Having your computer get infected with a virus or malware can be an actual stressful situation. And finding software that can remove the infection can be even more stressful. So here are my five favorite virus and malware removal tools.

As a computer repair technician, I have used many tools to remove viruses, malware, and adware over the years. I have seen plenty of software that works like a charm, only to be bought out by their competitor or never updated.

Now some programs have withstood the test of time. Some of them you have to install fully, and some you just download and run. But all of the programs listed here have been around for several years.

Anti-virus programs

I get asked quite often about what anti-virus software I recommend. This is a tricky question to answer because there are so many decent free and paid AV programs out there.

I suggest checking some of the independent anti-virus review sites and see what is recommended. I personally like AV-Test as they review only anti-virus and security software.

Windows does include an AV program called Windows Defender, and it does rank pretty high, but it does have a limited feature set. If you are looking for AV software with a bunch of bells and whistles, Windows Defender may not be what you are looking for.

One of the first things you may want to do is check and see if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides a branded version of AV software. Sometimes you can get a complete security suite from your ISP for free.

But remember that the majority of AV programs look for viruses and malware, not adware or junkware. That is why I use several different programs to clean up an infected computer.

AV-Test

AdwCleaner

Nothing beats AdwCleaner when it comes to cleaning up a compromised Internet browser. It can find the most hidden malicious browser extensions and reset your network adapter simultaneously.

AdwCleaner requires no installation; just download and run. It also does not require an Internet connection but will download program and database updates if it can connect to the Internet.

AdwCleaner

Malwarebytes

As the name implies, it does an outstanding job finding and removing malware. It is also fantastic at finding and eliminating Probably Unwanted Programs (PUP) and junkware.

This program does have to have an Internet connection to complete its installation, and it is configured in a full 14-day trial mode. You can deactivate the trial license and just run it when you want to perform a scan.

The only thing I do not like about it is that it sets itself to start with Windows automatically. You can easily change this by right-clicking the Malwarebytes icon in the Taskbar and deselecting Start with Windows.

Malwarebytes

SUPERAntiSpyware

This program is excellent at finding those pesky little cookies that browsers collect. It also does a fantastic job of finding and removing PUPs and junkware.

This program requires full installation but does not need Internet access to complete the installation. The full version has some cool features, but the basic version will work if you are just trying to clean up your system.

SUPERAntiSpyware

Microsoft Safety Scanner

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a stand-alone scanner; you just download and run it. It does a fantastic job of finding malware that has dug itself deep inside Windows.

It does have only three options: Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Customized Scan. The Quick Scan looks in areas of Windows that are most likely to contain viruses, spyware, and malware. The Customized Scan is similar to the Quick Scan but allows scanning of a user-specified folder.

The Full Scan does just that; it scans every file on your computer. This is the most thorough scan but can take hours or even days to complete. But if you are looking for something that may be deeply embedded in Windows, this is the type of scan you want to perform.

Now the Microsoft Safety Scanner is time-stamped and will only run for ten days after you download it, so you will need to download a new version every time you want to perform a system scan.

Microsoft Safety Scanner

I've been doing virus/malware removal for a while now and have seen many different types of infections. The latest trend is to target your Internet browser. Whether it is Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari, it can get compromised. One of the best programs I've found to clean up Internet browsers is AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes.

The main screen inside AdwCleaner

Browser exploits have been around for a while now. Who hasn't had their home page changed or had a mysterious toolbar appear when they opened their browser? AdwCleaner is the perfect tool for getting all that junk out of your browser(s).

The settings screen inside AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner works great for removing adware, PUPs (Potentially Undesirable Program), unwanted toolbars, and home page hijacking. It can also clean up all Internet settings and reset your network adapter(s) back to their default state. With its intuitive interface and powerful scanning capabilities, AdwCleaner has gained widespread popularity among individuals and IT professionals alike. Here is a list of Adwcleaner's key features:

• Comprehensive Scanning: AdwCleaner employs advanced algorithms to thoroughly scan your system for adware and PUPs, targeting areas where these unwanted programs typically reside, such as browser extensions, registry entries, and system files.
• User-Friendly Interface: The interface of AdwCleaner is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, allowing users to initiate scans and easily remove detected threats. The simplicity of the tool makes it accessible to both novice and experienced users.
• Quarantine and Restore: Upon detecting adware and PUPs, AdwCleaner provides users with the option to quarantine and remove the identified threats. Additionally, the tool allows users to review and restore any items that have been mistakenly flagged as unwanted.
• Frequent Updates: To keep pace with the evolving threat landscape, Malwarebytes regularly updates AdwCleaner to ensure that it can effectively detect and remove the latest adware and PUPs.

AdwCleaner is a stand-alone program (requires no installation) except for the quarantine folder and a few registry entries it creates. Just download it to your computer, and you are ready to go. And you can uninstall it right from the main user interface. Best of all, it's free.

AdwCleaner from Malwarebytes is a formidable weapon in the fight against adware and PUPs. Its ease of use, powerful scanning capabilities, and the backing of a reputable cybersecurity company make it a go-to choice for individuals and professionals seeking to keep their systems free of unwanted software. As adware and PUPs continue to pose threats to computer users worldwide, AdwCleaner remains a crucial tool in maintaining a clean and secure computing environment.

For more information on AdwCleaner, follow the link below.

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner