Malware infections aren’t as common as they used to be, thanks to Windows Defender and improved security in Windows 10/11. However, malicious software can still slip through—whether it’s adware, spyware, ransomware, or browser hijackers.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a professional malware removal process, including:
✔ Identifying suspicious programs
✔ Best free malware scanners
✔ Manual cleanup with advanced tools
✔ Preventing future infections
Step 1: Check for Suspicious Programs
Before running scanners, manually inspect your system for malware:
1. Check Installed Programs
- Open Control Panel → Uninstall a program
- Look for:
- Unknown “antivirus” programs
- Driver updaters (often fake)
- Remote desktop tools (if you didn’t install them)
- Sort by “Installed On” date to spot recent infections.
2. Inspect Running Processes
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Check for:
- High CPU/memory usage from unknown apps
- Multiple browser processes when no browser is open
- Right-click suspicious processes → Search online to verify.
3. Use Process Explorer (Advanced)
- Download Process Explorer (Microsoft Sysinternals)
- Run as Administrator
- Enable VirusTotal integration (Options → VirusTotal → Check VirusTotal.com)
- This scans running processes against 70+ antivirus databases.
Step 2: Run Malware Scanners
1. AdwCleaner (by Malwarebytes)
- Download AdwCleaner
- Scans for adware, PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), and browser hijackers.
- Click Scan Now → Quarantine detected items.
2. HitmanPro
- Download HitmanPro
- Uses cloud-based scanning for real-time threat detection.
- Free version allows manual removal (or activate trial for automatic cleanup).
3. RogueKiller
- Download RogueKiller
- Detects rootkits, ransomware, and persistent malware.
- Run a Full Scan (ignore ads for premium version).
4. Malwarebytes (Essential)
- Download Malwarebytes
- Install → Run Threat Scan → Quarantine threats.
- Uninstall afterward (to avoid pop-up ads).
Step 3: Manual Deep Clean with Autoruns
Some malware hides from scanners. Autoruns (Microsoft Sysinternals) reveals everything launching with Windows:
- Download Autoruns
- Run as Administrator
- Enable VirusTotal checks (Options → Scan Options → Check VirusTotal.com)
- Review entries:
- Red items = Unsigned (potentially malicious)
- Yellow items = Orphaned registry entries (possible rootkit traces)
- Uncheck suspicious startups → Reboot.
Step 4: Prevent Future Infections
✅ Keep Windows & software updated
✅ Use an ad-blocker (uBlock Origin)
✅ Avoid pirated software & shady downloads
✅ Enable Windows Defender Real-Time Protection
Tags
Malware Removal, Windows Security, Virus Scan, Adware Removal, Spyware, RogueKiller, Autoruns
Hashtags
#MalwareRemoval #WindowsSecurity #VirusScan #TechGuide #CyberSecurity
Disclaimer:
- Always back up important files before malware removal.
- Some malware may require a full Windows reinstall if deeply embedded.
- This guide is for educational purposes—use at your own risk.
