How to check if my computer has a virus: Top 10 symptoms of malware infection

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A good antivirus solution should prevent malware from ever infecting your system. However, if you haven’t yet invested in reliable security software or something manages to slip past your defenses, it’s important to be able to identify the signs of a computer virus.

In today’s post, we’ll show you the most common symptoms of a computer virus, how you can check whether the issue is caused by malware and what you need to do if you discover an infection.

Please note: Some solutions suggested in this article include actions such as system restore and driver updates. These may have unintended results after they’re performed. If you’re not familiar with these operations (or unsure how to properly perform any of the other solutions we suggested), we recommend that you consult with a trusted PC repair professional first.

1. Your web browser has new extensions you don’t remember installing

While some extensions are legitimate and can add useful functionality to your web browser, others are much less helpful.

Some extensions are known to collect private data about your browsing habits, which may be sold to third party advertisers. Others are poorly coded and contain critical security flaws that put your system at risk.

If you see a new browser extension that you don’t remember installing, there’s a good chance there’s malware on your system.

Possible solutions

Uninstall the extension from your PC

Although most extensions are integrated into your browser and not installed on your system, it’s still a good idea to check your PC first. To uninstall the extension from your computer:

1.- Press Windows Key + I.
2.- Click Apps.
3.- Scroll down the list to find the name of the extension.
4.- Select the program and click Uninstall.
5.- Work through the steps until the uninstall process is complete.

Uninstall the extension from your browser

Whether or not you found the extension on your PC, you’ll need to remove it from your browser.

To remove an extension from Chrome:

1.- Open the Chrome menu.
2.-Hover over More tools and click Extensions.
3.- Find the name of the extension you want to remove.
4.- Click Remove and confirm that you want to uninstall the extension.
5.- Restart Chrome if prompted.

To remove an extension from Firefox:

1.- Open the Firefox menu.
2.- Click Add-ons and select Extensions.
3.- Find the extension you want to remove.
4.- Click Remove and confirm that you want to uninstall the extension.
5.- Restart Firefox if prompted.

To remove an extension from Edge:

1.- Open the Edge menu
2.- Click Extensions.
3.- Select the extension you want to remove.
4.- Click Remove and confirm that you want to uninstall the extension.
5.- Restart Edge if prompted.

If the extension can’t be uninstalled from your PC or your browser, it may be malware.

Visit the support page of your preferred website browser if it’s not listed above.

Check out this blog post and embedded webinar for detailed information on manually removing browser extensions and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

2. Your antivirus software is disabled and you can’t re-enable it

Antivirus software plays a key role in protecting your computer against the hundreds of thousands of new malware that are created every single day.

However, there are many strains of malware that can disable your security software, stop it from updating and prevent it from running scans.

Permanently disabled antivirus software is a common symptom of malware. If you’ve started receiving warning messages about your system being unprotected or noticed your antivirus software behaving differently from normal, you may be dealing with a malware infection.

Possible solutions

Check Windows Defender Security Center

Windows will probably alert you if it detects that your antivirus has been disabled and provide you with some options to resolve the issue. To see these notifications:

1.- Press the Windows key.
2.- Type “Windows Defender Security Center” and open the app.
3.- View your notifications and work through the dialog boxes to resolve as required.

Restart your PC

Operating system and software updates can sometimes affect the functionality of certain antivirus solutions. Restart your PC and see if the issue is resolved.

Check for viruses with a portable scanner

A portable scanner is antivirus software that you can run directly from a USB flash drive. Because portable scanners are not installed locally on your system, they usually can’t be disabled by viruses.

You can use the Emsisoft Emergency Kit to quickly create an on-demand portable scanner.

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