Clean up a computer infected with malware

Use this guide if your computer is showing pop-ups, unknown programs, a changed browser homepage or warnings from your security software. Have another device such as your phone ready for changing passwords, and a charger and external drive if you have one.

Step by step

1. Disconnect and stop using it for anything sensitive

   Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable to stop anything sending data or spreading to other devices. Do not log in to your bank, email or shopping accounts on this computer until it is clean. If a pop-up shows a phone number claiming to be Microsoft or Apple support, do not call it: genuine warnings never ask you to phone a number, and this is a common scam.