Computer viruses can cause serious problems. But if you act quickly, you can often remove the virus before it does too much damage. This guide will walk you through some basic steps. In some cases, you may still need help from a computer expert.

Install Antivirus Software

If you don’t already have antivirus software, install one right away. Only install one antivirus program. Having more than one can cause errors. Some good options are Bitdefender and Norton.

Start a Virus Scan

Make sure your antivirus program is running. Then, start a virus scan. If you’re not sure how to do that, check the help section on the antivirus company’s website.

Most programs have different types of scans. For the best results, run a full system scan. This scan looks at all the files on your computer. It may take a few hours. You don’t have to stay at the computer while it runs.


If the scan doesn’t find anything, but your computer still has problems, try other fixes. Or contact a support professional.

Check the Results

After the scan, the antivirus will show a list of any threats it found. It will also suggest what to do next. Most of the time, following its advice is the best option.

If the antivirus can't remove a threat, don’t ignore it. Look online for help, or contact the antivirus support team. A professional can also assist you.

Use Anti-Malware Software

Some antivirus programs include anti-malware tools. If yours doesn’t, install a separate anti-malware program. It can find threats that your antivirus might miss. Run a scan just like you did with the antivirus.

If the Virus Won’t Go Away

If nothing works, you may need to erase everything on your computer. This means deleting all files and reinstalling the operating system. It is a big step, but it usually removes even the worst viruses.

At this point, many people hire a professional. But if you're careful, you can do it yourself. Just know that you will lose all your files. That’s why it’s so important to back up your data often.

After reinstalling everything, scan your backup files. This makes sure you don’t put the virus back on your clean computer.

By following these steps, you can protect your computer and your data. Quick action and the right tools can make a big difference.