If you think your computer might have a virus or malware, the first thing to do is slow down and take a breath. These things happen to just about everyone at some point. Whether you accidentally clicked a shady link, opened an unexpected attachment, or downloaded something from a sketchy website, the good news is that most infections can be handled without too much drama. The important part is acting quickly and taking the right steps to make sure your system gets cleaned and stays protected moving forward.
Start by disconnecting from the internet. If malware is trying to send or receive data, cutting off its connection can help limit damage and prevent it from spreading to other devices on your network. On a desktop or laptop, turn off Wi-Fi or unplug your ethernet cable. On a phone or tablet, airplane mode will do the trick. This step might not seem like much, but it can help contain the problem and give you a safer space to work from while you clean things up.
Side note: If you’re ever interviewing for a job in IT and you get asked the question “You suspect a computer in the office is infected with a virus, what are some of the first steps you would take to address this?” Always start your answer with “Well, the first thing I would do is to disconnect it from the network…” That’s the answer they’re looking for and, 90% of applicants never mention it.
Next, restart your computer in Safe Mode. This special startup mode loads only the essential parts of your system and usually stops malware from launching with it. On Windows, hold down the Shift key and restart, then choose Safe Mode from the menu that appears. On a Mac, restart and immediately hold Shift until you see the login screen. If malware is running normally, Safe Mode gives you a better shot at disabling it before it causes more trouble.
Once you’re in Safe Mode, it’s time to run a full system scan. You’ll want to use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program. Go with something well-known and reliable. Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky are all solid options. Make sure the software is up to date so it can detect the latest threats. If you don’t already have one installed, download it on another clean computer and transfer it over with a USB drive. Start a full scan and let it run its course. It might take a while, but that’s a good sign that it’s being thorough.
In some, rare cases, safe mode won’t stop all malware/virus processes and, as a result, your antivirus software may not be able to remove the infection. In these cases, using a virus scanner that has a built in boot time or startup scan may be helpful. Some options for this are Avast, AVG and Kaspersky Rescue Disk which are all free.
A boot time scan is exactly what it sounds like, a type of virus scan that happens before your computer fully starts up. When you turn on your computer, the operating system (like Windows) usually loads first. But viruses or malware can hide themselves in the system once it's up and running. A boot-time scan works by checking your computer before everything else starts, which makes it harder for the malware to hide or fight back. This type of scan can find and remove viruses that might be able to hide while your computer is running normally, even in safe mode. It’s particularly useful for catching stubborn malware like rootkits that try to remain undetected by normal scans.
If threats are found, follow the steps to remove or quarantine them. Some malware is tricky and may try to come back even after removal. If you still see signs of infection after the scan, you may need a more targeted approach. Many antivirus companies offer free removal tools for specific malware types. You can also search the name of the malware online and look for trusted removal guides. Just make sure you’re getting your instructions from legit sources and not random forums or unfamiliar websites.
After cleaning things up, restart your system normally and run another full scan. This helps confirm that the threat is actually gone. If your computer still feels weird or you're seeing strange behavior, it might be time to get professional help. Some infections are deeply rooted and need more advanced tools or even a complete system reset.
Once your system is clean, take a few more minutes to tidy up. Open your list of installed programs and remove anything you don’t recognize. Check your browser for suspicious extensions or changes to your homepage or search engine. Malware often makes little tweaks that stick around even after the main infection is gone. Resetting your browser to its default settings can be a fast way to undo these changes.
Now is also the time to update everything. Update your operating system, your browser, your apps, and your antivirus software. Patches fix the vulnerabilities that malware uses to get in. Keeping things updated is one of the easiest ways to reduce your chances of getting hit again.
Don't forget your passwords. If there’s even a small chance that the malware was capturing keystrokes or login info, you need to change your passwords right away. Focus first on important accounts like your email, banking, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each one and avoid reusing the same password across different accounts. A password manager can make this a whole lot easier.
Going forward, stay alert online. Avoid clicking on unknown links, especially in emails or messages. Be careful with downloads, even from websites that look legit. Don’t install browser extensions unless you know what they do and where they come from. And keep that antivirus software updated and running regular scans on a schedule. Think of it like brushing your teeth, it might feel like a chore, but it prevents much bigger problems later.
If your system ever starts acting up again, don’t wait it out. Weird behavior, strange popups, or slower performance could all be signs of something lurking in the background. It’s always better to deal with it early before it has a chance to do real damage.
Need help removing a virus or just want peace of mind that your computer is safe and clean? Reach out to Lowcountry Network Consulting and we’ll take care of it for you
