How to Remove Malware from Your PC: Free Step-by-Step Guide

Stay calm — most infections are removable

Pop-up ads, browser hijacks, slow performance, unknown toolbars? You can usually clean the PC yourself. For ransomware (encrypted files + ransom note), skip to the warning below.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet

Turn off WiFi or unplug the cable. This stops the malware phoning home and spreading. (You'll reconnect briefly for downloads.)

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

1. Hold Shift and click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, press 4.

Safe Mode prevents most malware from auto-starting, making it easier to remove.

Step 3: Delete temporary files

Press Win+R, type %temp%, select everything and delete. Many infections hide here. Then run Disk Cleanup.

Step 4: Run a full antivirus scan

Update and run Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan. While it runs, reconnect briefly and download Malwarebytes Free (our Download Center) for a second opinion — no single engine catches everything. Run its full scan too.

Step 5: Fix your browser

Reset each browser to remove hijacked settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Reset settings → Restore to original defaults.
• Edge: Settings → Reset settings.
• Firefox: Help → More Troubleshooting Information → Refresh Firefox.

Then check installed extensions and remove anything you don't recognize.

Step 6: Remove unknown programs and tasks

Check Apps → Installed apps sorted by date for recently installed junk. Open Task Scheduler and look for suspicious tasks (odd names, running from Temp folders). Check Startup apps too.

Step 7: Change your passwords

From a clean device, change passwords for email, banking, social media — assume everything typed recently may have been captured. Enable two-factor authentication everywhere you can.

Step 8: When to reinstall Windows

If scans come back clean but weird behavior continues, or the infection was severe (rootkit), a clean Windows install is the only 100% guarantee. See our Windows guides — and back up first!

Professional help

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