How to Remove Virus from Laptop

A slow, freezing, or glitchy laptop isn’t just annoying — it might be a sign your system is infected. Viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware can silently sneak in, steal data, or make your laptop unusable. But don’t worry — you’re not powerless.

In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to remove viruses from a laptop, step by step, using both free and professional tools. Whether you’re a student, gamer, or professional, this guide will help you regain control and speed.

Signs That Your Laptop Has a Virus

Before jumping into solutions, here’s how to identify if your device is actually infected.

Common Symptoms:

• Sudden drop in speed or performance
• Frequent crashes or BSOD (blue screen of death)
• Unwanted pop-ups and ads, even offline
• New programs or icons you didn’t install
• Antivirus automatically turning off
• Browser redirects to strange websites

If you experience any of these, it’s time to take action.

Step 1: Disconnect From the Internet Immediately

As soon as you suspect a virus, disconnect from the internet. This prevents the malware from spreading further or sending out your data.

Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the ethernet cable.
This isolates your laptop and contains the damage.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode (Windows Users)

Booting in Safe Mode disables unnecessary startup programs, including most viruses.

Here’s how:

1. Restart your laptop
2. Press F8 (or Shift + F8 on some models) during boot
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

Now your system runs with minimal processes, making it easier to remove malware.

Step 3: Run a Full Scan with Windows Defender

Windows comes with a powerful built-in antivirus: Windows Defender (also called Microsoft Defender Antivirus).

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security
• Click Virus & Threat Protection
• Choose Full Scan and let it complete

This may take 30-60 minutes, depending on the data size.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Antivirus Tools (Free + Paid)

If the built-in tool doesn’t work, try these highly effective antivirus programs:

Recommended Tools:

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Free & Premium)
• Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
• AVG Free Antivirus
• ESET Online Scanner

Download from the official websites only to avoid fake clones.

Step 5: Delete Temporary Files and Cache

Even after removing the virus, leftover cache files can trigger reinfection.

How to Clean Up:

• Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter
• Delete all files in the folder
• Clear your browser cache and history

You can also use tools like CCleaner to deep-clean your system.

Step 6: Check for Unknown Startup Programs

Malware often adds itself to startup apps, so it relaunches every time you reboot.

Check This:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Go to Startup tab
• Disable suspicious entries you don’t recognize

If you’re unsure, Google the name before disabling.

Step 7: Restore or Reset Your Laptop (Last Resort)

If nothing works, you can either:

• Use System Restore to roll back to a clean state
• Or Reset This PC (without losing files)

For Reset:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
• Click Get Started under “Reset this PC”
• Choose Keep My Files

Back up your data first just in case.

Bonus: Tips to Stay Virus-Free in the Future

Once your system is clean, follow these tips to keep it safe moving forward:

Security Best Practices:

• Never click unknown links or email attachments
• Keep your antivirus software up to date
• Don’t download cracked software or pirated games
• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
• Enable automatic updates in Windows

Final Words – Take Control Before It’s Too Late

Viruses don’t just slow down your laptop — they threaten your privacy, identity, and productivity. But now that you know how to remove viruses from a laptop, you’re equipped to fight back.

• Start with a full scan
• Clean your system
• Stay secure with regular updates

Don’t wait for disaster. Act today — protect your digital world before it crashes.