01

Run your antivirus software first

If you already have antivirus software installed, start here before anything else.

  • Open your antivirus program
  • Run a Full Scan (not a quick scan)
  • Follow any prompts to quarantine or remove detected threats
  • If you don't have antivirus software, continue to step 2
02

Run a Windows Security scan

Windows has built-in protection that can catch many common infections.

  • Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security
  • Click Virus & Threat Protection
  • Click Scan options
  • Select Full scan and click Scan now
03

Check installed programs

Some malware installs itself as a program. Look for anything you don't recognise.

  • Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl, then press Enter
  • Sort programs by installation date
  • If you find something unfamiliar and are 100% certain it's not needed, uninstall it
  • If you're not sure, leave it, removing the wrong program can cause other issues
04

Check startup programs

Malware often sets itself to run every time your computer starts.

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
  • Click the Startup tab
  • Disable any items you don't recognise or didn't intentionally install
05

Check browser extensions

Many infections enter through the browser and hide as extensions.

  • Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
  • Go to Extensions or Add-ons in settings
  • Remove anything you don't recognise or didn't install yourself
06

Reset browser settings if needed

If your browser is still showing pop-ups or behaving strangely, a reset can clear it out.

  • Go to browser Settings
  • Look for Reset settings or Restore settings to original defaults
  • Note: this will remove your extensions and saved settings

If you're still experiencing pop-ups, slow performance, or unusual behaviour after these checks, it's likely the infection hasn't been fully removed. At that stage, repeated attempts can sometimes leave remnants behind or make things worse. If you're in Johannesburg or Gauteng and want it cleaned properly without risking your data, feel free to reach out.

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