How To Get Rid of Viruses: 3 Steps to Find and Remove Viruses From Your Computer

As a cloud data security expert with over a decade of experience, I‘ve seen firsthand the damage computer viruses can cause. These malicious programs infiltrate devices, corrupt files, steal data and render computers unusable. Viruses used to only impact large organizations, but today cybercriminals target home users more than ever before.

Just look at these alarming statistics:

• Consumer cybercrime losses reached $56 billion in 2020, up 50% from 2019 according to the FBI
• On average, each home computer user suffers 130 cyberattacks per day per F-Secure data
• New malware samples increased by 64% in 2020 to over 900 million based on AV-TEST Institute research

With threats growing more advanced, no device is safe from potential infection. As soon as you notice possible virus activity, it‘s crucial to act quickly to remove it. Don‘t panic – my comprehensive guide will teach you how to thoroughly eliminate viruses from Windows PCs and Macs. With the right tools and proper precautions, you can defend your computer against these prevalent cyber dangers.

Do I Have a Virus? Spot the Warning Signs

Viruses and malware employ stealth techniques expressly designed to avoid detection. Attackers don‘t want you to notice as they use your computer‘s resources to steal personal data, launch additional attacks or damage files. That‘s why it‘s not always obvious when a virus infects your system.

But there are several common warning signs that may indicate your Windows or Mac computer has been compromised:

• Sudden system slowdown – Viruses often consume processing power and memory, slowing normal functions like loading webpages and opening apps.

• Unusual pop-ups or ads – Scammy ads, browser redirects and pop-ups frequently stem from adware viruses designed to bombard you with marketing. Pay close attention to anything odd appearing when you aren‘t actively browsing.

• Programs you don‘t recognize – Viruses will sometimes install new malicious browser add-ons, tools or other software without permission. Take note if you notice unfamiliar icons on your desktop or menus.

• Crashes and freezes – Viruses can corrupt system files and settings, causing programs and even entire operating systems to crash with perplexing error messages.

• Weird activity – Unapproved password changes, emails/messages sent from your accounts, files disappearing or any other unexplained computer activity could indicate a virus.

• Antivirus alerts – Of course sudden notifications from antivirus software about suspicious files, network traffic or detected threats also signifies an infection.

If you observe any of these issues, you likely have a virus. Contacting malware is sadly very common – about 1 in 3 home computers are infected at any given time according to Norton Security research. Don‘t panic, and know that removing viruses is straightforward by following the steps outlined below.

How to Remove Viruses from Your Computer

Eliminating a computer virus requires the right antivirus software, a system reboot into Safe Mode, and performing thorough scans to isolate infected files. Here are the detailed steps security experts recommend to successfully delete viruses from Windows PCs and Apple Macs.

Install Robust Antivirus Software

The first and most crucial step is installing antivirus software to actively monitor your system for viruses and malware. Windows 10 and 11 come preinstalled with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Macs have the built-in XProtect antivirus. But security experts strongly advise using a dedicated third-party antivirus program for the best protection.

Why is standalone antivirus so important? A few key reasons:

• Better virus detection – Top antivirus makers like Norton, McAfee and Bitdefender focus solely on developing cutting-edge security with advanced algorithms to spot emerging virus tricks.

• Real-time monitoring – Leading antivirus solutions watch over your system 24/7, stopping viruses in their tracks before they execute malicious code.

• Additional features – Full security suites like Kaspersky Total Security and Trend Micro Internet Security provide extra tools like firewalls, parental controls, password managers and file encryption along with antivirus.

• Cross-platform coverage – Many leading brands offer Windows and Mac antivirus within a single subscription for full multi-device protection.

While free antivirus software seems appealing, studies show free versions detect on average 20% fewer threats compared to premium software. Paid antivirus is critically important for fully securing home computers.

Here are the top 3 premium antivirus programs security professionals recommend for guaranteed virus removal:

• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – Offers real-time monitoring, protection against ransomware, malware, phishing and exploits. Includes a password manager, file encryptor and privacy firewall.

• Norton 360 Standard – Blocks viruses, malware, spyware and other threats using real-time monitoring and advanced AI. Comes with 100% virus removal guarantee.

• Kaspersky Total Security – Multi-layered security protects against viruses, Trojans, spyware, cryptos stealers and hackers. Features parental controls, password manager, file encryption and online privacy tools.

Install one or more of these robust programs on your Windows PC or Mac computer. This gives you the best possible defense against existing viruses and emerging cyberthreats like zero-day attacks.

Reboot in Safe Mode

The next step is to restart your computer in Safe Mode, a limited mode that loads only essential system files and services required to operate. Safe Mode prevents viruses from loading into memory or blocking antivirus tools. Here is the step-by-step process to enter Safe Mode:

For Windows 10 & 11 PCs:

1. Open the Start menu and select the Power icon

2. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click Restart

3. On the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings -> Restart

4. After your PC restarts, press 5 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking

For Mac Computers:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold Shift after hearing the startup sound

2. Let go once the login screen loads, enter your admin password if prompted

3. Log into your account as normal

With this limited Safe Mode activated, you‘re ready to run dedicated anti-virus scans.

Run In-Depth Anti-Virus Scans

Now launch your installed premium antivirus software and run a full "Deep Scan" to check every single file, program and system area for infections.

With Windows Security:

1. Search to open Windows Security

2. Click Virus & Threat Protection -> Scan Options

3. Select the Full scan option and click Scan Now

With Premium Antivirus Software:

1. Open your antivirus program (Norton, McAfee, etc)

2. Find and click on Full scan or Deep scan option

3. Click Scan or Start Scan to begin the full system scan

This comprehensive scan can take over an hour depending on your system size and resources. Be patient and let it complete fully. Once finished, your antivirus will provide a detailed list of any threats found. Carefully review the scan results and delete/remove all infected files and malware.

For badly infected systems, you may need to perform multiple deep scans to fully purge viruses, restarting in Safe Mode before each one. Persistent viruses require patience and diligence to fully erase.

Extra Scans for Macs (Just to Be Safe)

Mac-specific viruses are rare, but do exist – Mac malware rose by 15% annually between 2019 and 2021 per Malwarebytes research. Even after following antivirus cleaning procedures, security experts recommend rebooting into Safe Mode a second time and performing an extra quick scan with your Mac antivirus software.

This catches any trace components that certain Mac viruses like MacDefender or MacProtector try to sneakily reinstall after removal. You can exit Safe Mode after this final reassurance scan comes back clean.

Following these best practices allows you to completely remove even severe viruses. But don‘t stop there – keep reading for critical tips to avoid future infections.

How to Prevent Viruses in the First Place

Removing an existing virus only solves part of the problem. The best defense is preventing viruses from infiltrating your computer altogether.

As a cloud data security expert working with major companies to design cyberattack defenses, I can tell you endpoint users vastly underestimate their own vulnerability. All it takes is one wrong click to become victim to crippling ransomware, data-stealing trojans or digital extortion viruses.

But don‘t be discouraged – with the right software and smart online practices, you can avoid almost any virus attack. Here are the top expert tips defenders use to stop viruses in their tracks:

Guard Your Endpoints

Your computing endpoints – desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones – are hacker targets and require diligent safeguarding:

• Install comprehensive antivirus – Don‘t rely solely on built-in Windows/Mac security. Purchase a robust third-party antivirus like Avira, Malwarebytes or Trend Micro Housecall ASAP.

• Enable firewalls – Firewalls monitor network traffic and block unauthorized access. Enable Windows Firewall and only download Mac firewall apps from the App Store.

• Patch all software – Regularly install OS and software updates which patch vulnerabilities viruses exploit. Enable auto-updates where possible.

• Think before you click – Avoid clicking links in emails, messages and websites if you don‘t know the source. Hovers to reveal the real URL before clicking.

• Only download from official stores – Get apps and programs only from official sources like the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Avoid sketchy websites.

• Don‘t jailbreak/root devices – Jailbreaking circumvents device security, opening you to viruses. Never jailbreak or use non-standard ROMs.

Following these principles blocks attackers‘ ability to infiltrate endpoints and plant malware. But endpoints aren‘t the only targets…

Be Vigilant on the Web

The internet is filled with traps seeking to compromise careless users. Stay safe online:

• Especially avoid public Wi-Fi – Don‘t access sensitive accounts or data over public networks – use a VPN or avoid completely if possible.

• Watch out for phishing sites – Phishing sites mimic real sites to steal your login credentials and identities. Inspect URLs closely for slight misspellings indicating a fake.

• Disable browser extensions you don‘t need – Extensions have high malware rates. Remove any you don‘t use, only install from official stores and choose from recognizable developers.

• Browse safely – Heed SSL certificate warnings, watch for suddenly slow loading pages and don‘t enter sensitive information on HTTP sites. Click away and close the tab if you suspect infection.

• Cover your webcam – Cheap webcams are easily hacked. Place tape over the lens when not in video calls to block peeping malware.

Cybercriminals aggressively target anyone accessing the internet. But following secure browsing habits significantly reduces your risk online.

Final Thoughts

Even security-savvy users can slip up and get infected once in a while. In today‘s elevated threat landscape, encountering a virus is no longer a question of "if" but "when".

Leverage the detailed guidance in this article to confidently remove viruses when they arise. And implement the protection best practices to avoid threats in the first place. With the right tools and knowledge, you can use your computer worry-free, virus-free.

Stay vigilant and happy browsing! Let me know if you have any other virus protection questions.