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Start with an updated full scan in Windows Security. If malware keeps returning, run Microsoft Defender Offline; if the problem continues, back up important files and consider resetting or clean-installing Windows. Recover compromised accounts separately, using a trusted device after scanning it—Microsoft specifically advises scanning the PC before changing a compromised Microsoft-account password.
1. Run a full scan with Windows Security
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows. Before scanning, make sure Windows Security shows that protection is active and that its protection updates are current. Then open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Full scan, and choose Scan now. Labels and screens can vary by Windows version and device.
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A full scan is the least disruptive starting point; it checks files and running programs. Review the results in Windows Security and follow the available action for any detected threat, such as quarantine or removal. A clean result is useful, but it does not prove that every threat is gone or that associated accounts are secure.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf the scan fails to run
Microsoft suggests freeing disk space, installing Windows and protection-component updates, closing other applications, or restarting and then trying the scan again. Follow Microsoft’s malware troubleshooting guidance for the applicable Windows version.
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2. Run Microsoft Defender Offline if malware persists or returns
If Windows Security detects the same threat repeatedly, Microsoft says a hidden component may be reinstalling it. Defender Offline restarts the PC and scans outside the usual Windows session, making it harder for persistent malware to hide. Save open work first.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
- Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, then choose Scan now.
- Save work and confirm the restart. The PC will restart to perform the scan, then return to Windows.
- After signing back in, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history and review the results.
See Microsoft’s Defender Offline instructions. It requires a restart but does not reinstall Windows.
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3. Back up important files before resetting or reinstalling
Resetting or reinstalling Windows can remove files. Before escalating, copy important data to separate storage and, where possible, use a backup made before the infection. Microsoft recommends backing up files before recovery actions; its Windows recovery options explain how the available choices differ.
- Prefer a backup that predates the suspected infection.
- Keep the backup separate from the PC while cleaning or reinstalling.
- Do not treat an external drive as a malware cleaner: copying files to it does not make infected files safe.
4. Escalate to Windows recovery if the problem continues
Use the least disruptive option that addresses the problem. Microsoft advises trying a virus scan first; if problems continue, reinstall Windows using installation media and choose a clean installation. A clean install removes Windows, personal files, apps, and settings from the selected drive, so it is a substantial step—not a routine follow-up scan.
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| Option | Disruption and data impact |
|---|---|
| Full scan | Least disruptive first step; scans within Windows. |
| Defender Offline | Requires a restart; scans outside the normal Windows session and does not itself reinstall Windows. |
| Reset this PC | More disruptive; Windows offers choices about keeping or removing personal files. Back up first. |
| Clean install from installation media | Removes Windows, personal files, apps, and settings from the selected drive. Back up first. |
Read Microsoft’s recovery options before choosing. If your PC is managed by work or school, follow your organization’s IT process rather than independently resetting it.
5. Recover compromised accounts separately
Cleaning the PC and regaining control of accounts are related but distinct tasks. For a Microsoft account, use a trusted, cleaned device. Microsoft Support’s guidance for a hacked or compromised Microsoft account says: “Regardless of which antivirus app you install, run a full scan on your PC before you change your password.” After scanning, change or reset the account password and check for settings an intruder could have altered.
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- Run a full scan on the device you will use to access the account.
- Change or reset the Microsoft-account password.
- Review connected accounts, email forwarding, and automatic replies; undo changes you did not make.
- If you cannot sign in or do not recognize the verification options, use Microsoft’s sign-in helper and account recovery process.
For email, banking, social, or work accounts from other providers, use that provider’s official recovery process; the Microsoft steps above do not establish how another service handles recovery.
6. Strengthen sign-in after recovery
Once access is restored, review the available sign-in protections for the account. Microsoft describes authenticator apps and physical security keys among its sign-in security and passwordless options. They are options to evaluate, not mandatory products or a guarantee against future compromise. See Microsoft’s account-security guidance.
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Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. If the affected PC still runs Windows 10, it is on an ended-support operating system; consult Microsoft’s recovery guidance for the version and device you have, since screens and options can differ.
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