How to Get Rid of virus on Windows 8
Malware poses a significant danger to your data and personal information. It can track your online activity and steal passwords and more sensitive information about you. Also, it can either use your computer or identity to make cybercrimes or sell your data to third parties for money. Malware like spyware and ransomware can cause you quite a damage psychologically and financially. However, we’ll help you identify a virus and remove it without delay.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can find out if there’s a virus in your PC/laptop and how to get rid of virus on windows 8.
How to find out if my PC/laptop has malware?
There are several signs through which you can figure out if your PC/laptop has been infected with a virus.
1- Disk memory appears to be full:
Once your windows get infected with malware, it can use resources right under your nose without you knowing. So, notice any suspicious activity like your computer or laptop using too much disk memory or CPU when you haven’t downloaded any heavy applications or software. It might be a virus alert.
2- Several adverts pop up while browsing:
Suppose strange ads keep popping up while browsing; that’s another red flag for you. Too many pop-up windows opening and redirecting you to harmful sites is never a good sign and needs a solution.
3- Work files become encrypted:
When you get logged out of your accounts, and all your essential work files become restricted, it becomes a highly damaging problem. Usually, hackers use ransomware to encrypt files and restrict your access to your PC/laptop. They also demand money to return access to you safely.
4- Apps crash continuously or PC/laptop slows down:
Due to software/hardware issues, your windows slowing down or getting stuck could happen due to software/hardware issues. The same goes for the apps. However, malware could also be one of the reasons why it might happen, especially if your desktop or notebook is relatively new.
5- You find a suspicious software downloaded on your device:
If you find suspicious software installed on the device that you never downloaded, it could be malware. Also, sometimes when you download free software from an unknown publisher, hackers can freely attack your system. Such software contains harmful codes that steal your data. Moreover, look out for unknown toolbars downloaded in your browser and any changes in the default settings.
How to get rid of virus on windows 8?
There are some practical ways that you can use to get rid of the virus on your Windows 8.
1- Use the windows defender:
Windows Defender is a built-in security program in Windows 8 and 8.1 versions. It protects the system against malware. However, it works only when you have no other third-party antivirus installed.
Step 1: Go to windows start and type “windows defender.” When it appears in the results, click on it.
Step 2: Go to “Scan options” and select “Full.”
Step 3: Choose the “Scan now” option.
Step 4: Now, proceed to view the results by typing “windows defender” again in the search bar of the start icon and press enter.
Step 5: Go to the “History tab.”
Step 6: Click on “All detected items,” then choose the “View details” option.
Note: The “Windows defender” scan will detect and remove malware automatically.
If the Windows Defender is disabled, you use another antivirus program. So, if you want to enable windows defender, you’d have to uninstall the third-party software. It’ll turn on windows defender automatically, or follow these steps below to enable it manually.
Step 1: Go to the search bar by clicking on the start icon. Type “Windows defender” and press enter.
Step 2: Select the “Check for updates now” option when the screen appears.
Step 3: After it updates, you’ll see a green bar indicating that windows defender is updated and turned on, protecting your PC/laptop.
Step 4: Now, go to Tools > Real-time protection and turn on all three options you’ll see there.
2- Install a reputable third-party antivirus:
Suppose you do not feel satisfied with the built-in security system like Windows defender of Windows 8, download trustworthy antivirus software. Many options like Bitdefender and Norton, etc., provide complete protection against viruses.
3- Turn off the internet connection:
Disconnecting from the internet would cut off hackers’ connections to steal your data. They may also use a virus to attack other computers using yours, so immediately going offline would protect your PC/laptop. You may switch off the router or click on the wireless icon on the taskbar to disconnect.
4- Uninstall suspicious software/applications:
If you notice a suspicious software or app you didn’t download, uninstall it immediately.
Step 1: Go to the start icon—type “Programs and Features” in the search bar and press enter.
Step 2: Scrutinize all the programs and select the one you want to remove.
Step 3: Right-click on that software and choose uninstall.
5- Restart the PC/laptop in safe mode:
You can reboot windows in safe mode. However, you must do so at your own risk because this suggestion is for technically advanced users. You can follow the official step guide of Microsoft to enter windows 8 into safe mode using the link below.
6- Use the Task Manager to stop suspicious programs from running:
You can open the Task manager to view what programs are running in the background. If you find any application that seems suspicious, then terminate it.
Step 1: Press the “Alt + Ctrl + Del” keys to open the Task Manager.
Step 2: Now, click on the “Process” tab to view the active processes.
Step 3: Find the suspicious processes you think are malware-related and select the “End Task” button to stop them quickly.
7- Delete browser history, cookies, and cache:
Sometimes a virus may enter your PC/laptop through cookies or hide in the cache. It is recommended that you clear all the saved cookies and cache to protect your device against viruses.
Step 1: Go to the start icon, type “Internet Options,” and press enter.
Step 2: A pop-up window will open. Ensure the “General” tab is opened.
Step 3: Click on “Delete” under the “Browsing history” option.
Step 4: A pop-up window will open with options. Tick mark the boxes to delete selected information like cache, cookies, and temporary files.
8- Install the latest updates for windows 8:
Installing the latest updates keeps the version of your windows protected from vulnerabilities. The updates fix what needs to be improved and help create better security against viruses.
Conclusion:
If you try all these methods, but nothing works, don’t worry and seek professional help. Sometimes, it becomes challenging to catch malware and remove it. Our expert technicians will be more than happy to help you. Call us now!