How to Remove Malware from Your Computer

Complete guide to detect and remove malware from Windows and Mac computers. Step-by-step instructions for cleaning infected systems safely.

1. Disconnect from the internet. Unplug your ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi to prevent the malware from communicating with external servers or downloading additional threats. On Windows, click the network icon in the system tray and select your Wi-Fi network, then click Disconnect. On Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and turn Wi-Fi off.
2. Boot into Safe Mode. Restart your computer in Safe Mode to limit malware activity. On Windows 10/11, hold Shift while clicking Restart, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and select Safe Mode with Networking. On Mac, restart while holding Shift until the login screen appears.
3. Run Windows Defender or built-in antivirus. Open Windows Security by typing 'Windows Security' in the Start menu, then click Virus & threat protection > Quick scan > Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan now. On Mac, no built-in antivirus exists, so proceed to the next step. Allow the scan to complete and follow prompts to quarantine or remove detected threats.
4. Download and run Malwarebytes. Download Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.com using a clean device, transfer it via USB drive to your infected computer. Install and run a full system scan. Click Scan on the main interface, wait for completion, then review detected items and click Quarantine to remove them. Restart when prompted.
5. Clear browser data and reset settings. Open your web browser and clear all data. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data > Advanced > All time, check all boxes, then Clear data. Reset Chrome by going to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to original defaults. Repeat for all installed browsers.
6. Check and remove suspicious programs. Open Settings > Apps (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac) and review recently installed programs. Look for unfamiliar software installed around the time problems began. Uninstall suspicious programs by clicking them and selecting Uninstall. Pay attention to programs with generic names or those bundled with legitimate software.
7. Update system and security software. Reconnect to the internet and immediately update your operating system. On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update. Update your antivirus software and run one final full system scan to ensure complete removal.