Is your Windows 10 PC running slower than usual? Are you seeing different pop-ups that weren’t there before?
In such cases, you may have a computer infected with malware. There are ways to check. This article will show you how to scan your computer for malware in Windows 10.
Windows Defender
The first logical place to start is Windows Defender. Not only is it free, but every time you buy Windows 10. It’s also easy to use, making it ideal for casual users who don’t go beyond regular sites.
It works by scanning threats such as adware, spyware, and viruses. Enabling Defender will prevent malware from causing significant damage.
Turn on Windows Defender
Open Windows Settings. Go to Update & Security Windows Security. In the “Areas of protection” section, select “Virus and threat protection”.
A new window will appear with a list of security options. Click Virus & Threat Protection. Now click on Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection Settings. Switch to real-time protection mode and enable it if it is currently disabled.
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Once activated, Windows Defender will automatically scan your PC for malware. The most recent version of Windows Defender is not available on Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Is Windows Defender enough?
The short answer is no, if you are looking for a more robust solution. As mentioned earlier, the average Defender user is fine.
But if we’re talking about sheer performance, there are third-party solutions that offer additional protection and can be tailored to meet specific needs. One tool we’ve always offered at Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Diagnose malware in Windows 10
There are other ways to diagnose malware on your Windows 10 computer. Below are just a few of them.
Safe Mode
The PC has a feature called Safe Mode. When you boot your PC in this mode, only the main programs are loaded. It is forbidden to run malware. If your computer is faster in Safe Mode, you might have malware.
To access Safe Mode, select Start Power. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart. After restarting your computer, you should be able to enter Safe Mode.
You want to delete temporary files in safe mode. Go to Search and type Disk Cleanup. It is a free utility included with Windows 10. It will help you remove old files and possibly malware after a quick scan.
Third party scanners
If you feel like your current antivirus solution is not up to the task, it might be time to consider installing one of the many malware scanners on the market today.
Some of these solutions are free, while others will cost you. There are one-time purchases, others are by subscription. Some antivirus programs work better than others. Make sure you install the highly recommended option from a reputable company.
Browser Settings
Malicious software can change the settings of your browser. For example, malware can change your home page settings to launch sites designed to retrieve information or display ads every time you open your browser.
You need to check your settings as soon as possible to prevent browsers from launching annoying sites.
Microsoft Edge
To change your Microsoft Edge settings, go to Settings and Advanced Preferences. From the Open Microsoft Edge With drop-down menu, choose Specific Page or Pages.
Check the URLs in the list and remove unfamiliar domains.
Google Chrome
Open Google Chrome and choose Preferences Preferences. Scroll down and find On startup. Select “Open a specific page or set of pages.”
Remove unfamiliar domains from the list.
Reformat your computer
There are times when users are forced to reformat their computers to remove malware. But before doing that, be sure to back up important files if possible.
Go to Settings Update & Security Recovery. Under Reset This PC, select Get Started. You will be presented with two options.
Keep My Files will reformat your computer without deleting your files. Remove Everything will do exactly that – remove all files.
Note. The chances of malware removal are higher if you remove everything. However, you run the risk of deleting files and settings.
Follow the instructions on the screen until Windows 10 prompts you to restart your computer.
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