Is your laptop running slowly, showing strange pop-ups, or opening programs you never started? It may be infected with a virus or other malware. The good news is that most infections can be removed at home without paying for repairs. Here is how to do it safely.
Signs Your Laptop Has a Virus
- The laptop is suddenly much slower than usual
- Pop-up ads appear even when no browser is open
- Your browser homepage or search engine changed on its own
- Unknown programs or toolbars have appeared
- Your antivirus is disabled and won’t turn back on
- The fan runs loudly all the time, or the battery drains fast
- Files are missing, locked, or renamed
If you notice two or more of these, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Disconnect From the Internet
Turn off Wi-Fi and unplug any network cable. This stops the malware from sending your data out or downloading more harmful files.
Step 2: Back Up Your Important Files
Copy your documents, photos, and other personal files to an external drive or USB stick. Only copy files, not programs, and scan the backup later so you don’t carry the infection over.
Step 3: Restart in Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads only the essentials, which stops many viruses from running.
Windows 10 and 11:
- Hold Shift and click Restart.
- Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
- Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet).
Mac: Restart and hold the Shift key (Intel), or hold the power button and choose Continue in Safe Mode (Apple Silicon).
Step 4: Delete Temporary Files
In Windows, search for Disk Cleanup and delete temporary files. This can remove some malware and will speed up the scan.
Step 5: Run a Full Antivirus Scan
Windows already includes Microsoft Defender:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection → Scan options.
- Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now. The laptop will restart and scan deeply.
For a second opinion, run a free scan with a trusted tool such as Malwarebytes. Download it only from the official website. Remove or quarantine everything it finds.
Step 6: Uninstall Suspicious Programs
Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps and look for software you don’t recognise or didn’t install on purpose. Uninstall it. Also remove unknown extensions from your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
Step 7: Reset Your Browser
If your browser still redirects you or shows ads, reset it to default settings from the browser’s settings menu. This clears hijacked homepages and search engines.
Step 8: Update Everything
Once the laptop is clean, reconnect to the internet and install all pending updates for Windows or macOS, your browser, and your apps. Updates close the security holes that viruses use.
Step 9: Change Your Passwords
Using a clean device, change the passwords for your email, banking, and social media accounts, and turn on two-factor authentication. Some malware steals saved passwords.
Step 10: Last Resort: Reset Your Laptop
If the virus keeps coming back, reset Windows: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC. This erases everything and reinstalls Windows fresh, so make sure your files are backed up first.
How to Prevent Viruses in the Future
- Keep Windows Defender (or another trusted antivirus) switched on
- Install updates as soon as they appear
- Download software only from official websites and app stores
- Avoid cracked software, pirated movies, and free “key generators”, which are common sources of malware
- Don’t open email attachments or click links from unknown senders
- Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
- Back up your files regularly
When to Get Professional Help
If you do banking or work on the laptop and suspect your data was stolen, or if you see a ransom message demanding payment, contact a trusted technician or your IT department. Don’t pay the ransom.
Final Thoughts
Most laptop viruses can be removed with a Safe Mode scan and a little patience. Acting quickly and keeping your system updated will protect both your device and your data.