Remove adware and malware - how it works

If you have caught adware or malware, you should remove it immediately. We'll show you how to deal with any type of pest.

Difference between adware and malware

Adware is usually relatively harmless software, which you usually get unnoticed when you install other programs on your system.
The adware interferes with advertising on your desktop or nests specifically in the browser. Here, among other things, the homepage and search engine are changed, and annoying advertisements are displayed. Adware is usually harmless, but if an ad contains malware, adware can quickly infect you with worse.
Malware is any form of malware. You usually catch them on dubious websites or via an email attachment. For example, malware can appear as a virus or trojan and, in the worst case, spy on you or shut down your entire system.

First open the Control Panel and sort the list of installed programs by the installation date. Remove all new unknown entries here. If in doubt, google the name of the software. You can find detailed instructions in this practical tip.
The adware often also nests in your browser in the form of an add-on. We will show you how to remove these add-ons in the following instructions for Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Browser adware also likes to nest in links. The changed start page is stored well hidden here. Below you will find instructions on how to clean the browser shortcuts.
Download the free AdwCleaner now. Start the tool and run the short scan. Then remove all finds and restart your computer. Alternatively, you can use the Junkware Removal Tool.

Since the malware has already made it past your virus scanner, you should use an alternative virus scanner.

The free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software is extremely reliable in both the detection and the removal of pests. Alternatively, the Dr. Web CureIt.
If no virus is found or cannot be removed, start Windows in Safe Mode and try again. Only the most necessary services and processes are loaded, malware is usually left out here.

If all of this does not help, system recovery proves to be a useful tool. Choose as early as possible when your system has not yet been infected. Your personal files will not be changed or deleted.
If the malware can no longer be removed and your system is affected too much, you should reinstall Windows completely. If you want to download and reinstall Windows, you will find instructions for Windows 7 and Windows 8/10 here.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to check individual files online for viruses.