Spyware Removal

Protection and Prevention

After you've performed the scans and removed any threats, in most cases your computer should be in better shape and cleaned up. It is now a good time to install some real-time protection against spyware and I suggest you use Windows Defender since it does a pretty good job and it is free from Microsoft.

After you download Windows Defender and install it will ask if you want to perform a Quick Scan. Cancel this and run a 'Full Scan' instead. If it finds any threats, remove them and then follow the 'Safe Mode' instructions on the previous page, this time include Windows Defender as part of the scans you should do. If it doesn't find any threats then you should be ok.

Turn on System Restore

When all the spyware has been cleaned off make sure to turn System Restore back on by following the step 3 of the Preparation section above.

Still Have a Problem?

Sometimes there are some really stubborn pieces of software out there that just can't be removed by following the instructions provided in this tutorial. Unfortunately, unless you are a more advanced user it may be difficult to find and remove the offending software and in that case you may want to bring in a professional to clean things out.

If you know the name of the offending software on your computer and the previously mentioned programs cannot remove it then one thing you can try is searching on google (or your favorite search engine). Search for the name of the spyware program that you can't clean and the word 'removal'. Usually if you're having troubles deleting the spyware so has someone else and there may be some help on the web in the form of removal instructions.

Virus Scan

Along with the spyware removal I also suggest performing a thorough virus scan, as this may also be the root of the problem you're experiencing.