Do you suspect your computer is infected with spyware? Don't know how to remove spyware from your PC ? Don't worry. In this article, you will know all the tips and tricks to remove spyware on Windows 10 .
Tips to easily remove spyware from your computer
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a dangerous type of malware. It secretly records all of your online activities. The main purpose of spyware is to sell your information to advertisers, gain access to your bank accounts, or sometimes even steal your identity.
It also records a target's Internet activity, such as websites visited, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.
How do you know if your computer is infected with spyware?
Here are some typical signs of spyware:
- PC performance is slower than normal and freezes or causes program errors.
- Manually add or delete files on your PC.
- Change browser homepage.
- Automatically change default browser.
- A strange toolbar appears on the browser.
- Frequently see pop-up ads on PC.
- Confusingly increased CPU activity.
How to remove spyware from Windows
Note: Because spyware steals and spreads sensitive data, you must disconnect the network connection on your computer to avoid increased damage.
Turn on Safe Mode
Before trying other ways to remove spyware, put your PC into safe mode first.
Safe Mode is a Windows feature that allows you to start your computer with the most basic settings and files. This action helps you fix most problems in the operating system.
Here, you can run your PC in safe mode:
- Enter settings in the search bar on the Start menu and select Best Match .
- Now, select Update & Security > Recovery option .
- In Advanced startup , select Restart now .
- After restarting, on the Choose an option screen , select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart .
- On the next reboot, press 4 or F4 to start the PC in Safe Mode . If you need to use the Internet, press 5 or F5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking .
Use Windows Defender offline scanning mode
Windows Defender is a free antivirus program from Microsoft, first introduced on Windows XP.
Now that it has become part of the Windows Security framework, it works by scanning the system and then removing threats it finds on the computer.
Below are the step-by-step details:
- Type windows security in the Start menu search bar and select Best Match . Here, click Virus & threat protection .
- Click Scan options in Current Threats .
- Now select Windows Defender Offline scan , then click Scan now .
The system scan will take a few minutes, your PC will restart during this time.
To view scan results, select Windows Security > Virus & threat protection . Here, click Protection history to see the threats removed.
Delete suspicious files
Another way to remove spyware on Windows 10 is to delete all suspicious files on your PC. Here's how:
Type control panel in the search bar on the Start menu , then select the most suitable result. In Control Panel , click Programs and Features , right-click the application you suspect is spyware and click the Uninstall button .
Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
Use a professional spyware removal application
You have many options for spyware removal software for your PC, here are a few suggestions:
Reset Windows 10
If none of the above methods work, the final solution is to reset the operating system to factory settings.
Windows Reset allows you to delete all Windows files and applications, returning it to a like-new state. Then, reinstall all necessary drivers and applications from the manufacturer.
To start Windows Reset, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > click Get Started .
Here, you have two options: Keep my files or Remove Everything .
Select Remove Everything to completely remove spyware on your PC. Note, this action will wipe the system clean, so back up the files you need and scan them through an anti-virus tool before copying them back to your computer.
Above are simple but effective ways to remove spyware for Windows 10 PC . Hope the article is useful to you.