Virus, Malware, and Pop-up Ad Removal
Symptoms:
Your computer is running slower than usual.
If your PC is running slowly even after removing malware, consider checking out our Slow Computer and Performance Optimization page for additional tips.
Frequent pop-up ads are appearing on your screen.
Unwanted antivirus warnings from programs you didn't install.
Your browser's homepage or search engine has changed without your permission.
Unknown programs are starting automatically.
Your PC is behaving erratically or crashing.
If you need help, just contact us and we can help.
This page will help you identify and remove viruses, malware, and unwanted pop-up ads from your computer. These malicious programs can slow down your PC, compromise your personal data, and create a frustrating user experience. Don’t worry, we will give you the complete fix for you to try yourself here completely free. But again, if you’d like a pro help specialist instead, just contact us (Tap here to go to the contact page).
The Fix Procedures:
Now, we'll guide you through steps to remove malware and unwanted pop-ups from your computer. Follow these instructions carefully.
If you suspect system files are corrupted due to malware, our Windows Updates and Operating System Errors page might offer some useful troubleshooting steps.
Disconnect from the Internet:
Unplug your Ethernet cable or turn off your Wi-Fi to prevent malware from spreading or communicating with malicious servers.
Boot into Safe Mode:
Restart your computer.
As it starts up, repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 for some systems) until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
Select Safe Mode with Networking using the arrow keys, then press Enter.
Delete Temporary Files:
Open Disk Cleanup:
Press Windows Key + R, type
cleanmgr, and press Enter.
Select your system drive (usually C:).
Check the boxes for Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, and other unnecessary files.
Click OK and then Delete Files to confirm.
Run Malware Removal Tools:
Reconnect to the Internet temporarily to download tools.
Download and install a reputable anti-malware program like Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner.
Disconnect from the Internet again after downloading.
Perform a Full System Scan:
Open the anti-malware software.
Update the virus definitions if prompted.
Select Full Scan and let it scan your entire system.
Quarantine or remove any threats found.
Uninstall Suspicious Programs:
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Look for any unfamiliar or unwanted programs.
Select the program and click Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to remove it.
If you’re concerned about lost or inaccessible files, take a look at our Data Recovery and File Retrieval guide before you proceed further.
Remove Unwanted Browser Extensions:
Google Chrome:
Type
chrome://extensions/in the address bar.Review extensions and click Remove for any you didn't install.
Mozilla Firefox:
Click the menu button and select Add-ons.
Choose Extensions and Disable or Remove unwanted ones.
Microsoft Edge:
Type
edge://extensions/in the address bar.Remove any suspicious extensions.
Reset Your Web Browser Settings:
Google Chrome:
Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up.
Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Mozilla Firefox:
Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information.
Click Refresh Firefox.
Microsoft Edge:
Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
Click Restore settings to their default values.
Adjust Browser Security Settings:
Enable pop-up blockers and phishing protection in your browser settings.
Set your browser to warn you about malicious sites.
Update Your Operating System and Software:
Reconnect to the Internet.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
Update all installed software to their latest versions.
If your PC continues to show errors or crashes, review our Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and PC Crashes page to ensure you’re not dealing with lingering system issues.
Install a Reliable Antivirus Program:
Choose reputable antivirus software like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Norton.
Install and activate real-time protection.
Schedule regular system scans.
Change All Passwords:
Change passwords for your accounts, especially for email, banking, and social media.
Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Enable Firewall Protection:
Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Ensure the firewall is turned on for both private and public networks.
Be Cautious with Email and Downloads:
Avoid opening attachments or clicking links from unknown senders.
Download software only from official websites or trusted sources.
Regularly Backup Your Data:
Use an external hard drive or cloud service to backup important files.
Set up automatic backups if possible.
Monitor System Performance:
Keep an eye on your computer's behavior.
If unusual activity continues, consider seeking professional help.
Thinking of starting fresh on a new machine after dealing with these issues? Our New Computer Setup and Data Transfer Service can help you migrate your important files and settings securely.
Consider Professional Assistance:
If you're unsure about any steps or the problem persists, contact us.
We can provide expert support to ensure your system is fully secure.
By following these procedures, you can effectively remove malware and stop unwanted pop-up ads on your computer. Staying vigilant and maintaining good security practices will help protect your PC in the future.
Remember, if you need any assistance or prefer a professional to handle it, we're here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for reliable and efficient support.