What is Windows Virus? What types of viruses for Windows are out there? How to remove Windows Virus from your PC? How to stop Windows Viruses?
The Windows operating system Is one of the most used operating systems out there. But the large user base has also made it a huge target for malware creators and they have made a lot of different types of malware for Windows out there. In this article, we will explain how you can remove absolutely any Windows virus from your computer effectively, so if you believe that you have a virus, read this material thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | Windows Virus |
| Type | Windows Malware |
| Short Description | Based on what it’s type is, any Windows virus can do from minimal to a lot of harm to your computer. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms may vary, based on the Windows Virus in question. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. Malicious files or web links sent by e-mail or downloaded from software download sites. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Windows Virus. |
Windows Virus – What Types Currently Exist?
In this segment of the removal article, we will explain to you all types of viruses that currently exist for Windows operating systems, what harm they do and how they enter your computer.
Tech Support Scam Windows Virus
We have seen many tech support scams out there, like Your Windows OS is Damaged, Microsoft Has Detected a Malicious Virus, 1-855-910-5732 Scam, Microsoft System Security Alert.
The Tech Support scams are the most common form of scams that may appear on your Windows browser. The scam pages themselves are not a Windows virus, but they may be caused either by an adware, a browser hijacker or even a Trojan.Clicker type of threat. Their main idea is to remain persistent on your computer and cause browser redirects to unwanted tech support scam sites. The main objective of those Tech Support scam sites is to trick you that your computer has a Windows Virus, by locking your browser with a web page, that contains a scareware message, like the example below shows:
These types of tech support scam sites are often combined with voice and animations to further scare users into doing one of the latter things:
- Calling a fake tech support employee.
- Downloading a rogue program.
In both cases, you may be asked to pay a lot of money to remove a virus that may not even exist on your computer. If you call a tech support number, then you will immediately be transferred to a fake employee, who wants you to get a full package in order for them to get in your computer to fix your system for errors or malware. The outcome is that you may end up paying hundreds of dollars and your Windows machine may not even have a virus.
Phishing Windows Virus
We have seen an extremely high number of phishing scams out there, among which the most popular were Google Docs Phishing Scam, Amazon Phishing Scams, “Won (1) Google Gift!”, DHL Phishing Scams, PayPal Phishing Scams and BestBuy and Wallmart scams.
Phishing is a very big problem in the world at the moment and the most often targeted areas of information are:
- Your credit card information.
- Your name and address.
- Your personal information.
- Social security numbers.
- Other financial data.
- Usernames and Passwords.
What the providers of phishing sites to is they may either compromise a web page or slither malware on your computer, both of which aim to cause a browser redirect, whose main goal is to lead you to a hoax website – a fake version of a real site. One good example is fake Nike site below, which is a fake retailer page, that likely wants you to enter your financial data:
When you do, those sites may not be HTTPS encrypted and may relay the information to the hacker directly via cookies. This is how many Instagram, Gmail and Facebook users, including celebrities have gotten their accounts hacked. As a result of a Windows Virus, hackers used to slither fake login pages of a social media site and then the victims typed their usernames and passwords only to have their accounts stolen.
Ransomware Windows Virus
We have seen tons of ransomware viruses for Windows out there, the most popular over the years of which were Locky Ransomware, Dharma Ransomware, GandCrab Ransomware, Cerber Ransomware, CryptoWall and of course, the legendary WannaCry and CryptoLocker ransomware infections.
The main goal of a ransomware virus is to attack your documents, videos, images, audio files, archives and basically any often used file and make it no longer openable. The main idea of this is for you to pay ransom “fee” to the hackers who hacked your computer with the ransomware virus. This “fee” is usually in cryptocurrencies, like BitCoin, Monero, Dash and others and it could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. It is not advisable to pay ransom, because paying does not guarantee to get your files back.
Rogue Software Windows Virus
There are countless fake and rogue programs over the years, for example Disk Speedup 3.0, Win Tonic, Win Speedup, Win PC Repair, PC SpeedLane and many others.
A hoax antivirus is not exactly a Windows Virus, but it could be considered to be very harmful in a way. The main idea of those programs is to run a lot of fake scans of your computer only to pretend to detect various different types of viruses, errors in Windows or something that is harmful. The end goal is that you have go buy the full license of those programs in order for them to be able to actually fix something, so most such programs that do not give a free trial or 1 free file removal are not to be trusted by any means. This is because they are scam software that is only after your money.
Hijacker Windows Virus
Hijackers are an interesting piece of software, because they aim to take over your browser. We are seeing countless of new hijackers every day, for example V9 Hijacker, Yahoo Redirect, Get Coupons for Free, Bing Redirect, Google Redirect and many other.
The main goal of a redirect “virus” as they call it or a browser hijacker is to slither on your computer as a seemingly legitimate browser extension or a program. Then, it changes your home page, plus it performs tons of other changes to your browser’s settings. This results in an enormous amount of advertisements being shown and your search engine being changed. This is very alarming, because it not only slows down your computer, but can also redirect you to tons of malicious sites, that can infect your computer with various Winows Virus infections.
Adware Windows Virus
Adware Windows Virus infections are not exactly a virus, but they are the most widespread type of unwanted software on your computer. They can also bring a lot of viruses in it too. We have seen a lot of adware over the years, such as DNS Unlocker, Pokki, IDP.ALEXA.51, Unstopp Me and many others.
Adware often masks itself in the face of seemingly legitimate helper programs, like apps that can help you bypass geo-restricted sites, torrent apps or any other app type for that matter. They often land on your computer as a reslult of being bundled in the installers of other software as well, where the app is often advertised as a “free extra” or “optional offer”. It is advisable to remove those apps, because the ads they show may eventually lead to viruses, phishing or scam sites.
Trojan Windows Virus
Trojans are a very dangerous Windows virus infections. We have seen a lot Trojans over time, and they are often different types, like Floxif, BuhTrap Backdoor, BokBot and many others. The main goal of those Trojans is to slither on your computer undetected and perform a range of malicious activities, including:
- Downloading other Windows Virus infections.
- Stealing files.
- Stealing passwords.
- Logging keystrokes.
- Stealing banking credentials (Banking Trojans).
- Mining for cryptocurrencies (Miner Trojans).
They often arrive either via e-mails or via fake cracks, patches and other fake files.
How to Remove any Windows Virus from Your Computer
Removing Windows virus infections is not something that is easy. A Windows virus can keep multiple files and objects on your computer, making removal complicated. If you know where those files and objects are, you can use the removal instructions underneath. They have been designed to help you isolate the virus and remove it step by step. For maximum effectiveness however, we strongly suggest that you save yourself some time and download and advanced Windows virus removal software. Such anti-malware scanner can detect any type of Windows virus files and objects on your computer and make sure they are permanently gone from it, plus protect your machine in the future as well.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Windows Virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Windows Virus on Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Windows Virus in Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Windows Virus from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Windows Virus from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Windows Virus from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Windows Virus from Internet Explorer.
- Guide 8: Disable Windows Virus Push Notifications in Your Browsers.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
About the Windows Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Windows Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Windows Virus?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Windows Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1.Browser Redirect – What Is It?
2.Adware Is Malicious, and It Uses Advanced Techniques to Infect
3.The Thin Red Line Between Potentially Unwanted Programs and Malware
4.The Pay-Per-Install Affiliate Business – Making Millions out of Adware
5.Malicious Firefox Extensions Installed by 455,000 Users Blocked Updates
How to Remove Windows Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Windows Virus
Step 2: Uninstall Windows Virus and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Windows Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Windows Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Windows Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Removal Guide for Windows Virus (Windows).
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Get rid of Windows Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Windows Virus and remove related files and objects
1.Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3.In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Windows Virus:
4.Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5.In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Windows Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Windows Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Windows Virus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Windows Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Windows Virus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Windows Virus, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Windows Virus (Mac)
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove Windows Virus from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2:Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Erase Windows Virus from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Uninstall Windows Virus from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Remove Windows Virus from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Windows Virus will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups
Eliminate Windows Virus from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications caused by Windows Virus from Your Browsers.
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Windows Virus FAQ
What is Windows Virus?
The Windows Virus threat is adware or browser redirect virus. It may slow your computer down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What are the symptoms of Windows Virus?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your computer for viruses.
What types of Unwanted Programs are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to do if I have a "virus" like Windows Virus?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most adware or unwanted program threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them from your browser and computer. One reccomended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter is one of the reccomended anti-malware apps, that can scan your computer for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps and eliminate them quickly. This saves time when compared to doing the removal manually.
How to secure my passwords and other data from Windows Virus?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our website, where you can also ask any questions and comment underneath the articles about your computer problems. We will try to respond as fast as possible.
