How to remove a virus from your computer in 2025: A Comprehensive guide
Here is the comprehensive guide for 2025 to remove a harmful virus from you computer by identigying symptoms, using the tools, employing right antivirus softwares, and manual removal of viruses. Post removal steps and awareness of AI powered attacks and IoT vulnerabilities ensure ongoing protection.
Introduction
The year 2025 is around the corner and the threats that we face online are also rising. Since we are more interconnected now a days, the threats these viruses pose are very high. This guide provides steps and best practices that will help you to identify, remove and protect your computer/laptop from infectious viruses and malwares. Recognizing the symptoms of a virus
The first thing that we need to know is that is your system or your computer is affected by any viruses or malwares. Because early you find out less damage it will cause. Here are the common symptoms of a virus infection in your computer in 2025.
Slow performance: This will be the first thing that you will notice. The response time for each action or activity that you will do on your computer will get sow. A significant delay in the response time will most probably be a virus.
Frequent Crashes: There might be some scenarios where you will face frequent crashes or restarts of your system in between your works. This might also include the frequent crashing of any of the programs that you will be using.
Unusual Pop-ups: You might be familiar with some pop-up ads that you may have seen in some websites. These kinds of pop-ups can come on your computer screen as well if your computer is infected by a virus or a malware. These pop-ups will be persistent and will not go away even if you close it multiple times.
Unknown Programs: You might also see some new icons or unknown applications installed on your PC. There is no guarantee that it will always be on the desktop. IT can appear anywhere in your computer like inside folders, your C drive etc.
Excessive Hardware Activity: In most of the cases you will find excessive hardware activity on your computer if a virus is infected on it. This will happen even if you are not doing anything. This is another symptom of a virus or malware presence in your computer.Initial Steps to take:
If you suspect your computer is having a virus/malware, make sure you take these steps immediately.
1. Disconnect your computer from the internet:
The internet connectivity is the thing that makes a virus more infectious. Upon disconnecting the internet, you will cut the communication between the virus and its source so that data won't be leaked or it will prevent the virus from spreading to other devices
2. Boot into safe mode:
It is a safe place for your computer to be in case of an "emergency" like a virus attack. As the name suggests, it will make the system to run limited apps, prevent other apps from running in background and this will help you to isolate and remove the virus. Built-in tools to remove the virus
As we have 2 popular Operating systems running, Windows and Mac, both of them comes with built in tools to help you identify and remove these malicious files.
For Windows:
Windows Defender: This is a powerful tool that comes with the OS that will help you to scan, identify and remove various types of viruses and malwares.
Navigate to: Settings> Update & Security> Windows Security> Virus Threat & Protection
Run a "Quick Scan" or a "Full Scan" for more through checkup of your computer.
For Mac OS:
Activity Monitor: This tool helps you to identify suspicious processes.
Open: "Activity Monitor" from "Applications > Utilities
Terminate any processes that seem unfamiliar or suspicious.Using third-party Antivirus Software.
Sometimes the built-in tools like windows defender or Activity Monitor wont be enough. There are "clever" viruses that can even remain undetected for these built in tools. Consider using some reputable third-party antivirus software for more comprehensive protection.
We are just listing them out, as this is not a promotion activity for these tools in any manner. You can research and find your own suitable antivirus as of your choice.
1. Malwarebytes
2. Norton Antivirus
3. Avast Free anti-virus
Many of the antiviruses available in the market are not free and it requires a fee for performing these thorough scans. You can choose accordinglyManual Removal of virus or malware from your computer
These are more tech-savy users, where you can manually remove a virus from your system. This involves identifying and deleting viruses and registry entries.
1. Task Manager/Activity Monitor
• Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac)
• Look for and terminate any suspicious processes
2. Delete Temporary files
• Use Disk-Cleanup (Windows) or Finder (MacOS) to delete temporary files
3. Registry Editor (Widows)
• Open "RUN" and type "regedit"
• Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run"
• Delete any suspicious entries.
Note: Always make sure you are not deleting any system entries by mistake or else it might crash your OSPost Removal Steps
Once you have identified and removed the virus from your system, here are some steps you can take to prevent further infections on your computer:
1. Update your system: Keeping your programs and your OS up to date will rule out the chances of being infected by viruses or other malicious files.
2. Install an Antivirus Software: Keeping an antivirus software installed and updated in your system and doing frequent scans will keep your computer safe.
3. Avoid suspicious click on links and downloads: You always have to be cautious of the emails you are receiving. The links in it might be malicious. A single click on it can easily enable the virus to enter your computer. Also make sure you are not making downloads from unknown or not-trusted sources.
4. Backup important data: A virus attack can easily affect your computer and will result in loss of all your data. Sometimes the only option to remove a "hard" virus from your computer is to do a full format and that will result in loss of all your data. So make sure you are making a back up of all the important data you are having on your computer.Emerging Threats in 2025
As we move forward with new technologies online, we will always be vulnerable to more advanced cyber threats.
1. AI powered Attacks
Now a days cyber criminals are opting artificial intelligence to create more sophisticated and targeted attacks. Now the technologies are so advanced that apps and websites can be created in a bunch of clicks, powerful viruses can also be created in ease. Only thing that we can do to be free from all these is to be cautious and be careful, just like an antivirus software.
2. Ransomware-as-a-Service (Raas)
On platforms like dark web, ransomware is being provided as a service. These will enable a less technically skilled person to access these and attack the desired target just by paying to the criminals.
3. Supply Chain Attacks
This method is by targeting software and hardware supply chains to infiltrate organizations
4. IoT Vulnerabilities
5. The increased use of Internet of Things devices opens up new ways of opportunities for cyber-attacks.Conclusion
Even if we have advancements in technologies and securities in year 2025 viruses and malwares continue to pose significant threat. By recognizing symptoms, using the right tools, taking proactive steps to protect your system, you can effectively remove viruses and safeguard your digital life. The key is to stay informed and be vigilant to maintain a secure computer environment.
