
screenshot of temporary file deletion

**Step 3:** go to the “Cache” folder

**Step 3:** move all the files from the cache by clicking “Move to Trash”
screenshot of temporary file deletion

**Step 4:** “Empty” the trash

**Step 5:** check your activity monitor

If you think you have malicious software on your Mac, you should find it in Activity Monitor and stop it. Through Activity Monitor, you can see all the applications running on your computer and how each one affects its performance. Search for malicious software and remove it through the Finder.

**Step 1:** go to Finder and select “Applications”
**Step 2:** Click on “Utilities”

**Step 3:** go to “Activity Monitor”

**Step 4:** Double click on an application and then click “Exit”

**Step 5:** run a malware scanner

Now you are ready to cure your Mac from its malware infection. Fortunately, running a malware scanner is usually enough to get rid of most standard infections. If you already had an antivirus program on your device, you should download an on-demand malware scanner that is different from the one you are using for antivirus.

Download a scanner from a trusted source, such as Panda’s Cloud Cleaner, run it, and then install security software that runs constantly in the background to protect you from existing and emerging security threats. Programs like Panda Antivirus for Mac work very well for this.

**Step 7:** fix your web browser

In most cases, the malware will modify the home page of your Internet browser so that it can reinfect your device, show you many advertisements, slow down your browsing, and annoy you. Verify that the home page address is legitimate, and then proceed to check if your browser has malicious extensions. We cover this in our guide to removing the Chromium virus, but you can review the basics below.

### Repair your web browser in Safari
**Step 1:** Open your Safari browser and then open the Safari menu, labeled “Safari” at the top left of your screen.

**Step 2**: choose “Preferences”

**Step 3:** select “Extensions”

**Step 4:** Look for recent suspicious extensions and click “Uninstall”

### Repair your web browser in Chrome
**Step 1:** Click the menu icon in Chrome (top right corner)

**Step 2:** select “More tools”

**Step 3:** click on “Extensions”

**Step 4:** Look for suspicious-looking browser add-ons and select “Remove”

### How to protect your devices from malware
Developing a keen eye for suspicious online activity is the best way to protect yourself and your devices from infection by malware or other viruses. There are already many ways that malware can enter your computer, and more and more types of malware are being created. Some of the best practices for defending your computer and information against infringement are:

* Create more secure passwords
* Delete files from your downloads and trash often
* Update your operating system and applications when prompted
* Avoid suspicious emails, links and websites
* Update your antivirus

Malware is a threat to any internet-connected device, and hackers are getting more creative with how they infect them. Using your best judgment online, knowing the signs of a malware infection, and acting quickly when you think your device is infected are some of the best ways to protect your information online, plus robust malware detection and antivirus software. . Be sure to check out how Panda Security helps protect your devices and information online with great tools like free antivirus software.
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