To remove a virus from your Windows 11 device, follow these steps:
1. Disconnect from the Internet
- Disconnect your device from Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the virus from spreading or sending data.
2. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with only the basic files and drivers necessary, which can prevent the virus from running.
- Open Settings:
- Press
Win + I
to open Settings.
- Press
- Navigate to Recovery:
- Go to
System
>Recovery
.
- Go to
- Restart in Safe Mode:
- Under "Advanced startup," click Restart now.
- Once restarted, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the restart, select Enable Safe Mode or Enable Safe Mode with Networking (press the number corresponding to the option).
3. Run Windows Security
- Open Windows Security:
- Press
Win + S
and search for Windows Security.
- Press
- Run a Full Scan:
- Go to Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to quarantine or remove threats.
4. Use a Trusted Antivirus Program
- Install a reliable antivirus software like:
- Microsoft Defender (built-in).
- Malwarebytes (recommended for deep cleaning).
- Kaspersky, Norton, or McAfee.
- Run a complete system scan and follow the instructions to remove any detected malware.
5. Remove Suspicious Programs
- Press
Win + R
, typeappwiz.cpl
, and press Enter. - Look for unfamiliar or suspicious programs, and uninstall them.
6. Clear Temporary Files
- Press
Win + R
, type%temp%
, and press Enter. - Delete all the files in the folder.
7. Check Startup Items
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager. - Go to the Startup tab and disable suspicious startup items.
8. Restore the System (if necessary)
If the above steps don’t work, restore your system to a previous state:
- Press
Win + S
and search for Create a restore point. - Go to System Restore, select a restore point, and follow the steps to revert your system.
9. Reinstall Windows 11 (as a last resort)
If the virus persists, a clean installation might be required. Ensure you back up your data before proceeding:
- Go to
Settings
>System
>Recovery
> Reset this PC. - Choose Remove everything and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you need detailed guidance on any of these steps, let me know!