malware removal

A Corgi in an office setting looking at a Windows PC with the Windows Security scan options on the PC's screen.

How Do I Run a Full Scan Using Windows Defender?

If you’re worried your computer might have malware, running a full scan with Windows Security is one of the best ways to check. I’ll walk you through updating, launching, and completing a full scan, plus explain why it’s not a guaranteed fix on its own.

A Corgi holding a giant magnifying glass passing over a computer screen, revealing tiny hidden critters scurrying away.

How Do I Remove Malware from Windows?

I’ll walk you through the steps to clean an infected computer, from backups and full scans to the one method guaranteed to work… plus how to avoid the whole mess next time.

A laptop glowing with a big red exclamation mark on the screen, while a worried person hovers nearby, coffee cup in hand.

I Opened Something I Shouldn’t Have — Now What?

Accidentally run or opened something suspicious? We’ve all done it. I’ll walk you through the options from scans to resets, and consider what to learn from the experience.

A cockroach surviving an explosion.

Can Malware Survive If I Reset My PC?

Worried a reset won’t wipe out malware? While it’s technically possible for some infections to survive, it’s extremely rare. Learn where malware can hide, which reset options are safest, and the extra steps you can take to ensure a truly clean and secure Windows reinstall.

A desktop Windows PC with a bold red warning message on the screen reading 'System Compromised.' The background suggests a cybersecurity breach, with dark tones and a subtle hint of digital chaos, such as faint binary codes or digital artifacts. The setting is an office desk setup with realistic details like a coffee mug, a notepad, and a dimly lit, tense atmosphere.

How Do I Make Sure Malware is Gone?

Of course we want to be certain malware has been removed. Unfortunately, certainty is difficult to come by.

A Corgi wizard waving a wand over a WIndows PC with a speech bubble that says "Malware be gone!"

My Machine’s Full of Malware; Should I Get a New Computer?

If malware has you ready to give up and buy a new computer, don’t. I’ll explain why your old one can be completely restored to a malware-free state, using steps to wipe out even the worst infections without spending a dime on new hardware.

Tip of the Day: Remove Malware by Reformatting