That spinning wheel that won’t go away, the strange pop-ups, or the sudden sluggishness of your laptop can be worrying signs. If you suspect your laptop has a virus, it’s a stressful feeling, but you’re not alone, and it’s a problem you can often fix yourself. Taking quick action can help protect your personal information and get your computer running smoothly again.
First Steps: Disconnect and Enter Safe Mode
As soon as you notice something is wrong, your first move should be to disconnect your laptop from the internet. This includes turning off Wi-Fi and unplugging any ethernet cables. This prevents the virus from communicating with its source or spreading. Next, restart your laptop and boot into Safe Mode. On Windows 10 or 11, you can do this by holding the Shift key while clicking “Restart” in the power menu. This loads Windows with only the essential programs, making it easier to remove the infection.
Running a Full System Scan
Once in Safe Mode, it’s time for a deep clean. Open your installed antivirus software—like Windows Security (also called Microsoft Defender)—and run a full system scan. Don’t just do a quick scan; a full scan checks every file and folder on your laptop. If your antivirus finds any threats, follow its prompts to quarantine or remove them. Quarantining isolates the file, which is often safer than deleting it immediately.
When to Try a Second Opinion Scanner
Sometimes, one scanner isn’t enough. If your main antivirus doesn’t find anything but you’re still having problems, consider using a specialized removal tool. Programs like Malwarebytes are designed to find and remove threats that other software might miss. You can download and run one of these scanners alongside your main antivirus for a more thorough check.
Clearing Out Browser Hijacks and Leftovers
After the virus is removed, you might still see its effects in your web browser. Check your browser’s settings and reset them to their default state. This clears out any unwanted toolbars, search engines, or homepages that the virus may have installed. It’s also a good idea to clear your browser cache and cookies at this stage for a fresh start.
Dealing with a laptop virus can be a hassle, but by following these steps, you can often resolve the issue and restore your peace of mind. Remember, the best cure is always prevention, so be sure to keep your antivirus software updated and be cautious about the files you download and the links you click on in the future.
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