I think my computer has a virus but I cannot install antivirus software because it keeps getting blocked. How do I clean it?
Malware that blocks antivirus installation is actively protecting itself. The solution is to boot into Safe Mode where most malware cannot run. Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode with Networking: hold Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu, then go to Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, Startup Settings, Restart, and press 5 for Safe Mode with Networking. In Safe Mode, open a browser and download Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.com. Most malware cannot block downloads or installations in Safe Mode. Install it, run a full scan, and remove everything it finds. After cleaning, also run Windows Defender: go to Windows Security, Virus and Threat Protection, Scan Options, Full Scan. If you cannot even boot into Safe Mode, download Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline onto a USB drive from another computer. Boot from the USB and run the scan before Windows loads. After removing the malware, change all your passwords from a clean device since the malware may have captured your credentials. Update Windows and your browser to patch any vulnerabilities the malware exploited to get in.
Need personalized advice? Chat with an expert for $3.
Our verified experts will provide personalized advice for your specific situation.
Average response time: under 2 minutes · Money-back guarantee
Chat with an Expert — $3 →
