Protect my PC from viruses (2024)

This article is about ways to protect your PC from viruses that can screw up your computer, or allow criminals to steal your data, personal information, or money.

• Use an anti-malware app -Installing an anti-malware app and keeping it up to date can help defend your PC against viruses and other malware (malicious software).

  Microsoft Defender is free anti-malware software included with Windows, and it's kept updated automatically through Windows Update. There are also anti-malware products made by other companies that you can choose from.

  More isn't always better

  Running multiple anti-malware apps at the same time can cause your system to be slow or unstable. If you install an anti-malware app from a different company, Microsoft Defender will automatically turn itself off. If you install two anti-malware apps from other companies, however, they might both try to run at the same time.

• Don't open email messages from unfamiliar senders, or email attachments that you don't recognize- Many viruses are attached to email messages and will spread as soon as you open the attachment. It's best not to open any attachment unless it's something you're expecting. For more information see:Protect yourself from phishing.

• Use a pop-up blocker with your internet browser- Pop-up windows are small browser windows that appear on top of the website you're viewing. Although most are created by advertisers, they can also contain malicious or unsafe code. A pop-up blocker can prevent some or all of these windows from appearing. The pop-up blocker in Microsoft Edge is turned on by default.

• If you're using Microsoft Edge, make sure SmartScreen is turned on- SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge helps protect you from phishing and malware attacks by warning you if a website or download location has been reported as unsafe. For more info, see How can SmartScreen help protect me in Microsoft Edge?

• Pay attention to Windows SmartScreen notifications- Be cautious about running unrecognized apps downloaded from the Internet. Unrecognized apps are more likely to be unsafe. When you download and run an app from the internet, SmartScreen uses info about the app's reputation to warn you if the app isn't well-known and might be malicious.

• Keep Windows updated -Periodically, Microsoft releases special security updates that can help protect your PC. These updates can help prevent viruses and other malware attacks by closing possible security holes.

  Windows Update helps to make sure that your PC receives these updates automatically, but you may still have to restart your machine occasionally for the updates to install completely.

• Use your internet browser's privacy settings- Some websites might try to use your personal info for targeted advertising, fraud, and identity theft. All modern browsers have privacy settings that you can enable to control what sites can see or do.

  See Also

  Protect yourself from malware - Google Ads HelpThe Top 4 Ways Malware Is Spread

  For more information about configuring the privacy settings in Microsoft Edge seeConfigure your privacy settings so they're right for you.

• Make sure User Account Control (UAC) is turned on- When changes are going to be made to your PC that require administrator-level permission, UAC notifies you and gives you the chance to approve the change. UAC can help keep viruses from making unwanted changes. To open UAC, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.) Enter uac in the search box, and then tap or click Change User Account Control settings.

• Make sure that Tamper Protection is turned on- In Windows 10 and 11 we have a feature called Tamper Protection that prevents unauthorized apps from changing your security settings. Many viruses and malware try to disable anti-malware software or other security settings when they're installed in order to evade detection. SeePrevent changes to security settings with Tamper Protection for information on how to confirm that it's turned on.

How do I uninstall antivirus or antispyware programs?

If you use more than one antivirus or antispyware program at the same time, your PC may experience decreased performance, become unstable, or restart unexpectedly.

Caution:When you remove your currently installed Internet security programs, your PC is in an unprotected state. If you haven't installed another antimalware program make sure that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is enabled, and that Windows Firewall is turned on.

To uninstall unwanted antimalware software:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps

2. Find the unwanted app or apps and select it

3. Select Uninstall

Your machine will likely need to reboot after each app is uninstalled.

Note:Some security software may not uninstall completely. If you're unable to fully uninstall an app, go to the publisher's website or contact their technical support line for help.