How to Check for Viruses on Windows 10

Has your computer been acting up lately? Those frustrating crashes, mysterious pop-ups, and painfully slow performance might not be just random quirks; they could be telling you something’s wrong. Viruses and malware are getting sneakier by the day, finding new ways to slip past our defenses and wreak havoc on Windows 10 systems.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your PC. We’ve created this straightforward guide to help you check for viruses on Windows 10, kick them out, and keep them from coming back.

Whether you’re dealing with suspicious activity now or want to prevent future problems, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get your Windows 10 PC back to its best!

Recognizing the signs of a virus infection on Windows 10

Identifying potential malware on your Windows 10 PC is crucial for timely intervention. Common indicators of infection include:

• Slow performance: Programs take longer to open, and overall system speed is reduced.
• Frequent crashes or freezes: The computer becomes unstable, crashing or freezing unexpectedly.
• Unexpected pop-ups: Unwanted advertisements or alerts appear, even when not browsing the internet.
• Unknown programs or files: Unfamiliar applications install themselves without your consent.
• Excessive hard drive activity: The hard drive runs constantly, even when the computer is idle.
• Unusual network activity: High levels of network traffic when you’re not using internet-intensive applications.
• Disabled security software: Antivirus programs or firewalls are turned off without your input.
• Emails sent without your knowledge: Friends or colleagues receive strange emails from your account.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to check your Windows 10 computer for viruses.

How to check for viruses on Windows 10

Here’s how to check for viruses on Windows 10:

1. Update Windows and your software

Keeping your system and applications up to date ensures you have the latest security patches.

• Update Windows:
  • Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  • Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
• Update applications:
  • Open each program and use its built-in update feature, or visit the official website to download the latest version.

2. Use Windows Security (built-in antivirus)

Windows 10 includes Windows Security, which provides real-time protection against malware.

• Access Windows Security:
  • Click the Start button and type Windows Security, then press Enter.
• Run a quick scan:
  • In Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection.
  • Click Quick scan to perform a basic system check.
• Run a full scan:
  • Under Current threats, click Scan options.
  • Select Full scan and click Scan now.
  • Note: A full scan may take some time to complete.

3. Use Microsoft Defender Offline scan

Some malware hides from regular scans. An offline scan can detect and remove such threats.

• Run an offline scan:
  • In Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection.
  • Click Scan options.
  • Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now.
  • Save your work, as your PC will restart to perform the scan.

4. Check for suspicious programs

Review installed programs for any that you don’t recognize or didn’t install.

• View installed programs:
  • Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
• Uninstall unknown programs:
  • Scroll through the list and identify any unfamiliar software.
  • Select the program and click Uninstall.
  • Follow the prompts to remove it.

5. Use Task Manager to identify malicious processes

Malware often runs hidden processes in the background.

• Open Task Manager:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Review processes:
  • Click on the Processes tab.
  • Look for processes using high CPU, memory, or disk resources.
• Investigate suspicious processes:
  • Right-click a process and select Search online to gather information.
• End malicious processes:
  • If confirmed as malware, right-click the process and select End task.

6. Scan with third-party antivirus software (optional)

Additional Windows antivirus software can provide comprehensive protection.

• Choose reputable software:
  • Consider options like Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, or Avast Antivirus.
• Install and update:
  • Download from the official website and install the software.
  • Update the virus definitions for the latest protection.
• Perform a full system scan:
  • Open the antivirus program and run a thorough scan.
  • Follow the prompts to quarantine or remove detected threats.

7. Scan in Safe Mode (if necessary)

If malware persists, scanning in Safe Mode can help remove stubborn threats.

• Boot into Safe Mode:
  • Click the Start button, select Power, then hold Shift and click Restart.
  • After restarting, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • Press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.
• Run antivirus scans:
  • While in Safe Mode, run scans with Windows Security and any third-party antivirus apps.

How to remove viruses from your Windows 10 PC

If threatware is detected, follow these steps to remove it:

1. Quarantine or remove threats found by antivirus software

• Follow prompts:
  • After scanning, review the list of detected threats.
  • Choose to Quarantine or Remove each threat as recommended.
• Restart your computer:
  • Some removals may require a system restart to complete.

2. Delete malicious files manually (if necessary)

• Locate the file path:
  • Note the location of infected files from the antivirus report.
• Delete files:
  • Navigate to the file location using File Explorer.
  • Right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
• Empty the Recycle Bin:
  • Right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop and select Empty Recycle Bin.

3. Reset or reinstall affected programs

• Uninstall compromised software:
  • Go to Programs and Features and remove the affected application.
• Reinstall software:
  • Download the latest version from the official website.
  • Install and update before using the program.

4. Restore your system (if necessary)

If issues persist, restoring your system to a previous state may help.

• Use System Restore:
  • Press Windows + S and type Create a restore point, then press Enter.
  • In the System Protection tab, click System Restore.
  • Select a restore point from before the infection occurred.
  • Follow the prompts to restore your system.

5. Clear temporary files

Deleting temporary files and clearing cookies can remove malware hiding in these folders.

• Use Disk Cleanup:
  • Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.
  • Select your system drive (usually C:).
  • Check Temporary files and other desired categories.
  • Click OK to delete the files.

6. Perform a Factory Reset (as a last resort)

Warning: This will remove all personal files and installed programs. Back up important data first.

Reset your PC:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
• Under Reset this PC, click Get Started
• Choose either:
  • Keep my files (removes apps but keeps personal files)
  • Remove everything (complete factory reset)
• Select Cloud download for a fresh Windows copy

How to prevent future virus infections

Don’t wait for disaster to strike! Taking action now can save you countless headaches later. Here’s your action plan to keep your Windows 10 PC running smoothly:

Install and update antivirus software

• Use reliable antivirus:
• Keep definitions updated:
  • Ensure virus definitions are current for maximum protection.

Keep Windows and applications updated

• Enable automatic updates:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and turn on automatic updates.
• Regularly update software:
  • Check for updates within your applications or enable their automatic update features.

Be cautious with emails and attachments

• Avoid suspicious emails:
  • Do not open emails from unknown senders or unexpected messages from known contacts as these could contain email threatware.
• Do not click unknown links:
  • Be wary of links and attachments, as they may contain malware.

Download software from trusted sources

• Use official websites:
  • Only download programs from official vendor sites or trusted platforms.
• Verify software authenticity:
  • Check digital signatures or hashes when available.

Use a firewall

• Enable Windows Firewall:
  • In Windows Security, select Firewall & network protection.
  • Ensure the firewall is active for all network profiles.

Practice safe browsing habits

• Secure connections:
  • Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
• Avoid malicious sites:
  • Do not visit websites flagged as unsafe by your browser or security software.

Use strong, unique passwords

• Create complex passwords:
  • Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Use a password manager:
• Enable two-factor authentication:
  • Add an extra layer of security to your accounts when available.

Regularly back up your data

• Use external drives or cloud services:
  • Back up important files to prevent data loss.
• Set up automatic backups:

Stay informed about phishing and scams

• Recognize phishing attempts:
  • Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information.
• Educate yourself:
  • Keep up to date with common scam tactics and cybersecurity best practices.

Remember: when it comes to checking for viruses, prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than the cure. By following the steps in this guide and staying alert to potential threats, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your digital life secure.