How to Remove Malware in Windows
- 1). Use Windows Defender to perform a full system scan. Windows Defender is a tool that looks for spyware and some programs that can slow down your system's performance. All editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 have Windows Defender by default, so you can use it right away. Windows XP users can download it for free (see Resources).
- 2). Use the Malicious Software Removal Tool to scan the computer for known and destructive malware such as Sasser, Mydoom and Blaster. The scanner looks for any of the popular threats and attempts to remove them. You can obtain this removal tool via Windows Update or from the Microsoft Download Center (see Resources).
- 3). Download and use Microsoft Security Essentials to remove other types of malware, including viruses and trojans. Like Windows Defender, Microsoft Security Essentials can run in the background so it can detect any known malware that enters the system. It uses Windows Update to keep its definitions up to date and automatically performs weekly scans to keep you protected. Genuine Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 users must download the application from the Microsoft Security Essentials website (see Resources).