To effectively check for viruses and malware on a Windows computer, there are several steps that should be taken. The goal of these steps is to both detect and remove any infections on the system.
The first step is to run a full system scan using a trusted anti-virus program. Anti-virus programs look for known virus signatures, as well as scan for suspicious activity associated with malicious software. Popular anti-virus programs for Windows include McAfee, Norton, and Avast. Depending on the program you choose, there may also be additional features like email scans and web filtering.
After running a full system scan, it is important to run a scan specifically targeting malware. Malware scanners often use behavioral scanning techniques to look for malicious behavior, like keylogging or rootkits. These scanners typically have an updated database of known malicious code, and they can scan the entire system quickly and thoroughly. Popular malware scanners include Malwarebytes, Spybot Search & Destroy, and ESET Online Scanner.
It is also beneficial to periodically review your system’s startup process. Malicious software often tries to take advantage of the startup process by adding itself as an auto-start application. To review the system’s startup process, open the task manager (by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and select the “Startup” tab. This tab will list the applications that start when the computer boots up, and you can disable any startup applications that seem suspicious.
If you suspect you may have an existing infection, it is important to update your anti-virus and malware software before running a scan. Software updates contain information about new threats, so without the most up-to-date version of the software, threats could go undetected. It is also important to pay attention to security advisories from Microsoft, as they often provide information about newly discovered threats and recommend specific steps to protect against them.
You can also review the applications installed on your computer. Some malicious software mimics legitimate programs, or downloads other malicious software in the background. To review the programs installed on your computer, click the Windows Start menu and navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Programs & Features. This page will list all of the programs installed on the computer and what type of program they are. If you find any programs you don’t recognize, do some research to see if they are legitimate or not.
Finally, it is important to regularly back up your data. This way, if an infection does occur, you will be able to restore clean versions of your files without having to worry about losing any data. There are a few different ways to back up your data, including using a cloud-based storage service, copying files to a USB drive or external hard drive, or using a backup program like Backblaze or Carbonite. By regularly backing up your data, you minimize the risk of data loss caused by malware.
By taking these steps, you can effectively check for and remove any existing viruses or malware on your Windows computer. Additionally, staying proactive about security can help ensure your computer remains free of future infections.