Pop-ups, a slow laptop, or a scary warning telling you to ring a number? This guide shows you how to check for a virus and remove it safely yourself, and when it’s worth handing it over.
Think you’ve got a virus? Do this now
A few minutes now can save your accounts and your files.
- Disconnect from the internet. Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the cable so nothing else downloads or sends your data.
- Don’t log in to your bank or type any passwords on that computer until it’s clean.
- Never ring a number on a pop-up. Microsoft and your bank don’t put phone numbers in virus warnings.
- Let a stranger onto your computer? Ring your bank now, then change your passwords from a different device.
Signs your laptop might be infected
One of these on its own isn’t proof, but two or three together usually mean something’s wrong.
Pop-ups everywhere
Adverts appearing even with the browser closed.
Browser hijacked
A new home page, search engine or toolbar you didn’t choose.
Fake warnings
Full-screen alerts telling you to ring “support” or pay to fix it.
Suddenly slow
Fans roaring and everything lagging when you’re doing very little.
Friends get odd emails
Messages sent from your account that you didn’t write.
Files won’t open
Renamed or locked files and a ransom note. Switch off and get help.
Get help nowHow to remove a virus yourself
These steps work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and need no paid software.
Back up your files
Copy documents and photos to a USB stick or external drive. Copy files only, not programs.
Start in Safe Mode
Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press 4. Most malware can’t load in Safe Mode.
Run a full scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Run a Full scan, then the Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which restarts the PC and checks it before Windows loads.
Get a second opinion
Run a free scan with a separate tool such as Malwarebytes to catch adware and junk that Defender sometimes misses.
Remove unknown programs
Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Sort by install date and uninstall anything you don’t recognise that arrived around when the problems started.
Clean up your browsers
Remove extensions you didn’t add and reset Chrome, Edge or Firefox to default settings.
Update and change passwords
Install all Windows updates. Then change your email and banking passwords from a clean device and turn on two-step verification.
When it’s worth handing it over
It keeps coming back
The scan says it’s clean, but the pop-ups return a day later.
A scam caller got in
Someone had remote access. The PC needs checking and the remote tool removing.
Files encrypted
Ransomware needs careful handling to save what can be saved.
See data recoveryToo slow to scan
A badly infected or failing laptop can take hours, or crash mid-scan.
fixed price
Full clean, unwanted programs and browser hijacks removed, Windows updated and security settings checked. Your files are protected throughout.
A fresh start when the system is too damaged to trust
Your files moved back safely after a reinstall or onto a new PC
You’ll always know the price before any work starts. See all prices.
Stop it happening again
Keep Windows updated
Most infections use holes that updates have already fixed.
Use strong, different passwords
A password manager and two-step verification on email and banking.
Back up regularly
An external drive or cloud backup means a virus can’t take your photos.
Be wary of attachments
Unexpected invoices, parcels and “your account is locked” emails are the usual bait.
Download from official sites
Get software from the maker’s own site or the Microsoft Store, not pop-up links.
Keep Defender switched on
For most home users, the built-in Microsoft Defender is all the antivirus needed.
Questions
Do I need to pay for antivirus?
For most home users, no. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 10 and 11 and updates itself. Safe habits and backups matter more than which antivirus you buy.
Will I lose my files?
A normal virus clean-up doesn’t touch your documents or photos. If Windows has to be reinstalled, I back your files up first.
Someone rang saying they were from Microsoft. What now?
It was a scam. If they got onto your computer or you paid them, ring your bank straight away, then have the computer checked and change your passwords from another device. My guide to scam calls explains more.
My files have been encrypted. Can they be saved?
Sometimes. Switch the computer off, don’t pay the ransom, and get it looked at. Backups and file versions can often be restored. See data recovery.
Can you come to me?
Yes, home call-outs are available, and there’s free collection within 5 miles of North Cave. You can also drop off at the workshop.
How long does it take?
It depends how badly the machine is infected. You’ll get a realistic timeframe once I’ve looked at it.
How I can help
Need a hand with this?
Free advice over the phone. Mon–Fri 10–6, Sat 10–2, early drop-off and evenings by arrangement.