How to remove malware from your computer

Disaster has struck—an unwanted piece of malware took root on your computer. So what's your next step? While the potential damage viruses can cause shouldn't be underestimated, you might be able to get your computer back on its feet without too much difficulty, thanks to an array of helpful tools at your disposal.

We're using the term malware to refer to all kinds of computer nasties, from viruses to ransomware to adware. While each of these threats have their own definitions, the terms are often used interchangeably, and can mean different things to different people. So for simplicity's sake, when we say malware, we mean everything you don't want on your computer, from a virus that tries to delete your files to an adware program that's tracking your web browsing.

With so many types of malware and so many different system setups out there, we can't cover every specific scenario. But we can give you some general pointers to get you on your way to the help you need.

What to do first

The first step is realizing you have a problem. When malware hits, you sometimes get a threatening error message—but sometimes you don't. So keep an eye out for red flags, such as a system that's slowing to a crawl, a web browser hit by endless pop-ups or slowdowns, and applications that keep crashing.

Most machines have some kind of antivirus security protection, even if it's just the Windows Defender tool built into Windows 10. Extra security software isn't so essential on macOS, because the integrated defenses are very effective—but that doesn't mean a clever bit of malware can't get access.

If you do have a security tool installed, make sure to keep it up to date. Then, when you suspect you've been hit, run a thorough system scan. Not sure how to do this? The app itself should have instructions for how to run a scan. This is always the first step in weeding out malware and viruses.

READ MORE AT: https://www.popsci.com/remove-malware-from-computer#page-3