How to remove malware from your PC

Think your PC is infected? Here is how to clean it up safely.

A video walkthrough for this guide is coming soon.

1. Disconnect from the internet. This stops malware communicating or spreading while you clean up.
2. Boot into Safe Mode. Many threats cannot run in Safe Mode, which makes them easier to remove.
3. Run a reputable malware scanner. Use a trusted tool such as Malwarebytes or your antivirus to run a full scan.
4. Quarantine and remove what it finds. Let the scanner delete or quarantine detected threats, then reboot.
5. Run a second full scan. Confirm the system is clean with a fresh full scan from your main antivirus.
6. Change your passwords. If malware was present, update important passwords from a clean device.