It’s aggravating to get a computer virus. It can cause long term computer harm as well as slow down your machine and waste hours of your time while you try to remedy it.
Are you unsure what to do if your computer is infected with a virus? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. WefixTech Experts assist millions of clients in getting the most out of their technology and resolving issues with their devices. They’ll show you what to look for, how to get rid of a virus on your Computer PC, and how to avoid getting one in the first place.
What is a virus and how do computers get them?
A computer virus is a harmful program (also known as malware) that is meant to cause damage to your computer and propagate to other devices. It joins itself to a legitimate software, modifies the code, and then multiplies to infect other files or computers. A virus can corrupt data or cause your computer to malfunction.
Your computer can get a virus in many ways. The most common ones are:
- Opening links or attachments in spam emails or on social media.
- Downloading programs from unreliable sites.
- Clicking on malicious ads or pop-ups.
- Sharing files with unknown users
How to know if your computer has a virus
Think your Mac or PC may have a virus? Look for these 10 telltale signs:
- Slow performance
- Unfamiliar programs or browser extensions
- Changes to your default browser or homepage
- Your browser sending you to unwanted sites or search engines
- Frequent crashes
- Recurring error messages
- Excessive pop-ups
- Problems with computer security programs
- Missing files
- Spam messages being sent from your email or social media accounts
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HOW TO CHECK FOR A VIRUS ON A MAC:
Macs have built-in protections for viruses and malware, it’s rare for them to become infected. They’re so unusual that they don’t even have the option to do a manual virus scan. You can download antivirus software that will allow you to do a scan if you want an extra layer of protection. BitdefenderTM, KasperskyTM, and NortonTM are some of the most popular brands.
HOW TO CHECK FOR A VIRUS ON A PC (WINDOWS 10):
- Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Quick scan.
How to remove a virus from your computer
If your program identifies a virus, you may be given the option of having it removed automatically. If it doesn’t, or if you’d rather fix the computer virus yourself, follow the procedures below.
Before you begin, keep in mind that manually removing malware necessitates knowledge of program and process names. It’s natural not to notice these activities because they happen in the background, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Check that a program isn’t virus and doesn’t belong on your computer before quitting or deleting it.
HOW TO GET RID OF A VIRUS ON YOUR MAC:
- Close any open browsers.
- Cancel any downloads or installations in progress.
- Go to the Launchpad (the rocket ship icon in the bottom toolbar). Type “Activity Monitor” into the search bar and open that program.
Under the CPU tab, look for the names of suspicious processes. Known Mac viruses include Mac Defender, Mac Security, and Mac Protector. Once you confirm that it’s malware, click on the process, then click the gray X button in the upper left of the Activity Monitor. Finally, click Force Quit. - Open the Finder and click Downloads in the left-hand navigation. Search for any unfamiliar or unwanted downloads—especially program installer files—and drag them to the Trash.
- Click Applications in the left-hand navigation in the Finder. Look for any suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. You may need to enter your Mac password to remove programs.
- Empty the Trash by right-clicking on it and selecting Empty Trash, then confirming it.
- Restart your Mac.
HOW TO GET RID OF A VIRUS ON YOUR MAC:
- Install any available updates for your computer and antivirus software.
- Reboot your computer in Safe Mode. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery .Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. After the computer restarts, click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. The computer will restart again, and you’ll see a list of options. Select 4 on your keyboard (or F4 on some computers) to boot into Safe Mode.
- Open your browsers and look for any unfamiliar extensions. Uninstall them.
- Clear your cache and browsing history. Steps will vary based on your browser.
- In the search box next to the Start button, search for and open Control Panel. Click Programs > Programs & Features. Look for any unwanted or malicious programs. Right-click them and select Uninstall (or Uninstall/Change).Follow the prompts to complete the removal process.
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Click on any unwanted or malicious apps and click Uninstall to remove them.
- In the Apps menu, click Startup and set any unfamiliar or malicious apps to Off.
- Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files. In the search bar, search for and open Disk Cleanup. Select your drive, then click OK. Choose what types of files you want to delete, then click OK.
- Run a virus scan to make sure you’ve deleted all the malware from your machine.
How to prevent a computer virus
Keep viruses away from your Mac or PC with these 7 helpful tips:
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Don’t use more than one antivirus program at a time.
- Keep your computer and antivirus software updated.
- Only install programs and apps from reputable websites.
- Don’t open emails or download attachments from unknown senders.
- Avoid using open, unencrypted Wi-Fi networks, like at an airport or coffee shop.
- Don’t click on pop-up windows—close them immediately.