Disconnect the Internet to prevent the spread of the virus; 2. Enter safe mode to scan more effectively; 3. Use trusted antivirus tools to scan and remove all the viruses; 4. Check the launcher, browser extensions and recently downloaded applications to remove suspicious content. After a virus is found, you should first disconnect the network immediately, including disabling Wi-Fi, unplugging the network cable and turning off Bluetooth; then restarting the computer to enter safe mode to reduce virus interference; then using updated to the latest antivirus software such as Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender for a full disk scan; finally check the system startup items, browser plug-ins and download folders, and manually delete suspicious items. If the problem continues, consider resetting the system or seeking professional help.

Removing a virus from your computer isn't always straightforward, but with the right approach, you can usually get things back under control. The key is to act quickly and methodically — don't panic, but don't ignore it either.

Disconnect from the Internet

As soon as you suspect your machine is infected, disconnect it from the internet. This helps prevent the virus from spreading or sending out any personal data it might have accessed.

• If you're on Wi-Fi, disable the connection from your system tray or menu bar.
• For wired connections, just unplug the Ethernet cable.
• Disable Bluetooth as well if you're unsure how deep the infection goes.

This step might seem simple, but it's often overlooked. Doing this buys you time to deal with the problem without making it worse.

Boot into Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode limits what runs when your computer starts up, which can help isolate the virus and stop it from interfering with removal tools.

• On Windows: Hold Shift while clicking "Restart" from the Start menu, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
• On Mac: Hold the Shift key while powering on the machine until you see the login screen.

Once in Safe Mode, you'll have a cleaner environment to scan and remove malware without background processes getting in the way.

Use a Trusted Antivirus Tool

If you already have a reputable antivirus program installed, update its virus definitions and run a full system scan. If not, you should download a tool specifically designed for malware removal.

Some good free options include:

• Malwarebytes
• Microsoft Defender (built into Windows 10/11)
• Avast Free Antivirus

Make sure to update before scanning — outdated tools won't catch newer threats. Let the software do its job, and follow its prompts to quarantine or delete infected files.

Check for Common Trouble Spots

Even after a scan, some viruses hide in startup settings or fake system files. You can manually check a few common spots:

Startup programs
Use Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc) on Windows and look at the “Startup” tab. Disable anything suspicious or unfamiliar.

Browser extensions
Sometimes infections come through rogue browser add-ons. Go into your browser's extension manager and remove anything you didn't install intentionally.

Recent downloads
Check your Downloads folder and uninstall any recently added apps that look fishy. If you're not sure, search online for the app name plus "virus" or "review" to see what others are saying.

That's the basic process. It doesn't always fix everything, but it covers most everyday situations. If problems persist after trying all of this, you may need to consider resetting your system or seeking more advanced help. But for most users, these steps are enough to clear out the junk and get back to normal.

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