You are writing an important mail, going to attach a file but the moment you searched for the file, it vanished. What’s that? Most probably, a virus has attacked your laptop. If you’re facing such issues, it’s crucial to know how to remove virus from laptop quickly to prevent data loss and further damage.
According to the AV-TEST Institute, over 450,000 new malicious programs and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) are registered every single day.
Number of these programs are continuously increasing the same way technology is booming. These malwares can attack your computer anytime and it can slow down your system performance and corrupt a lot of files.
But here’s the solution! You can remove these virus from laptop without wiping out your important business data. Whether you are reading this blog post before or after a virus attack or loss of data, it can be helpful at both the time.
Let’s move further and check on how to remove virus from laptop:
There are a lot of illicit ways through which attackers can target your laptop. They can hide behind everyday activities. Here are some common points where a laptop virus can affect the performance:
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These are a few tactics of attackers that could be used against you to corrupt your system or steal any business data.
You must know that viruses have entered your laptop. Here are some common warning signs that can help you know about the virus attack before your whole system gets corrupted.
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Here comes the awaited section!
If your laptop has a virus, formatting it should always be the last step. Before that, you can use many other methods to clean your system safely without losing your data. Here’s a detailed guide for both Windows and Mac users:
Important: Backup Your Important Files First
Even though this detail will have all the steps to remove virus from laptop without formatting, there is always a small risk of getting accidental loss of files. Thus, it is recommended to save all your important business files or data on any external storage or cloud storage. Just avoid backing up program files (.exe) or suspicious files that you think could carry malware.
Follow the steps below if you have a laptop with Windows:
1. Enter Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers that are needed to run Windows. It prevents most malware from operating.
This environment gives you a better chance of removing malware while it’s inactive.
2. Disconnect from the Internet
Viruses can use your internet to download more malware or share your data with hackers.
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3. Run a Full Antivirus Scan
Use your installed antivirus or download a trusted antivirus software if you don’t have it.
Suggested Read: Best Windows Antivirus Software for Ultimate PC Protection
4. Use Specialized Malware Removal Tools
Some malware types, like rootkits and adware, can evade normal antivirus programs.
5. Uninstall Suspicious or Unknown Programs
Malware often installs itself as a program you might not recognize.
Look out for fake system optimization tools, browser toolbars, or strange software names.
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6. Reset Web Browsers to Default Settings
Malware can hijack your browser to redirect searches, display ads, or collect data.
For example, in Chrome:
Repeat for all installed browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).
7. Clear Temporary Files
Temporary files may leave remnants of malware.
This step also helps antivirus programs scan faster by reducing clutter.
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8. Update Windows and All Installed Programs
Security vulnerabilities in outdated software are often exploited by malware.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Install all pending updates. Keeping your system updated greatly reduces the chance of reinfection.
1. Disconnect from the Internet
Like Windows systems, malware on Macs can use internet access to do damage. Stay offline until necessary for antivirus downloads. You can continue using internet once you have an antivirus installed in your laptop.
2. Identify and Remove Suspicious Applications
Check for apps you don’t remember installing.
Be cautious; if you’re unsure about an app, Google it first to confirm whether it’s safe.
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3. Run a Full Antivirus or Anti-Malware Scan
Although Macs are generally safer, they aren’t immune to malware.
Suggested Read: Top Mac Antivirus Software to Safeguard Your Apple Devices
4. Remove Malicious Login Items
Some viruses configure themselves to start automatically with your Mac.
This prevents malware from reactivating when you reboot.
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5. Reset Your Web Browsers
Malware often targets browsers with malicious extensions or homepage redirects.
In Safari:
Repeat this process for other browsers like Chrome or Firefox if installed.
6. Update macOS and All Applications
Newer versions of macOS patch security holes that malware might exploit.
Staying updated is one of the best defenses against future infections.
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1. Use Multiple Scanning Tools
No single antivirus catches everything. After running a full antivirus scan, you must scan it again with a second tool.
2. Check Task Manager or Activity Monitor
Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to spot strange processes using a lot of CPU or memory. Research unknown processes online, with this you can manually detect hidden viruses.
3. Disable Suspicious Startup Programs
Viruses often add themselves to your startup. Remove unknown or suspicious programs from:
4. Clean Your USB Drives Too
If you’ve connected USB drives recently, scan them too. Malware often spreads through infected flash drives.
5. Strengthen Your Security Settings
After removing the virus:
6. Consider a Professional If Needed
If you can’t remove the virus after multiple attempts, contact a professional technician. Trying too many methods, being a non-cybersecurity expert, can sometimes worsen the damage.
Conclusion
It could be a little stressful dealing with a laptop virus. Following the right steps is essential to get rid of a virus. Here’s a conclusion of the steps:
A few tips are to keep in mind, like regularly scanning your system with a trusted antivirus for laptops, staying cautious with downloads, and keeping your software updated. These could be helpful in avoiding future attacks. Remember, early detection and timely action are key to keeping your device and data safe.
Stay proactive, stay protected, and you’ll rarely have to worry about removing virus from your laptop again!
You can manually uninstall suspicious programs, reset browser settings, and clear temporary files to help clean your system of viruses.
A computer antivirus is really helpful in controlling viruses. But you must not only rely on the software; keep a habit of regularly updating your software and apps, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and using secure Wi-Fi networks.
An antivirus software can run a full system scan and can tell you whether your system has been attacked by a virus or not. The other signs of infection could be slow performance, frequent crashes, or unfamiliar programs running in the background. This could indicate the presence of malware.
A few of the top options for virus removal are Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, and Windows Defender. These tools come with effective virus detection and removal. If you want some key information of these software in detail like pricing and features, you can visit Techjockey.com.
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