How to Remove a Virus from Your Laptop (Without Paying for Software)

 How to Remove Malware & Viruses from Your Laptop for Free

Is your laptop infected with a virus? Learn how to remove malware, spyware, and viruses without paying for software. Easy step-by-step guide.

If your laptop is running slow, showing pop-ups, or acting strangely, it may be infected with a virus or malware. Many people think they need paid antivirus software to remove viruses, but that’s not true! In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove viruses for free and protect your laptop from future infections.

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1. Signs Your Laptop Has a Virus

Here are common symptoms of malware infections:

• Slow performance (even for basic tasks)

• Frequent crashes & freezing

• Unwanted pop-ups & ads

• New programs installed without your permission

• Browser homepage changes on its own

• Laptop overheating for no reason

• High data usage (internet is unusually slow)

Tip: If you notice one or more of these issues, your laptop may have a virus!

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2. First Step: Disconnect from the Internet

Before removing the virus, disconnect from Wi-Fi or Ethernet to:
✔ Stop the virus from spreading
✔ Prevent hackers from stealing data
✔ Block malware from downloading more threats

How? Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and select Disconnect.

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3. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode prevents malware from running, making it easier to remove.

🔹 Windows Safe Mode:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. Go to the Boot tab.

3. Check Safe Boot and select Minimal.

4. Click Apply and Restart your PC.

🔹 macOS Safe Mode:

1. Shut down your Mac.

2. Hold Shift and turn it on.

3. Release Shift when you see the Apple logo.

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4. Use Windows Defender (Free Antivirus)

Windows has a built-in free antivirus that removes most malware.

How to Run a Full Scan:

1. Press Win + I → Go to Update & Security → Windows Security.

2. Click Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.

3. For a deep scan, select Full scan and run it.

Tip: If Defender finds threats, click Remove or Quarantine to delete them.

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5. Delete Suspicious Programs (Manual Removal)

Some malware installs itself as a program. Remove it manually:

Windows:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Find unknown or suspicious programs.

3. Click Uninstall.

Mac:

1. Open Finder → Applications.

2. Drag suspicious apps to the Trash.

Example Malware Names: "PC Optimizer Pro," "Speed Booster," "Web Companion"

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6. Remove Malicious Browser Extensions

Some viruses infect Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Remove them:

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome → Click 3 dots (menu) → Extensions.

2. Remove unknown or suspicious extensions.

Firefox:

1. Open Firefox → Click 3 lines (menu) → Add-ons.

2. Remove suspicious extensions.

Edge:

1. Open Edge → Click 3 dots → Extensions.

2. Disable or remove unknown extensions.

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7. Clear Temporary Files (To Delete Hidden Viruses)

Viruses often hide in temporary files. Remove them:

Windows:

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.

2. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them.

Mac:

1. Open Finder → Go → Go to Folder.

2. Type ~/Library/Caches/ and delete unnecessary files.

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8. Scan Your Laptop with Free Malware Removal Tools

If Windows Defender didn’t remove the virus, try these free tools:

• 🔹 Malwarebytes Free – Great for removing spyware & Trojans

• 🔹 AdwCleaner – Removes adware & unwanted toolbars

• 🔹 Kaspersky Free Scanner – Detects advanced threats

Tip: Download these tools only from their official websites to avoid fake versions.

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9. Reset Browsers to Default Settings

If your browser still redirects to random websites, reset it:

Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome → Click 3 dots (menu) → Settings.

2. Scroll down → Click Reset settings → Restore settings to original defaults.

Firefox:

1. Click 3 lines (menu) → Help → More troubleshooting information.

2. Click Refresh Firefox.

Edge:

1. Open Edge → Settings → Reset settings.

2. Click Restore settings to their default values.

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10. Update Your Laptop to Block Future Viruses

Hackers exploit old software vulnerabilities. Update your laptop to stay safe:

Windows:

1. Press Win + I → Go to Update & Security.

2. Click Check for Updates and install them.

Mac:

1. Go to System Settings → Software Update.

2. Install the latest macOS version.

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11. Protect Your Laptop from Future Virus Attacks

✅ Avoid pirated software (they often contain malware)
✅ Don’t click on suspicious links or emails
✅ Use a strong password & enable 2FA
✅ Back up your files regularly (to avoid data loss)

Pro Tip: Set Windows Defender to run weekly scans automatically!

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Conclusion

You don’t need to pay for antivirus software to remove viruses! By following these free steps, you can clean your laptop and protect it from future malware attacks. If your laptop is still infected, consider reinstalling Windows/macOS as a last resort.