How do I find and remove a virus?
A fast way to check whether your PC has a virus is to use Windows Defender. This malware protection is included with Windows and helps identify and remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Notes
If you're using Windows RT, Windows Defender is always on and can't be turned off.
If you're using Windows 8, you can run a scanner or antimalware software provided by another company if you prefer. To keep your PC running smoothly, you should only install and run one antimalware app at a time.
To scan your PC with Windows Defender
Open Windows Defender by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, and then tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Defender in the search box, tapping or clicking Apps, and then tapping or clicking Windows Defender.
Under Scan options, pick the type of scan you want to run:
A Quick scan checks only the areas on your PC that malicious software is most likely to infect, and any apps currently running.
A Full scan checks all the files on your hard disk. Depending on your PC, this scan might take an hour or more.
A Custom scan checks only the files and locations that you choose.
Tap or click Scan now.
To remove a virus manually
Sometimes a virus must be removed manually. This can become a technical process that you should try only if you're familiar with the Windows registry and know how to view and delete system and program files in Windows.
First, run your antimalware app to identify the virus by name. If you don't have an antimalware app or if your app doesn't detect the virus, you might still be able to identify it by looking for clues about how it behaves. Write down the words in any messages it displays, or, if you received the virus in email, write down the subject line or name of the file attached to the message. Then search an antivirus provider's website for references to what you wrote down and try to find the name of the virus and instructions for how to remove it.
For recovery and prevention
After the virus is removed, you might need to reinstall some software or restore lost info. Making regular backups of your files can help you avoid data loss if your PC gets infected again. If you haven't made backups in the past, it's a good idea to start now. For more info, see How to use File History.
