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.

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

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.

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1. Signs That Your Laptop Has a Virus

If your laptop shows any of these symptoms, it may be infected with malware:

• Slow performance – Apps take longer to open, and the system lags.

• Unexpected pop-ups – Frequent ads or fake alerts appearing on the screen.

• Strange error messages – Warnings about missing files or system issues.

• Unwanted programs – Software you never installed suddenly appears.

• High CPU usage – The laptop heats up and the fan runs constantly.

• Internet redirections – Websites automatically redirect to unknown pages.

Tip: If you notice these symptoms, follow the steps below to scan and remove viruses immediately.

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2. Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Viruses for Free

🔹 1. Disconnect from the Internet

• Turn off WiFi or unplug the Ethernet cable.

• 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:

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

2. Go to the Boot tab, select Safe Boot, and click OK.

3. Restart your laptop.

For macOS:

1. Shut down the laptop.

2. 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.

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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

1. Click Start → Settings → Update & Security.

2. Select Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.

3. Click Scan options → Select Full Scan → Click Scan now.

4. Wait for the scan to complete and follow the removal instructions.

Tip: On Mac, use XProtect, macOS's built-in malware scanner.

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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!

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5. Remove Suspicious Programs Manually

Some malware disguises itself as a normal program. Remove unknown software manually.

🔹 Windows Users:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs & Features.

2. Look for suspicious or unknown apps.

3. Select the app and click Uninstall.

🔹 Mac Users:

1. Open Finder → Applications.

2. Drag unwanted apps to the Trash and empty it.

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6. Delete Malicious Browser Extensions

Viruses often install browser hijackers that redirect you to dangerous sites.

How to Remove Malicious Extensions:

• Chrome: Go to chrome://extensions/ → Remove suspicious add-ons.

• Firefox: Click Menu → Add-ons & Themes → Remove unwanted extensions.

• Edge: Open Settings → Extensions → Delete unknown add-ons.

Tip: Reset your browser to default settings if redirections continue.

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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)

1. Press Windows + R, type temp, and press Enter.

2. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and press Delete.

3. Repeat with %temp% and prefetch folders.

Mac Users: Use Finder → Go → Go to Folder → Type /Library/Caches/ and delete unnecessary files.

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8. Update Your System & Software

Viruses exploit outdated software. Keep your system up to date:

• Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Click Check for Updates.

• Mac: System Preferences → Software Update.

Tip: Enable automatic updates to stay protected from new threats.

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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.

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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.

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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.