System Cleanup Series: Removing Malware and Spyware
In this blog post, I will talk about the programs I use and recommend to remove malware and spyware from your computer. Scanning for malware or spyware is only necessary if you have noticed signs of malware or spyware infections and should only be used as a temporary measure to get things working well enough so you can backup any data you can in preparation for a clean install of Windows.
This blog post is part of my System Cleanup series. My aim is to be as transparent as possible in terms of my process during the work I'll do on your computer, either remotely or in my home office, as I cannot cover everything during the initial 15-minute Zoom or phone call.
Paid subscribers have access to a more detailed version of this blog post, an AI generated audio overview (that is quite good), and other perks. Please support my work for $5 per month.
Would you like blog posts like this in the form of a book with various related blog posts (Windows 11, etc)? I am working on that! I am considering options such as crowdfunding via Unbound.com, or Amazon self-publishing.
Meanwhile, you can easily print this blog post by using Reader Mode, then saving and printing the whole post or part of it as a PDF. More details in this ComputerWorld article.
If a computer is found to be compromised, malware CANNOT be fully removed by anti-malware programs, and Windows cannot be trusted to not be compromised. I don't care what the marketers, antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware companies, or local computer shops tell you.
They should ONLY be used to return the computer to a usable state.
The system NEEDS to be isolated. Unplug it from the internet, back it up if necessary, do a Windows reset, or do a clean install of Windows. Reconnect the internet when complete.
Don't believe BS that the system can be cleaned and left in production.
Even antivirus software can only be trusted to PREVENT infections.
Once infected, it is COMPROMISED and CANNOT be trusted while in that state.
A System Cleanup should only have to tidy things up.
My first choice for detecting malware or spyware is using IOBit's Advanced SystemCare.
If it finds a decent amount, and your computer needs a little more heavy lifting before backing up your data, resetting Windows or a clean install, my go-to programs are Spybot Search and Destroy, and the FREE versions of Malware Bytes and Super Anti-Spyware. Though it's much easier to install them via PatchMyPC.
However, in recent years, Malware Bytes and Super-Anti-Spyware have been pushing you to use the paid versions of their programs, and I find their tactics offensive. As such, I can only recommend these programs if you clearly need them.
Once scans and potential removals are completed, I recommend uninstalling them entirely until the next time you need them.
I also take issue with how these programs operate in recent years. Rightfully, many have taken issue with these programs overriding their default security software without consent. This is the case with Malware Bytes by default. It literally disables your system antivirus with itself. Please immediately go into the program settings and disable this. You DO NOT want Malware Bytes as your security software.
Users should damn well be notified of these important system changes. Seasoned users will recognize certain behaviors and that these simple scans are NOT meant to replace an anti-virus program. It is NOT okay for this to be a default setting.
With this in mind, once these settings are changed, these programs are still quite effective at finding infections, so they're worth using.
Sometimes, these scans find only Cookies, seemingly to show you *something*. Cookies are harmless. When many legitimate infections appear, the only way to know your computer is no longer compromised is to back up your data and take it to a computer store for a fresh (clean) install of Windows.
If you are comfortable backing up your data independently, you can check out my blog post on Data Backup. Beyond that, you can ”reset” Windows on your own, which is effectively a fresh install. I cover that in a blog post HERE.
Alright, that'll do it for now regarding this brief guide on removing malware and spyware from your computer. Please look for my How To Guides on Malware Bytes and Super Anti-Spyware in the future.
Table of Contents
- How To Change Sleep and Hibernation Settings in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: Antivirus
- System Cleanup Series: CCleaner
- System Cleanup Series: Advanced System Care
- System Cleanup Series: How To Use PatchMyPC to Keep Your Programs Up to Date
- System Cleanup Series: Startup Items in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: Windows Update in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: A Guide On How To Use Driver Booster
- System Cleanup Series: Removing Malware and Spyware
- System Cleanup Series: Uninstall (Remove) Apps and Programs in Windows 10
Thank you so much reading this blog post! You can keep up to date with my latest posts right here on KevinTheTechGuy.ca, on my Patreon, on BlueSky, via the RSS feed, and on my Social Media accounts. Just search for Kevin The Tech Guy! To find more content about the topics I cover, and other perks, please consider subscribing to my paid content! Your support makes my work possible.