How to Recover Windows from Malware Infection

How to Recover Windows from Malware Infection

Last updated on March 24th, 2024 at 9:43 am

Malware infection has been a serious concern since we have been using Windows XP. Though Microsoft has taken numerous measures to emphasize security and strengthen defending power to take care of such malicious infections on the system, we still are a step behind those who try to bug us.

If you have got an infected computer with a Malware infection, there are possibilities that you spread the infection to all the PCs connected to your network or all the people you communicate to. Such malware can just be annoying or dangerous to your data and identity theft. Here in this article, we have covered few tips and tricks to recover using Windows steps and a few malicious software removal tools. You are just a few minutes away from malware removal from Windows 10.

Clean Temporary Files and Folders

The first step you can take for malware removal from Windows 10 is to clean temporary files and folders from your infected computer.

Clear Temp Files

Step 1. Press Win + R to open Run Window and type ‘Temp’ and press enter.

Step 2. A folder will open with temporary files and folder. Delete windows temp files as they may contain malware infection. Clean Windows temporary files and folders by selecting all and deleting them. Close the folder once done.

Clear User App Data

Step 3. Press Win + R to open Run Window and type ‘%Temp%’ and press enter.

Step 4. Another folder will open with temporary user App data. Delete windows temp files for malware removal. Clean temporary user files and folders by selecting all and deleting them.

Clear Temporary Internet Files

Step 5. Press Win + R to open Run Window and type ‘Prefetch’ and press enter.

Step 6. Another folder will open with temporary internet files and folders on your computer. It may prompt you for authorization and you can click on ‘Continue’ to proceed further. Select all temporary files and folders and delete all of them. These are useless files that are of no use and may contain unwanted Malware infected files. This is a major step of malware removal from windows 10.

Perform Disk Cleanup

Step 7. Press the Windows key and in the search bar, type ‘Disk Cleanup’ and select ‘Disk Cleanup’ from the result. It will open up Disk Cleanup utility to select the drive you want to scan. Generally, we select the drive which has got the most frequent content. Select the drive and click on ’Okay’.

Step 8. Disk Cleanup will scan the selected drive and suggest files and folders to delete from the drive. Ensure to select temporary files, thumbnail, Recycle Bin, Temporary Internet Files and click on the ‘Ok’ button for malware removal from windows 10. It will prompt for confirmation to delete these selected files permanently, click on ‘Delete Files’ to proceed further. It may take some time to complete the process depending on the file size and close automatically.

Check Your Default Search Engine

Malware tends to hijack your default browser or homepage and redirect you to different pages. If you are using Google Chrome as your default browser, it is necessary to take a look at these settings for malware removal from an infected computer.

Step 1. Click on the menu button on the top right-hand side of the browser and click on the ‘Settings’ button.

Step 2. Go to the ‘Manage Search Engines’ button in the search section.

Step 3. It will show you a list of all available search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, AOL and more. Ensure that your selected search engine is set as the default search engine and there is no other suspicious item listed. If you find it, remove it! Click on the three dots and select ‘Remove from list’.

Clear Browsing Cache, Cookies and Files

Step 4. Click on the ‘Advanced’ button under the ‘Settings’ page and navigate to the ‘Privacy and Security’ list.

Step 5. Click on ‘Clear Browsing Data’, the last option on the ‘Privacy and Security’ list.

Step 6. Ensure to select ‘Browsing History’, ‘Download History’, ‘Cookies and other site data’, ‘Cache Images and files’, ‘Site Settings’ and ‘Hosted App Data’. If you want to keep browsing or download history, you may deselect them.

Step 7. Click on ‘Clear Data’ to wipe it out from the infected computer.

Check Windows Defender Settings

Windows Defender Settings

Windows Defender is Microsoft’s inbuilt intuitive tool to protect the system from any malware infection. Here you can ensure that ‘Windows Defender’, ‘Firewall and Network protection’, ‘Virus & Threat Protection’, ‘Account Protection’, ‘App & Browser Control’, ‘Device Security’ and ‘Device Protection’ is turned ON.

You can also check for ‘Windows Updates’ from this section to ensure that all the recent ‘Windows Defender Updates’ are installed properly and protecting your computer from Viruses and malware infection.

Windows Updates

Use The Best Cleaning Tools

Once you perform the above settings, you are advised to restart the computer and check if you still feel odd behavior due to malware infection on your infected computer. If yes, you are advised to use third-party tools to scan and clean your computer.

CCleaner Professional

ccleaner-professional

CCleaner Professional is a malicious software removal tool and an award-winning PC optimization tool that automatically cleans your Junk Files regularly, clears history and browsing cookies and automatically updates your Windows and browser constantly. CCleaner performs the following functions to ensure that your computer runs well along with malware removal from windows 10.

  • Controls apps to save computer resources

  • Removes malware, tracking cookies and browsing files

  • Quick install new software updates to reduce security threats

  • Automatically detects and cleans malware infection from an infected computer

  • Cleans your system exhaustively for 100% protection

  • Monitors system for junk files on a real-time basis

Avira

avira-prime-security

You can also make use of one of the best Antivirus for Windows 10 called Avira Prime. Avira Prime is again an award-winning antivirus cum VPN cum software updater, network security cum browser security and way more. Avira Prime is one of the best security combo to secure you against malware infection and other online threats.

Avira Prime can protect your computer from Viruses, Malware, Worms, Trojan, Spyware, Ransomware, Adware, and Rootkit infections. Avira has a premium antivirus pro protection and system tune up utility. It is also equipped with Phantom VPN Pro to anonymously browse web.

Special features include:

  • Perform Quick & Smart Scan

  • Scan and guards your home network for vulnerabilities

  • Perfect detection rate of malware infection and other threats

  • Avira cleans temporary internet files and performs system speed up

  • Intelligent algorithm to dedicate and clean malware infections and privacy threats

  • Password Manager Pro creates & manages hack proof passwords

  • It has even higher detection rate than Windows Defender

So, this was a quick discussion on how to recover Windows from malware infections. Do try these steps and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below.

Author Bio:

Dinesh Lakhwani

Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Post

Recent Post

How to Change Screen Orientation in Windows 11: The Complete Guide [2025]

By TechCommuters / February 14, 2025

With the growing popularity of rotating monitors and convertible laptops, screen orientation flexibility has become crucial in modern computing. Understanding how to adjust screen orientation in Windows 11 is a useful ability, regardless of whether you’re using a tablet mode device, arranging a vertical monitor for coding, or just need to fix an inadvertently rotated […]

Advanced System Optimizer: Complete Review [Unbaised]

By TechCommuters / February 10, 2025

Do you know how to prevent computers from slowing down? Were you already tired of pitiful slowdowns and freezes? Well, then you are the lucky one. Just think of how much easier life is going to become with Advanced System Optimizer to help make your computer run better. The advanced system optimizer is filled with […]

How to Install Menyoo Trainer in GTA V: A Comprehensive Guide

By TechCommuters / February 6, 2025

You probably agree to this that Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is still one of the most played open-world games because of its engaging gameplay and countless customization options. Besides all the benefits, gamers still look for multiple ways to enhance the overall experience & for that a lot of people rely on using […]

31 Windows 11 Tips and Tricks for Beginners & Advanced Users

By TechCommuters / February 3, 2025

Are you eager to discover new Windows 11 tips and tricks? Look no further! Windows 11 offers many features to make your computer experience better. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, these tips and tricks will help you use your system better. From improving productivity to enhancing security, there’s something for everyone. […]

What Are The Default Program Settings In Windows 11?

By TechCommuters / January 29, 2025

Default programs settings in Windows 11 help you decide which app or program should open different files and links. For example, you might prefer a specific web browser to open web links or a particular app to play videos. These settings in Windows 11 allow you to make these choices easily. It also gives you […]

How to Fix “The Requested Resource Is in Use” Error On Windows 10 & 11

By TechCommuters / January 24, 2025

Users of Windows 10 and 11 frequently see “The Requested Resource Is in Use” warning while attempting to move, copy, or delete files. Well, it usually means that the file or resource you are trying to access is being used by another program or process, and the error can get super annoying, especially when you […]

Fix Laptop Overheating: Here’s Your Complete Guide to Causes, Solutions & Prevention

By TechCommuters / January 20, 2025

Is your laptop suddenly shutting down, producing odd noises, or getting unreasonably hot? Well, you’re not alone, though. It’s quite a frequent and annoying problem, and when laptop overheating happens, it drastically reduces performance, diminishes lifespan, and sometimes in worst-case scenarios, causes data loss. When internal components produce more heat than the cooling system can […]

Here’s Your Ultimate Guide To Connecting Your Canon Printer to Wi-Fi in 2025

By TechCommuters / January 8, 2025

Canon printers are a popular option for both home and office settings because of their well-known compatibility and user-friendliness. However, you must connect them to a Wi-Fi router to fully utilize their capabilities. Although it may appear difficult, connecting a Canon printer to a Wi-Fi router is simple if you follow the correct instructions. In […]

Top 10 Widget Apps for Android To Enhance Your Home Screen [2025]

By TechCommuters / January 1, 2025

Are you sick of seeing an Android home screen that is disorganized and cluttered? Do you want to give your device more elegance and functionality? If so, Android widget applications are the ideal answer. The use of widgets to improve the Android experience has become essential. They provide usefulness, accessibility, and an aesthetically pleasing method […]

Top 10 Most Popular Offline Racing Games For Android [2025]

By TechCommuters / December 29, 2024

Offline racing games have made a name for themselves in the rapidly changing mobile gaming market. They are ideal for gamers constantly on the road because they can offer exhilarating experiences without requiring an internet connection. These racing games will undoubtedly satisfy your needs if you don’t want to race online or follow leaderboards, even […]