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

Some of my favorite programs for performing computer diagnostics are the kind that you just download and run. These applications are simple to use and can be deleted when I am finished with them. So here are some of my favorite portable programs for Windows.

Since I repair computers for a living, I use many different programs during my typical workday. Most of them I can store on USB drives for quick access.

However, there are some programs that I like to download before I use them, as they are portable applications and do not require installation. Since they do not get installed, the only way to get the latest updated version is by downloading them.

Some of these programs have time stamps and will expire after a certain amount of time. So downloading them when I need them makes the most sense. The hardest thing about downloading them is remembering where you saved them.

All of the applications mentioned in this are article can run on any version of Windows currently supported by Microsoft. And the best thing is that they are all free to use.

CPU-Z

This convenient utility displays the details of the installed processor, motherboard, memory, and graphics card in any given computer. This way, you do not have to disassemble a computer to determine its installed components.

CPU-Z comes in handy when you are looking to add or upgrade your computer's memory modules. I use it when a customer wants to upgrade the installed memory, as it displays the exact part number of all installed memory modules.

There are portable (ZIP) and installable (EXE) versions of CPU-Z and versions customized for particular motherboard vendors. If you are going to use CPU-Z to measure system performance between different BIOS settings, the installed version may be the best bet.

But if you are only going to run it a couple of times, then the stand-alone version will work quite well. All you have to do is extract the files inside the ZIP archive, and you are ready to go.

For more information on CPU-Z, follow the link below.

CPU-Z

Advanced IP Scanner

Have you ever added a new device to your network and then could not find it? That is where Advanced IP Scanner comes in handy. It can scan your network and find network devices, shared folders, and shared printers. You can even use it to access other network computers remotely.

Advanced IP Scanner can be installed or run as a stand-alone program. When you download the program, it comes as an EXE file. When executing it, you have the option of installing it or just running it.

If you are only going to use it a couple of times, then the stand-alone version will work. If you are going to use it regularly, you may want to perform a complete installation.

For more information on the Advanced IP Scanner, follow the link below.

Advanced IP Scanner

Adwcleaner

This is by far my favorite tool for cleaning up Internet browsers. Just download and run Adwcleaner to remove adware and PUPs (Probably Unwanted Program) from your favorite browser.

Unlike the rest of the programs in this article, when Adwcleaner downloads its latest database, it also checks for a new version of itself. It will download an updated version but does not remove the previous version. It has to be removed manually.

Besides cleaning up browsers, it will also clean up and reset the TCP/IP network stack back to the default settings. And if you only need to run it a couple of times, it can delete itself and all of its quarantine files.

For more information on Adwcleaner, follow the link below.

Adwcleaner

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Microsoft's Safety Scanner is a powerful utility when it comes to scanning for viruses and malware. Even though the user interface is sparse, the true power is built into it.

Since this program is updated on a pretty regular basis, you will defiantly want to download it when you are ready to perform a scan. Keep in mind that this program is date stamped and will run only for ten (10) days after it was downloaded.

There are only a couple of choices regarding the types of scans it will perform; Quick, Full, or Customized. Be warned that if you choose a full scan, it can take hours or even days to complete, depending on how much data your drive(s) contains.

Remember that the Microsoft Safety Scanner is for manually scanning for malware and viruses and does not replace the need for a full-time anti-virus program.

For more information on Microsoft's Safety Scanner, follow the link below.

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Sysinternals Suite

With over seventy utilities, Microsoft's Sysinternals Suite has the most extensive set of diagnostics tools. Sysinternals have been around for more than two decades and have become a staple in computer technicians' toolbox.

Every single program in the suite is a stand-alone program and does not require installation. You can download the complete suite of utilities in a single ZIP file or a single utility separately; it is your choice.

Now you have to remember that the Sysinternals Suite does not automatically update any of its programs. But there are script files out there that can download updated files.

There is also the Sysinternals Live service that allows you to run the tools directly from the web. That way, you will always have the latest and greatest version of any of the utilities.

For more information on Microsoft's Sysinternals Suite, follow the link below.

Sysinternals Suite

Are you worried about viruses infecting your Windows computer? If so, you're not alone. With the increasing number of malware and viruses targeting Windows operating systems, it's crucial to protect your PC proactively. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover virus removal guidelines for Windows to help you keep your computer safe and secure.

Prevention is critical to protecting your Windows computer from viruses. This starts with using reputable anti-virus software and always keeping it updated. Regularly updating your operating system and other software is also crucial, as many updates include security patches that protect you from newly discovered vulnerabilities.

In addition to using anti-virus software, it's essential to practice safe browsing habits. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrustworthy sources, as these can often be vectors for malware. You should also be cautious when opening email attachments, as many viruses are spread through phishing emails.

Prerequisite: To start the removal process, you will need to download software to scan for and remove any malicious software. It is recommended that you download this software on another computer that is known to be uninfected and use a clean, recently formatted USB to transfer the software to your infected computer.

Microsoft Safety Scanner - This program is completely self-contained and requires no Internet access to run or install. Just download it, copy it over to the infected computer via a USB drive, and then run it. If you decide to run a full scan, it can take hours or even days, depending on how many files are on the drive(s). This software is time-stamped and will only run for ten days. After that, you would need to download a new copy of it.

Malwarebytes - This program requires Internet access to download the complete installation files. I recommend downloading the installer and copying it to the infected computer via a USB drive. Once the installer is on the infected computer, connect to the Internet and start the installation program.

Avast Free - This program requires Internet access to download the complete installation files. I recommend downloading the installer and copying it to the infected computer via a USB drive. Once you have the installer on the infected computer, connect to the Internet and then start the installation program.

Taking immediate action is essential if you suspect your Windows computer is infected with a virus. Here are some virus removal guidelines to help you effectively eradicate malware from your system:

1. Disconnect from the Internet: If you suspect your computer is infected, one of the first steps you should take is to disconnect it from the Internet. This can help prevent the virus from spreading to other devices on your network or communicating with its command-and-control servers.

2. Enter Safe Mode with Networking: Boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking to limit the number of processes running and make it easier to remove the virus. Depending on what software you want to use, you may need an Internet connection to install it. Now, Safe Mode with Networking only supports wired (ethernet) connections because it uses generic network drivers, and there just aren't any generic WiFi drivers.

You will need to use the Advanced Boot Options to get Windows to boot up into Safe Mode, and here is how to get there:

Windows 11 Advanced Boot Options

Windows 10 Advanced Boot Options

3. Scan for viruses: Run and/or install one of the recommended programs listed above, then run a full scan. Be prepared to wait as the software scans all of the files on your drive(s). This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

4. Remove suspicious files and programs: Inspect your system for any suspicious files or programs and remove them. Look for unusual filenames, recently installed programs, or programs you don't remember installing.

If you can't remove the virus on your own, consider seeking help from a professional computer technician or a reputable IT support service, such as Geeks in Phoenix. They can assist in performing a more in-depth virus removal process and provide guidance on preventing future infections.

After removing the virus from your Windows computer, it's important to take steps to prevent future infections. This includes maintaining up-to-date anti-virus software, patching your operating system and software, and practicing safe browsing habits.

In conclusion, viruses pose a significant threat to Windows computers, but by following the virus removal guidelines outlined in this article, you can effectively protect your system from malware. Remember that prevention is vital, so stay vigilant and secure your computer to avoid falling victim to malicious software.

Check out the following article for more information on free Internet security software.

Free Internet security software

Check out this article for a detailed description of one of the worst cases of infection I have seen.

A real life virus removal horror story

Here is a list of a few free Internet security programs I recommend for those on a budget. Remember that free software often comes with limitations but is fully functional. Some require manual updating, but that is a small price for great free software. Let us start with an anti-virus program.

When it comes to anti-virus software, I like to see real-world testing comparisons. Take a look at AV-Test, an independent IT security institute that tests all major AV software every three (3) months. That way, the tests will be done with real-world AV samples.

Windows Defender (built into Windows)

• Pros: It is built into Windows and is one of the highest-rated AV programs. If you decide to install a third-party AV program, Windows Defender will switch itself into a secondary AV program and can be set up to periodically scan for threats.
• Cons: Windows Defender only protects the operating system and does not integrate with browsers.

Avast Free

• Pros: This is a fully functional anti-virus program that has file, behavior, web, and mail scanners. The program updates itself automatically.
• Cons: There is no free technical support. Support for this product is sold by call or by year.

Next is a Firewall program:

Windows Defender Firewall (built into Windows)

• Pros: It is already installed and running inside Windows.
• Cons: It provides essential inbound/outbound protection. You can create custom security rules, but configuring them requires some detailed information. It is not for the novice user.

ZoneAlarm

• Pros: The program is fully automatic in updating itself.
• Cons: It only provides inbound and outbound protection but does it in full stealth mode. It also requires internet access to install.

Let us now look at two free spyware/malware programs. My first choice is Microsoft Safety Scanner. Note that I ranked Microsoft Safety Scanner first because it requires no installation or additional software to run.

Microsoft Safety Scanner

• Pros: It requires no installation. Just download and run with Administrative privileges.
• Cons: It is time-stamped and will only run for ten (10) days after downloading it.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

• Pros: It is an excellent malware program. It checks for updates before performing any scans.
• Cons: It requires Internet access to complete the installation.