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Malware is malicious software or code that compromises a device, account, or network. It can steal passwords and personal data, monitor activity, disrupt normal use, spread to other systems, or lock files for ransom. The word covers several behaviors—not one single program—so identifying what malware does is more useful than relying on its name alone.
Unwanted software is not automatically malware. Microsoft distinguishes potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), such as some aggressive advertising or bundled programs, from software that is deliberately harmful. The difference can be unclear in individual cases, so treat unexpected behavior cautiously while avoiding unsupported diagnoses.
Common malware types
Categories overlap in real attacks. A single incident can involve a trojan that installs a password stealer and ransomware, for example.
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| Type | What it does | Typical distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Virus or macro virus | Attaches malicious code to files or documents. A macro virus can run when an infected document is opened. | Usually relies on a host file or document. |
| Worm | Copies itself to other devices, potentially through messages, network shares, or removable drives. | Spreads without requiring each victim to install the same file manually. |
| Trojan | Pretends to be legitimate software or content, then steals information, downloads other malware, or gives an attacker access. | It does not self-replicate like a worm or virus; deception is the delivery method. |
| Spyware, password stealer, or keylogger | Collects credentials, keystrokes, browsing activity, or other personal information. | Its primary goal is covert monitoring or data theft. |
| Ransomware | Encrypts files or blocks access and demands payment or another action. | Payment never guarantees that files or access will be restored. |
| Adware | Displays or downloads unwanted advertising and may alter browser settings. | Some adware is unwanted rather than clearly malicious, but it can increase exposure to further threats. |
| Botnet malware | Puts a device under remote control as part of a network used for spam, fraud, or attacks. | The infected device may be abused even when its owner sees little activity. |
| Fileless threats | Operate through memory, scripts, or legitimate system tools rather than a conventional downloaded file. | They can be harder for traditional file-based checks to identify and remove. |
These labels describe behavior, not a universal standards taxonomy. Microsoft’s category names and definitions are its own classification system.
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How malware gets onto a device
- Phishing: An email, text, social message, or fake login page persuades you to open a link, attachment, or form.
- Malicious downloads: Cracked software, fake updates, unsafe browser extensions, and unfamiliar “free content” sites can bundle harmful code.
- Exploited vulnerabilities: An unpatched operating system, browser, app, or exposed service can be attacked without a convincing download prompt.
- Removable media: An infected USB drive or external disk can carry malicious files between systems.
- Compromised websites or advertising: A legitimate-looking page or advert can redirect you to an exploit or fraudulent installer.
What malware can do
Potential damage includes stolen usernames, passwords, payment details, identity information, and business data; covert monitoring; unauthorized remote control; altered browser or system settings; crashes and downtime; extortion; and use of your device to send spam or attack other systems. A compromised account can remain dangerous even after the original program is removed if its password was captured.
Warning signs—and their limits
The Federal Trade Commission lists these possible indicators:
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- Unexplained slowdowns, freezes, crashes, or repeated operating-system errors
- A changed browser homepage, unexpected redirects, unfamiliar toolbars, or add-ons
- Persistent or unusual pop-ups
- Security tools such as Task Manager or Activity Monitor being disabled
- Emails, messages, or social posts sent from your account that you did not create
None of these proves an infection; failing hardware, a bad extension, a configuration problem, or a software bug can look similar. Malware can also remain quiet and evade detection temporarily, even when security software is installed.
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Start with containment. The FTC’s consumer guidance says: “Immediately stop logging into online accounts with your usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information — like shopping or banking.” Then follow this sequence.
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- Stop sensitive activity on the suspected device. Do not enter banking, shopping, work, email, or password-manager credentials until you have scanned it. If practical, disconnect it from networks to limit communication and spread, while preserving information a trusted technician may need.
- Update trusted security software. Install current security intelligence from the software’s legitimate source. If no protection is installed, choose through an independent, reputable source—not a pop-up, unsolicited call, or search ad that claims your computer is already infected.
- Run a full scan. Allow the scanner to quarantine or remove detections. Quarantine blocks a detected file from running; it is not the same as proving every trace has been removed.
- Use an offline scan when supported. An offline scanner starts outside the normal operating environment, which can help with threats that interfere with Windows or security tools.
- Secure accounts from a clean device. Change exposed passwords, starting with email, banking, and password-manager accounts, and enable two-factor authentication. Use unique passwords and review account recovery details and active sessions.
- Escalate persistent or high-impact cases. If detections return, security tools are disabled, files are encrypted, or important accounts and data are involved, contact the device maker or a trusted support provider. Do not grant remote access or pay a number shown in a warning pop-up; fake support scams commonly use those tactics.
Windows-specific cleanup
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft says Defender Antivirus is built in. Install the latest security intelligence, run a full Microsoft Defender Antivirus scan, and use a Microsoft Defender Offline scan if unwanted software persists. Microsoft’s support guidance describes additional scanning and offline troubleshooting when cleanup is incomplete.
Do not treat Windows steps as universal instructions for macOS, Android, or iOS; use the security tools and recovery guidance for that platform. Avoid running multiple real-time antivirus products simultaneously without checking compatibility, because they can reduce performance or interfere with one another. Do not allow a quarantined or blocked file unless its publisher and safety are independently trusted.
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How to prevent malware
- Keep the operating system, browser, apps, and security intelligence current; enable automatic updates where appropriate.
- Download software and extensions from trusted publishers and official stores. Avoid cracked software and unfamiliar sites offering free movies, games, or utilities.
- Treat unexpected links, attachments, login requests, and “urgent” security messages as untrusted. Verify through a separate channel.
- Use security scanning and scan removable drives before opening their contents.
- Maintain offline or otherwise disconnected backups. Test that files can be restored; a backup continuously connected to an infected computer can also be damaged or encrypted.
- Use unique passwords and two-factor authentication so a stolen password does not automatically unlock every account.
Backups and external drives
A portable external hard drive can provide offline backup storage, but it is not antivirus software and cannot remove malware. Consider capacity, connection compatibility, portability, encryption or password controls, and whether you can keep it disconnected except during backups. Maintain more than one recoverable copy when the data matters, and reconnect backup media only when the computer is known to be clean or the backup process requires it.
Choosing security software without overbuying
There is no evidence here for a universal “best” antivirus or for a need to purchase a second suite on every computer. On Windows 10 and 11, built-in Defender may meet many users’ baseline needs. When comparing tools, check supported operating systems, real-time protection versus on-demand scanning, offline-scan capability, update cadence, independent test results, privacy and data-handling terms, recovery support, and compatibility with existing protection. Avoid generic “PC cleaner” utilities presented as malware-removal solutions unless a trusted security source specifically recommends them.
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