Operating System

Removing Malware and Viruses from Your Windows 11 PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your Windows 11 computer slows down, your browser Settings change, your screen is inundated with annoying ads or there is a weird increase in your system’s Internet activity,

Most likely Malware is installed on your computer. This article will help you to get rid of malware and viruses by following the steps.

Remove Malware or Viruses From my Windows 11 PC

There are many different types of malware, but the most common types of Windows 11 malware are adware such as browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs and Windows 11 malware are adware.

But ransomware, Trojans, and other types of malware target most users who use Windows 11.

Malware is spread in various ways, such as: installing an infected program, opening a malicious email attachment, when downloading the program, and when you use corrupted physical media like a USB drive in such cases, malware is released.

In this section, some things show that you have inadvertently installed adware on your computer:

1.You are unable to access the Control Panel, Task Manager, Registry Editor or Command Prompt.

2. Your web browser’s default homepage is changed.

3. You see unusual error messages (e.g., messages saying there are missing or corrupt files folders).

4. Access to security related websites is blocked.

5. Your computer restarts by itself (but not a restart caused by Windows Updates).

6. You get redirected to web pages other than the one you intended to go to.

7. There are new icons on your desktop that you do not recognize.

8. You receive numerous web-browser popup messages.

9. Your computer freezes, hangs or is unresponsive.

10. Strange or unexpected toolbars appear at the top of your web browser.

11. Your computer runs slower than usual.

In this article we want to know how to remove Malware or Viruses From my Windows 11 PC.

Stay with us until the end of this article.

How to clean an infected Windows 11 PC

Guide to removing viruses and malware in Windows 11 may seem complicated and time-consuming due to the long steps. but we have provided clear and understandable steps so that you can easily remove malware and viruses from your system to No more harm threatens you.

Please do all the steps in order, and carefully to clean your system from malware and viruses.

Below are solutions to remove malware and viruses, follow these steps:

1. Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings.

2. Uninstall malicious programs from Windows 11.

3. Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

4. Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers from Windows 11.

5. Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11.

6. Use HitmanPro to remove Trojans and other Malware from Windows 11.

1. Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

At this stage, the browser may have manually installed malicious plugins without your knowledge. Here we are going to check your browser in this way.

Remove adware and malicious browser extensions from Google Chrome

To remove malicious browser extensions and adware from Google Chrome, first, we need to remove the browser extension, then check the settings.

1.Remove malicious browser extension.

Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner select. When the drop-down menu appears, select More tools, then select Extensions.

Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

A list of all the extensions installed in the Extensions screen will be displayed on Chrome Scroll through the list until you find an unknown or suspicious extension, and then select Remove to remove it.

Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

2. Change the search engine to Google.

Chrome’s main menu button is represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner select. When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings.

Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

Select Search engine on the left side of the window, then select Manage search engines. In the opened list, look for unwanted search engines discovered to choose the three vertical dots near the URL and click on Remove from list.

Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

Next, find Google Search, select the three vertical dots and click on Make default.

3. Check the homepage and new tab settings.

Chrome’s main menu button is represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner select. When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings.

Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

In the On startup section, disable the malicious extension, then click on Open the New Tab page as your preferred setting.

Remove malicious browser extensions and search settings

Remove adware and malicious browser extensions from Firefox

To remove malicious browser extensions and adware from Firefox we will reset the browser settings to their default.

The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state.

While saving your essential information such as web form auto-fill information, passwords, browsing history, bookmarks, and open tabs.

1.Select the menu icon, then select Help.

Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner select. When the drop-down menu appears, click on the option labeled Help.

2. Select Troubleshooting Information.

From the Help menu, select Troubleshooting Information.

3. Select Refresh Firefox.

Select the Refresh Firefox button in the upper-right corner of the Troubleshooting Information page.

4. Confirm.

To continue, select the Refresh Firefox button in the new confirmation window that opens.

5. Click Finish.

Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Select Finish.

Remove adware and malicious browser extensions from Microsoft Edge

To remove malicious browser extensions and adware from Microsoft Edge we will reset the browser settings to their default.

This will reset the new tab page, startup page, pinned tabs, and search engine.

It will also clear temporary data like cookies and disable all extensions. Your favorite saved passwords and history will not be removed.

1.Go to Settings menu.

Microsoft Edge’s main menu button is represented by three vertical dots in the top right corner select. When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings.

2. Select Reset Settings.

Select Reset Settings, on the left side of the window.

3. Select Restore settings to their default values.

Select Restore settings to their default values, in the main window.

4. Select Reset.

A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process.

To complete the restoration process, select the Reset button.

2. Uninstall malicious programs from Windows 11

In this section, we have to check whether a malicious program is installed on your computer or not. In some cases, you can find usable Uninstall entries in adware to help you to remove malicious programs and viruses.

1.Go to Windows Settings.

First, click on Windows+I on your keyboard and open Windows Settings. You can also right-click your Start button and click on Settings from the list.

Uninstall malicious programs from Windows 11

2. Select Apps, then click on Apps and Features.

When Settings opens, select Apps in the sidebar, then click on Apps & Features.

Uninstall malicious programs from Windows 11

3. Search for malicious programs and uninstall them.

In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list.

And here, you should search for suspicious or unknown programs.

When you find a malicious program, select the three dots button beside it and click on Uninstall in the menu that appears.

Uninstall malicious programs from Windows 11

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall program.

In the next section, confirm the uninstall process by selecting Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.

Note: that you must read all the material carefully because most malicious programs are trying to steal the material in the hope that you read them closely.

Uninstall malicious programs from Windows 11

3.Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

Although the previous scans are helpful, we still recommend the Emsisoft scan for users who want to clean their system with 100% of malware and viruses.

Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a free and powerful on-demand scanner that can be used to remove adware, viruses, worms, spyware, Trojan, and other malicious programs.

1.Download Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

You can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit by selcting the link below.

2. Install Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

Double-click on the Emsisoft Emergency Kit setup file to Start the installation process, then select the Install button.

3. Start Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

On your desktop, the EEK folder (C:\EEK) should now be open. To start Emsisoft, select the Start Emsisoft

Emergency Kit file to go to this program.

Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

Here you may be provided with an account control conversation and ask you a question

Whether or not you would like to execute this file.

If this happens, you should select Yes to continue with the installation.

4. Select Malware Scan.

When Emsisoft Emergency Kit, will start it will ask you for permission to update itself.

When the update process is over, select the Scan tab, and perform a Malware Scan.

Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

Emsisoft Emergency Kit here scans your computer for viruses and malware, and this process may take a few minutes.

Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

5. Select Quarantine selected.

When the Emsisoft scan is over, the program reports to you that the malicious file is specified in your system. To remove malicious programs, select the Quarantine selected.

Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

When the malware is finished. Here the Emsisoft Emergency Kit on your computer may need to restart.

The Reboot button is to restart it on your computer. After restart, you can close Emsisoft Anti-Malware and run the instructions.

Double-check for malware with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

4. Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

In this part, we will install, and run Malwarebytes to remove potentially unwanted programs from your computer, browser hijackers and adware.

Malwarebytes is one of the most and widely used popular anti-malware software for Windows11. Because this software can eliminate much malware that other software miss.

When talking about computer cleaning, Malwarebytes comes to people’s minds to choose because it is free, and we recommend Malwarebytes to clean your device from malware.

1.Download Malwarebytes Free.

You can download Malwarebytes by selecting the link below.

2. Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file.

After the downloading of Malwarebytes has finished, to install Malwarebytes on your computer, double-click on the MBSetup file. In most cases, in the Downloads folder, downloaded files are saved.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

You may be shown an Account Control pop-up asking if you want Malwarebytes to make changes to your device.

If you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes, select the Yes option.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes

After the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes setup wizard which will guide you through the installation process.

At the beginning of the installation, Malwarebytes will ask you what kind of system you want to install this program on, do you want it to be a work computer or a personal computer.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

On the next screen, select Install to install Malwarebytes on your computer.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

After your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Select the Get started button.

4. Select Scan.

To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, select the Scan button. Malwarebytes automatically updates the antivirus database and scans your computer to remove adware and other malicious programs.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

Malwarebytes will scan your computer to remove malicious programs. This operation may take a few minutes. We suggest you do something else. Just check every few minutes to see if the scan is complete.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

6. Select Quarantine.

When the scanning operation is finished, a window will open showing the list of malicious software.

To remove browser hijackers and other malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, select the Quarantine button.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

7. Restart computer.

Note: that Malwarebytes may need to be restarted once the malware removal operation is complete.

Use Malwarebytes to remove adware and browser hijackers

After the malware removal process is finished, you can close Malwarebytes.

5. Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

In this solution, we use AdwCleaner to remove harmful browser policies and annoying advertising tools from the computer.

AdwCleaner is a free and cost-effective scanner that many users use to remove malware.

AdwCleaner is a powerful scanner that can detect malware that even the most famous anti-malware programs cannot see such malware and viruses.

This scanner has many programs that you can use to remove the side effects of browser hackers or adware.

1.Download AdwCleaner

You can download AdwCleaner by selecting the link below.

2. Double-click on the setup file

Double-click on the file named adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe to start AdwCleaner.

In most cases, the downloaded files are saved in the Downloads folder.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

In this section, the user account control dialog may be displayed, and it will ask you whether you want to run this file or not.

If this happens, you should select Yes to continue with the installation.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

3. Enable Reset Chrome policies

When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, select Settings and then enable Reset Chrome policies.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

4. Select Scan Now.

Select Dashboard, on the left side of the window and then select Scan Now to perform a system scan.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

5. Wait for the AdwCleaner scan to complete

Here, AdwCleaner scans your system for malicious programs, and this operation takes a few minutes.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

6. Select Clean & Repair

When the AdwCleaner scan is finished, it will display a list of all the malware found by the AdwCleaner.

Select the Clean & Repair button to remove malicious programs from your computer.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

7. Select Clean & Restart Now

Note: that AdwCleaner may need to be restarted once the malware removal operation is complete

Select the Clean & Restart Now button to finish the removal process.

Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies from Windows 11

After the malware removal process is finished, you can close AdwCleaner.

6.Use HitmanPro to remove Trojans and other Malware from Windows 11

In this part of HitmanPro, you can scan your computer in Windows 11.

Hitman Pro malware removal software with its small volume was able to attract many fans towards it. Hitman Pro software analyzes all the files on the hard disk using a powerful search engine. Hitman Pro is a powerful software for identifying and removing viruses, spyware, Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious software.

By using the powerful core considered in the software, all spy files in Windows are detected and destroyed. The software shows the number of malicious files and the number of total scanned files to the user.

The Hitman Pro software does not change the core of Windows and does not interfere with the functioning of Windows.

1.Download HitmanPro.

You can download HitmanPro by selcting the link below.

2. Install HitmanPro.

When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on hitmanpro.exe (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or hitmanpro_x64.exe (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your PC. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.

HitmanPro

You may be shown an Account Control pop-up asking if you want HitmanPro to make changes to your device.

If you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes, select the Yes option.

HitmanPro

3. Follow the on-screen prompts.

When HitmanPro starts, you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Select the Next button to perform a system scan.

HitmanPro
HitmanPro

4. Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete

HitmanPro is now scanning your computer for malware, and this process may take a few minutes.

HitmanPro

5. Select Next.

When HitmanPro scans your computer for malware and viruses, it will display a list of all the malware and viruses found on your computer.

HitmanPro

6.Select Yes to remove malware and viruses.

Select Activate free license.

Select the Activate free license button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious programs from your computer.

HitmanPro
HitmanPro

After the malware removal process is finished, you can close HitmanPro.

What is malware?

Malware, short for malicious software means malicious software. Malware is designed by cyber attackers to access or damage a computer or internet network.

And in most cases, the victim of the attack is unaware of its existence in their system. Once malware enters a computer, it allows hackers to gain access to information, devices, and designs without permission.

The malware was initially developed as a state of cyber vandalism to crash computers, change background images, or access personal information.

But over time, in the hands of cybercriminals, it has become a tool to make money by stealing valuable information to blackmail businesses, hacking passwords to access bank accounts, or identity theft.

Malware has come in many forms over the years, and we will get to know them and a brief history of the first computer virus below.

Common types of malware

1.Ransomware:

Most malware prefers to remain hidden from the user’s view as much as possible so that it can steal more information away from his eyes. But ransomware, due to its specific nature, usually works the other way around.

Ransomware often enters the system through an attachment or a link in phishing emails, infects it, and asks for a ransom by encrypting the user’s data or kicking him out of the system. And giving the user access again to his locked system or data, he is asked to deposit money into the hacker’s account through bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies.

Maybe this method seems simple, and you say to yourself that no one will be deceived by it. But the fact is that this method is effective, and many times, the activities of companies, hospitals, police departments, and even the whole city have faced severe problems.

In 2016 alone, cybercriminals stole more than $1 billion through ransomware attacks. According to a Europol report, ransomware attacks overshadowed many of the world’s cyber threats in 2017.

Like any other type of malware, ransomware attacks can be prevented. But as soon as it is implemented, if there is no good backup of the files, it is difficult to fix the damage caused to the system.

According to studies, about a quarter of victims pay the ransom to the hacker, and of these, 30% cannot access their encrypted files even after paying the ransom.

Unlocking encrypted files, if possible, requires special tools. To protect yourself from ransomware attacks, the best advice is to make an offline backup of all your vital files.

2. Trojan:

One of the most common types of malware is Trojan, which often disguises itself as a good and helpful tool to force the user to install it. The Trojan is older than the virus. But more than any other malware has damaged current computers.

The name of this malware is taken from the story of the Trojan horse, in which the ancient Greeks hid inside a giant wooden horse that was given as a gift to the city of Troy, and when the horse entered the city, the Greeks came out and took over the city.

Trojan malware has a similar function. In this way, it enters the system secretly and in the form of a practical tool such as updating or downloading flash, and as soon as it enters, it starts the attack.

The Trojan must be run by the user to access system information. This malware is often transmitted to the system through email or by visiting infected websites.

The most common type is a Trojan that presents itself as an anti-virus program, and a message appears that your computer is infected with a virus and that you need to install this “software” to remove it.

Users were also deceived by it and invited to their computers by installing malware.

Trojan can access all the information on the system depending on its capabilities, including account login and password information, screenshots, system information, bank account details, and many more. After gaining access, the Trojan collects this information and sends it to the hacker. Sometimes Trojans allow hackers to change information or disable the system’s anti-malware program.

3.Worms:

The history of worms in computer systems is more than that of viruses and goes back to the era of computers. Computer worms started with the advent of email in the late 1990s, and for almost ten years, computer security experts were surrounded by malicious worms that were sent as email attachments.

It was enough for a user to open an email infected with a worm to infect the entire company in a short period.

The distinguishing feature of a computer worm is its ability to self-replicate. For example, the famous I love you worm targeted almost every e-mail user in the world, flooding phone systems with invalid messages, shutting down television networks, and even disrupting newspapers in some places. Worms such as SQL Slammer and MS Blaster also cemented their place in computer security history.

Worms are more destructive and troublesome than viruses because they can reproduce without requiring any action from the user. To activate, viruses need a user to run them along with the infected program. But the worm uses other files and programs to do its evil deeds.

4. Rootkits:

A rootkit is a malware designed to remotely control a computer without the user or security software noticing its presence. Cybercriminals can use rootkits to execute files, steal information, manipulate system settings and software, or even install other malware. A rootkit can enter the system by installing and running applications or phishing attacks and security holes.

A rootkit is one of the most dangerous cyber threats; because it can hide its presence and even disable system anti-malware programs and cause severe damage to installed applications. Hackers can spy, organize DDos attacks and steal valuable data with the help of rootkits.

To prevent and detect rootkit attacks, do not click on suspicious links that are usually sent to your system via email, use specialized programs to scan your computer, keep your system always up-to-date and control your internet traffic.

 It is hard to find and remove the rootkit after it is installed on the system; that’s why cyber security experts emphasize that in this case, like all other cases, prevention is better than cure.

5. Adware:

The ultimate goal of most cybercriminals is to make money, and for some of them, using adware is a good and hassle-free way to do that.

Adware does just what its name suggests and is designed to push ads to the user. In some cases, the only way to get rid of these annoying ads is to click on them, and every click generates income for the cybercriminal.

In most cases, adware has nothing to do with the victim’s data and does not harm the device; they are just incredibly annoying and force the user to repeatedly click on pop-up windows to close them.

However, if this happens on a mobile phone, it will quickly drain the battery or take up the entire screen, making it practically impossible to use the phone.

6. Spyware:

The work of spyware can be seen from its name; Spying and hacking into other people’s computers and devices. Spyware has access to your browsing history, the apps you use, or the messages you send. Spyware can be downloaded and entered into the device as a Trojan or other methods.

For example, a toolbar you download for your browser may contain spyware that tracks your Internet activities, or malicious ads may secretly transfer spyware code to your computer through an unwanted download.

In some cases, a form of spyware is sold to parents as software intended to control a child’s Internet use and is designed to bypass security and antivirus software. On the other hand, some companies use spyware to secretly monitor their employees.

Spyware can often be easily removed because, unlike other malware, they do not have malicious or malicious intentions; all you have to do is find the executable file of the spyware and stop it from running.

Spyware doesn’t aim as badly as other malware, including remote access Trojans; but both use the same method to log in. As a result, the presence of spyware in the system is an alarm for the user that his system has a weakness and must be fixed before facing more serious threats.

7. Virus:

A virus is a piece of computer code that inserts itself into the code of another independent program, then forces that program to perform malicious actions and spreads itself.

Conclusion

In this article, we tried to provide solutions to remove malware and virus so that you can easily clean your device from viruses and malware. We recommend that you follow these instructions

What other solutions do you know to clean your device from malware?

Sarah Kmz

Sara is a talented author and technology enthusiast with a passion for writing about Windows tips and tricks. She was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and has always had a love for all things related to technology. After completing her degree in Computer Science at the University of Washington, Sara began working as a software developer. She quickly discovered that she had a talent for writing and decided to combine her two passions by starting a blog about Windows tips and tricks. Sara's blog quickly gained popularity and she became known for her clear and concise writing style, as well as her ability to explain complex technical concepts in a way that was easy for anyone to understand. Her blog has become a go-to resource for Windows users looking to optimize their experience and make the most out of their technology. In addition to her work on her blog, Sara is also a prolific writer of technical articles for a number of different publications. Her writing has been featured in numerous technology blogs and websites, and she is widely respected in the industry for her expertise in the field. When she's not writing or working on her blog, Sara enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid traveler and is always looking for new places to explore and new experiences to have. Overall, Sara is a talented writer and technology expert who is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with others. Her passion for both technology and writing has made her a respected figure in the industry, and she continues to inspire and educate others through her work on her blog and beyond.

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