how to remove virus from Windows PC without antivirus

Discovering a virus or malware on your Windows PC can be alarming, especially if you don’t have a third-party antivirus program installed. However, modern Windows operating systems (Windows 10 and 11) come equipped with robust built-in tools that can effectively help you remove viruses from your Windows PC without antivirus software. This guide will walk you through a series of steps to identify, quarantine, and eliminate malicious software, relying primarily on Microsoft’s security features and manual cleanup techniques.

Understanding the Threat: Signs of a Virus

Before you begin removal, recognize the common signs of a virus or malware infection:

• Slow Performance: Unusually sluggish computer, slow startup, or frequent freezes.
• Pop-up Ads: Excessive and unwanted pop-up advertisements, even when not Browse.
• Unexpected Programs: New toolbars, homepages, or applications you didn’t install.
• System Messages: Frequent error messages, warnings, or notifications you don’t understand.
• Internet Issues: Redirected searches, inability to access certain websites, or slow internet.
• File Corruption: Files becoming inaccessible or encrypted (a sign of ransomware).
• Suspicious Activity: Unexplained hard drive activity, fan noise, or outgoing network traffic.

Essential Preparations Before Virus Removal

1. Disconnect from the Internet: As soon as you suspect an infection, disconnect your PC from the internet (unplug Ethernet cable, turn off Wi-Fi). This prevents the virus from spreading, receiving new instructions, or exfiltrating your data.
2. Back Up Critical Files (if possible and safe): If you can access your files and suspect the infection isn’t too severe (e.g., not ransomware), try to back up your most critical data to an external drive. Be cautious, as you might inadvertently back up infected files. A safer approach might be to back up in Safe Mode with Networking after scanning for threats.
3. Create a Restore Point: Before attempting manual removal, create a system restore point if your system is somewhat stable. This provides a rollback option if something goes wrong.
   • Search for “Create a restore point” in Windows search.
   • Click “Create” and follow the prompts.

Step-by-Step: Removing a Virus Using Built-in Windows Tools

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential programs and drivers, often preventing malware from loading. This makes it easier to remove.

1. For Windows 11:
   • Click Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
   • Next to “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now.”
   • After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • After another restart, select “4″ or “F4” for Safe Mode, or “5” or “F5” for Safe Mode with Networking (if you need internet access for updates).
2. For Windows 10:
   • Click Start > Power, then hold down the Shift key while clicking “Restart.”
   • After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • After another restart, select “4” or “F4” for Safe Mode, or “5” or “F5” for Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2: Delete Temporary Files

Viruses often use temporary folders to store their components. Deleting these can help.

1. While in Safe Mode, press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %temp% and press Enter. This opens your user’s temporary files folder.
3. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and press Delete. Skip any files that are currently in use.
4. Repeat this by typing temp in the Run dialog (this opens the system temp folder, often requires administrator privileges).
5. Empty your Recycle Bin.

Step 3: Remove Suspicious Programs and Browser Extensions

Malware often installs unwanted programs or browser extensions.

1. Uninstall Programs:
   • Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Windows 10: Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
   • Look for any programs you don’t recognize, didn’t install, or that have suspicious names.
   • Select the program and click “Uninstall.“ Follow any prompts.
2. Check Browser Extensions:
   • Google Chrome: Open Chrome > Click the three dots (More) > Extensions > Manage Extensions. Remove any suspicious or unknown extensions.
   • Microsoft Edge: Open Edge > Click the three dots (More) > Extensions > Manage extensions. Remove any suspicious or unknown extensions.
   • Mozilla Firefox: Open Firefox > Click the three lines (Menu) > Add-ons and themes > Extensions. Remove any suspicious or unknown extensions.
   • Reset your browser’s homepage and default search engine if they were changed.

Step 4: Run a Full Scan with Windows Security (Windows Defender)

Windows Security is Microsoft’s built-in, real-time antivirus solution. It’s often sufficient for many common threats.

1. Restart into Safe Mode with Networking (if you were in basic Safe Mode). This allows Windows Security to update definitions.
2. Open Windows Security:
   • Windows 11: Click Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security (or search “Windows Security”).
   • Windows 10: Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security (or search “Windows Security”).
3. Click “Virus & threat protection.”
4. Click “Scan options.”
5. Select “Full scan” and then click “Scan now.” This will take a long time, but it’s essential for a thorough check.
6. If threats are found, Windows Security will prompt you to “Quarantine,” “Remove,” or “Allow” them. Choose “Quarantine” or “Remove” for detected threats.

Step 5: Check and Reset Browser Settings

Malware frequently modifies browser settings to redirect traffic or display ads.

1. Reset Browser Settings:
   • Google Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
   • Microsoft Edge: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
   • Mozilla Firefox: Help menu > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
2. Check Hosts File: Some malware modifies the Hosts file to redirect web traffic.
   • Open Notepad as Administrator (search Notepad, right-click, Run as administrator).
   • In Notepad, go to File > Open.
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
   • Change the file type dropdown from “Text Documents (.txt)” to **”All Files (.*).”**
   • Open the file named hosts.
   • Look for any unusual entries below the line # 127.0.0.1 localhost. Anything pointing legitimate sites to 127.0.0.1 or other suspicious IPs should be deleted.
   • Do not delete default entries. Save the file.

Step 6: Perform a System Restore (If Necessary)

If the virus is persistent or causes system instability, a System Restore can revert your system to a previous, healthy state without affecting your personal files.

1. Restart your PC in Safe Mode.
2. Search for “Create a restore point” in Windows search and open it.
3. Click “System Restore…”
4. Click “Next” and choose a restore point dated before you started experiencing virus symptoms.
5. Click “Next” and “Finish.” Your PC will restart and revert to that state.

Final Steps and Prevention

1. Update Windows: After removal, reconnect to the internet and ensure your Windows is fully updated (Settings > Windows Update). This patches security vulnerabilities.
2. Keep Windows Security Active: Ensure real-time protection is enabled in Windows Security for ongoing protection.
3. Be Vigilant:
   • Think before you click: Be wary of suspicious emails, links, or pop-ups.
   • Download from trusted sources: Only download software from official websites or reputable app stores.
   • Use a standard user account: Avoid using an administrator account for daily tasks.
   • Enable a Firewall: Windows Defender Firewall should be enabled by default.

While this guide empowers you to remove viruses from your Windows PC without dedicated third-party antivirus software, remember that a proactive approach to cybersecurity is always best. Regular vigilance and the consistent use of Windows Security’s built-in features are your strongest defenses against malicious threats.