How Do I Check My Computer For Malware?

Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium

how do i check my computer for malware: To check your computer for malware, run a full antivirus scan, use a dedicated anti-malware tool, and review system activity for suspicious processes or programs. You should also check startup items and monitor unusual behavior like slow performance or pop-ups to confirm infection.

What is Malware?

Malware or malicious software refers to a range of programs that can infect your computer, possibly steal your personal information or cause computer performance to deteriorate. Such software can be difficult to detect, so it’s a good idea to scan your computer regularly. This article describes how to check your computer for malware.

Types of Malware

The term malware refers to programs like code, scripts, active content websites, Trojans and spyware that are created to disrupt the normal functioning of the computer, gather information that can lead to loss of privacy or that gain unauthorized access to the operating system.

Spyware, for example, track your browsing habits and even keystrokes and pass on that information to the attacker. Information sent by the spyware can be used to send you annoying and unsolicited advertisements and other spam. Worse still, your personal information may be sold to other third parties which may lead to even more spam.

Computer viruses are designed to infect files on a storage disk (hard drives) and can spread autonomously from computer to computer. A malware virus infection is often triggered by the user’s action such as opening an infected email attachment.

A malware virus must attach itself to other programs in order to exist. This is the principal characteristic that distinguishes a malware virus from other forms of malware.

Malware viruses cannot exist on its own, i.e., without a host program; it is usually present as a parasite on another program. Piggybacking on another program allows the malware virus to trick users into downloading and executing it.

Apart from spyware and viruses, there are also other forms of malware such as ransomware, Trojans, rootkits, adware, etc.

Malware Symptoms

If your computer has slowed down significantly, if your applications take much longer to load or if your screen has unwanted pop-ups or advertising that you did not click on, then it is likely to be a malware infection.

It’s vital that you take steps to remove this intrusive and unwanted software not only because it is annoying but because potentially you open yourself to personal information theft.

How To Protect Your Computer From Malware?

Make sure to download files and other software only from reputable websites.

Install a good firewall program like Xcitium Firewall.

Do not open links, suspicious emails or attachments from unknown senders.

Most important of all, make sure to download and install a good antivirus program like Xcitium Antivirus.

If you practice good browsing habits, you should be able to surf the internet relatively trouble-free and protect your computer from malware.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Computer for Malware

1. Run a Full Antivirus Scan

Open your antivirus software (Windows Defender, Xcitium, etc.)
Select Full Scan (not Quick Scan)
Remove or quarantine detected threats

2. Use a Second Anti-Malware Scanner

Run tools like anti-malware scanners for deeper detection
Helps identify:
- Spyware
- Adware
- Hidden threats

3. Check Task Manager for Suspicious Activity

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Look for:
- Unknown processes
- High CPU or memory usage
Search unfamiliar processes online

4. Review Installed Programs

Go to Control Panel → Programs → Installed Programs
Uninstall:
- Unknown apps
- Recently installed suspicious software

5. Check Startup Programs

Open Task Manager → Startup tab
Disable suspicious or unnecessary programs

6. Look for Signs of Malware

Watch for:

Slow performance
Frequent crashes
Pop-ups or ads
Browser redirects

7. Scan in Safe Mode (Advanced Step)

Restart your PC in Safe Mode
Run antivirus again
👉 This prevents malware from actively hiding

8. Use Offline or Boot-Time Scan

Run an offline scan before Windows starts
Detects deeply embedded threats

Common Signs Your Computer Has Malware

Symptom	What It Indicates
Slow performance	Background malware activity
Pop-ups & ads	Adware infection
Unknown programs	Unauthorized installations
High CPU usage	Hidden malicious processes
Browser redirects	Hijacked browser
Disabled antivirus	Malware interference

Quick Scan vs Full Scan: What’s the Difference?

Scan Type	What It Does	When to Use
Quick Scan	Checks common infection areas	Routine checks
Full Scan	Scans entire system	Suspected infection
Offline Scan	Runs before OS loads	Advanced threats

What to Do If Malware Is Found

Quarantine or delete infected files
Restart your computer
Run another scan to confirm removal
Update your operating system and software
Change passwords for sensitive accounts

FAQ

How can I tell if my computer has malware?

Your computer may have malware if it runs slowly, shows pop-ups, installs unknown programs, or has unusual network activity. Running a full system scan can confirm infection.

What is the best way to check for malware?

The best way is to run a full antivirus scan combined with a second anti-malware scan for deeper detection.

Can Windows Defender remove malware?

Yes, Windows Defender can detect and remove many types of malware, but advanced threats may require additional security tools.

How often should I scan my computer for malware?

You should run a quick scan weekly and a full scan at least once a month or whenever you suspect an issue.

Tackling Malware in an Enterprise/Organization Setting

In an organization, a completely different strategy is required to defend against malware. The ideal way for organizations to disarm even the potent malware is to have an advanced endpoint protection system.

Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection (AEP) software has the most extensive array of tools to identify known good and known bad files. Xcitium AEP is much more efficient and effective in containing malware including the zero-day malware.

Xcitium AEP provides real-time protection for all of your endpoints so that your organization can stay protected from malware threats at all times. Get Xcitium Advanced Endpoint Protection today and make your endpoints malware free!