Signs Your Computer Has a Virus (And What to Do Next)

Author:Jonathan Spurling

Posted Date: April 21, 2025

Malware infections can wreak havoc on your computer, compromising your data, slowing down performance, and even stealing personal information. Knowing the signs of a virus and how to effectively remove it can save you from serious trouble. In this post, we’ll cover common symptoms of a malware infection, how to remove threats, and whether you really need third-party antivirus software.

Common Signs of a Computer Virus

If your computer is behaving strangely, you might have malware. Here are some of the most common signs:

1. Slow Performance – A noticeable slowdown in your computer’s speed can indicate a background process consuming system resources.
2. Frequent Crashes and Freezes – If your system is crashing randomly or experiencing frequent blue screens (BSOD), malware might be the cause.
3. Unwanted Pop-ups and Ads – Excessive pop-ups, especially when you're not browsing, suggest adware or a more severe infection.
4. Programs Opening or Closing Automatically – If software opens and closes on its own, malware could be interfering with your system.
5. Unauthorized Changes to Settings – If your homepage, default search engine, or other settings change without your consent, malware may be involved.
6. Missing or Corrupt Files – Malware often deletes or encrypts files to cause damage or demand ransom.
7. Unusual Network Activity – If your internet connection is slow or data usage spikes unexpectedly, malware could be sending information from your system.
8. Disabled Antivirus or Security Software – Some viruses disable security software to avoid detection and removal.

How to Remove a Virus From Your Computer

If you suspect your computer is infected, follow these steps to clean it up:

1. Enter Safe Mode

   Boot your computer in Safe Mode to prevent malware from running in the background. On Windows, restart and press F8 or hold Shift + Restart to access Safe Mode options.

2. Run a Virus Scan

   For Windows users, Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) is built-in and provides strong real-time protection. Run a Full Scan to detect and remove threats. If you need a secondary opinion, consider running Malwarebytes as an additional scanner

3. Uninstall Suspicious Programs

   Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Apps & Features in Windows 10/11) and remove any unfamiliar or recently installed software.

4. Delete Temporary Files

   Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files that malware might be hiding in. Open Run (Windows + R), type temp and %temp%, and delete everything inside those folders.

5. Check Your Browser Settings

   If your homepage or search engine was changed, reset your browser settings to default and remove unwanted extensions.

6. Update Your System and Software

   Ensure Windows and all software are up to date. Security patches often fix vulnerabilities that malware exploits.

7. Use a Bootable Antivirus Tool (if needed)

   For severe infections, use a bootable antivirus like Kaspersky Rescue Disk or Windows Defender Offline to scan and remove threats before Windows starts.

Are Mac Computers Vulnerable to Viruses?

Mac computers are generally more secure than Windows due to macOS’s Unix-based architecture and strict app security controls like Gatekeeper and XProtect. However, they are not immune. Macs can still get adware, spyware, and phishing attacks. Using built-in macOS security tools and being cautious with downloads is usually enough to stay safe.

Why Linux is Not as Vulnerable to Malware

Linux systems are significantly less vulnerable to malware due to:

• Low Market Share – Hackers focus on Windows since it dominates the market.
• Strict User Permissions – Most Linux distributions require root access for system changes, preventing unauthorized installations.
• Open-Source Community – Security flaws are quickly patched by an active development community.
• Lack of Executable Malware – Windows viruses don’t run on Linux due to its different file structure and execution policies.

That said, Linux users should still follow best security practices, especially if running a Linux server.

Need Help? Digital Tech Fusion Has You Covered!

If you don’t feel comfortable handling malware removal yourself or are unsure about potential vulnerabilities, Digital Tech Fusion can help!

We offer on-site services where we come to your location, or you can bring your system to us.

Our experts will perform a full anti-virus scan, malware removal, and system security check to ensure your computer is safe and running smoothly.

Final Thought: Embrace the Restart!

If your computer is showing signs of malware, don’t panic—take the necessary steps to remove it. Windows Defender is usually all you need for protection, while Macs and Linux are naturally more secure but not invincible.

The best defense against malware is staying vigilant, keeping your system updated, and avoiding suspicious downloads. And if you need professional help, Digital Tech Fusion is here for you!