How to Remove a Virus from Your Laptop for Free – Step-by-Step Guide
Is your laptop infected with a virus? Learn how to remove malware, spyware, and viruses for free without paying for antivirus software.
A virus-infected laptop can slow down performance, steal personal data, and cause system crashes. Many people think they need to buy expensive antivirus software, but you can remove viruses for free using built-in tools and free security software. This guide will show you step-by-step methods to detect and eliminate viruses without paying for software.
1. Signs That Your Laptop Has a Virus
If your laptop shows any of these symptoms, it may be infected with malware:
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Slow performance – Apps take longer to open, and the system lags.
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Unexpected pop-ups – Frequent ads or fake alerts appearing on the screen.
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Strange error messages – Warnings about missing files or system issues.
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Unwanted programs – Software you never installed suddenly appears.
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High CPU usage – The laptop heats up and the fan runs constantly.
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Internet redirections – Websites automatically redirect to unknown pages.
Tip: If you notice these symptoms, follow the steps below to scan and remove viruses immediately.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Viruses for Free
🔹 1. Disconnect from the Internet
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Turn off WiFi or unplug the Ethernet cable.
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This prevents the virus from downloading more malware or stealing data.
🔹 2. Boot Your Laptop in Safe Mode
Safe Mode stops malware from running in the background, making it easier to remove.
For Windows:
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Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. -
Go to the Boot tab, select Safe Boot, and click OK.
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Restart your laptop.
For macOS:
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Shut down the laptop.
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Turn it on and immediately press & hold the Shift key until the login screen appears.
Tip: If the virus prevents Safe Mode access, boot into Windows Recovery Mode and select Startup Settings → Enable Safe Mode.
3. Use Windows Defender to Remove Viruses
Windows has a built-in antivirus tool that effectively detects and removes threats.
🔹 How to Run a Full Scan with Windows Defender
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Click Start → Settings → Update & Security.
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Select Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
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Click Scan options → Select Full Scan → Click Scan now.
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Wait for the scan to complete and follow the removal instructions.
Tip: On Mac, use XProtect, macOS's built-in malware scanner.
4. Use Free Antivirus Software for Extra Protection
If Windows Defender doesn’t find threats, use a free antivirus scanner:
Best Free Virus Scanners (No Payment Required!)
✅ Malwarebytes Free – Removes spyware, Trojans, and adware.
✅ Bitdefender Free Edition – Strong real-time virus protection.
✅ Kaspersky Free – Scans and removes known malware threats.
Tip: Download only from official websites to avoid fake antivirus scams!
5. Remove Suspicious Programs Manually
Some malware disguises itself as a normal program. Remove unknown software manually.
🔹 Windows Users:
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Open Control Panel → Programs & Features.
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Look for suspicious or unknown apps.
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Select the app and click Uninstall.
🔹 Mac Users:
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Open Finder → Applications.
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Drag unwanted apps to the Trash and empty it.
6. Delete Malicious Browser Extensions
Viruses often install browser hijackers that redirect you to dangerous sites.
How to Remove Malicious Extensions:
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Chrome: Go to
chrome://extensions/→ Remove suspicious add-ons. -
Firefox: Click Menu → Add-ons & Themes → Remove unwanted extensions.
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Edge: Open Settings → Extensions → Delete unknown add-ons.
Tip: Reset your browser to default settings if redirections continue.
7. Clear Temporary Files & Cache
Viruses may hide in temporary files. Cleaning them up removes traces of malware.
How to Clean Junk Files (Windows Users)
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Press
Windows + R, typetemp, and press Enter. -
Select all files (
Ctrl + A) and press Delete. -
Repeat with
%temp%andprefetchfolders.
Mac Users: Use Finder → Go → Go to Folder → Type
/Library/Caches/and delete unnecessary files.
8. Update Your System & Software
Viruses exploit outdated software. Keep your system up to date:
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Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Click Check for Updates.
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Mac: System Preferences → Software Update.
Tip: Enable automatic updates to stay protected from new threats.
9. Change Your Passwords After Virus Removal
If malware was found, assume your passwords were compromised. Change them for:
✅ Email accounts
✅ Banking & shopping sites
✅ Social media accounts
Tip: Use a strong password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to create secure passwords.
10. Prevent Future Virus Attacks
🔹 Use Windows Defender or a Free Antivirus for real-time protection.
🔹 Avoid downloading pirated software (many contain hidden malware).
🔹 Be careful with email attachments – Scan them before opening.
🔹 Don’t click suspicious links in emails or pop-ups.
🔹 Backup your files in case of future malware infections.
Tip: Set up automatic weekly scans for ongoing virus protection.
Conclusion
You don’t need to pay for antivirus software to remove malware! Windows Defender, free virus scanners, and Safe Mode can eliminate most viruses. Follow this guide to remove and prevent malware infections while keeping your laptop secure.
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