How to Check for Malware, Detect a Virus, and Remove Malware or Virus Threats

If you’re searching for how to check for malware, chances are you’re worried your computer may be infected. Maybe you noticed a strange pop-up, your browser started to redirect you to unknown websites, or your system is running slower than usual. These are not random glitches. They are often common signs of malware infections.

Table of Contents

At mail experts, we specialize in helping businesses and individuals detect and remove malware or virus threats before they cause serious damage. Whether you’re using Windows 10, Windows 11, Android, or iOS, this complete guide will walk you step by step through:

How to check for malware
How to detect malware or virus infections
How to remove malware safely
How to protect your device long-term
When to contact professionals

And if your infection came through email (which is extremely common), you should immediately review our professional malware and ransomware email protection service here:
👉 https://mailexperts.io/services/malware-ransomware-email-protection/

If you are a Mac user, also see our detailed guide on how to eliminate threats:
👉 https://mailexperts.io/how-to-eliminate-malware-on-mac/

Now let’s dive deep into how to check for malware the right way.

Understanding Malware, Virus, and Malicious Software

Before you can properly check for malware, you must understand what malware actually is.

What Is Malware?

Malware stands for malicious software. It includes:

Virus
Ransomware
Spyware
Trojans
Worms
Adware
Keyloggers
Rootkits

All of these are forms of malicious software designed to:

Steal your personal information
Access your personal data
Hack your online accounts
Install unwanted programs
Run in the background without permission
Use JavaScript exploits while browsing the internet

Virus or Malware — What’s the Difference?

Many people search for “malware or virus” or “virus or malware” as if they are separate things.

Here’s the truth:

A virus is a type of malware.
All viruses are malware.
Not all malware is a virus.

So when you check for malware, you’re also checking for viruses and malware in general.

Common Signs of Malware or Virus Infection

Knowing the signs of malware helps you detect early security threats.

Common Signs Your Device Is Infected

If your computer has a malware infection, you may notice:

Frequent pop-up ads
Browser redirect to unknown home page
Slow performance
Suspicious activity in Task Manager
Unknown programs running in the background
Antivirus disabled
Firewall turned off
Unusual boot time
Emails being sent without your knowledge
System crashes
Unknown USB activity
Phishing messages from unknown sender
Your device is infected warning alerts

If you see even a few of these indicators, your computer may be infected by malware.

How to Check for Malware on Windows Security (Windows 10 & Windows 11)

Windows Security (formerly Defender) is pre-installed and can help detect malware.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

Click Start
Type “Windows Security”
Open the app

Windows Security works with Defender to protect your device using real-time scanning.

Step 2: Run a Virus Scan

Click:

Virus & Threat Protection
Scan Options
Full Scan

A full malware scan can help detect malware infections deeply embedded in your operating system.

Step 3: Check Threat History

If threats are detected, Windows Security will show details. You can choose to:

Remove the malware
Quarantine
Allow (not recommended)

Step 4: Use Safe Mode for Deep Detection

If malware might block your scanner:

Boot into Safe Mode
Run Windows Security again
Perform another full scan

Safe Mode prevents malicious programs from running in the background.

How to Detect Malware with Antivirus and Malware Scanner Tools

While Windows Security is useful, advanced threats often require third-party tools.

Recommended Antivirus and Malware Scanner Options

Malwarebytes
Avast
McAfee

Many offer a free version for initial malware detection.

Using Malwarebytes to Detect Malware

Download Malwarebytes
Install the program
Run a malware scan
Review threats
Remove the malware

Malwarebytes is one of the most trusted tools for malware removal and detecting malicious software.

A malware scanner continuously scans your device in real-time to prevent future infections.

How to Check for Malware on Android

Android devices are increasingly targeted by hackers.

Signs of Malware on Android

Battery draining quickly
Random pop-up ads
Unknown apps installed
Suspicious activity
Redirect while browsing

Steps to Take on Android

Go to Settings
Check installed apps
Remove suspicious apps
Run Android antivirus
Install security updates

Always keep your operating system up-to-date with security patches.

Avoid downloading software from unofficial sources.

How to Check for Malware on iOS

iOS is more secure but not immune.

Signs of Malware on iOS

Unusual behavior
Redirect issues
Phishing attempts
Unknown configuration profiles

While traditional virus scan apps are limited on iOS, you should:

Install security updates
Avoid suspicious attachments
Do not jailbreak
Reset device if infected

How to Remove Malware Safely

Once threats are detected, follow these steps.

Step 1: Disconnect from Internet

Prevents hacker control and stops data theft.

Step 2: Boot in Safe Mode

Stops malicious programs from loading.

Step 3: Run Malware Scan

Use:

Windows Security
Malwarebytes
Avast
McAfee

Step 4: Remove the Malware

Choose quarantine or delete.

Step 5: Change Your Passwords

Change passwords for:

Email
Banking
Online accounts

Malware can steal your personal information and credentials.

How Malware Infects Devices

Understanding infection helps prevent it.

Common Infection Sources

Phishing emails
Malicious attachment
Fake download software
Infected USB
Malicious JavaScript
Fake updates
Compromised home page
Unsafe browsing

If you clicked an unknown attachment from an unknown sender, your device may be infected.

Email is the #1 infection source.

That’s why businesses trust mail experts for enterprise-grade email security.

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Advanced Detection: Checking via Task Manager and Explorer

Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Check suspicious activity
Look for unknown processes
Right-click and search online

Explorer Check

Open File Explorer
Look for unknown folders
Right-click suspicious files
Scan with antivirus

How to Scan USB for Malware

USB devices can carry viruses and malware.

Steps:

Insert USB
Right-click drive
Scan with antivirus
Do not open unknown files

Always scan USB before accessing.

Signs Your Computer Has a Malware Infection

Your computer has a malware infection if:

Security software disabled
Firewall turned off
Unknown third-party programs installed
Personal data accessed
System crashes

A computer infected with malware requires immediate action.

Protect Your Device from Future Security Threats

Checking for malware is only step one.

Keep Your Operating System Updated

Install:

Security updates
Security patches

Keep your operating system up-to-date.

Enable Real-Time Protection

Use antivirus that continuously scans.

Use a Firewall

Firewall blocks malicious traffic.

Avoid Phishing

Check sender
Do not open unknown attachment
Verify links

Download Software Carefully

Only download software from official sources.

Install Security Software

Professional-grade protection is better than basic free tools.

Business Risk: Why Malware Detection Matters

If you run a business:

Malware infections can expose personal information
Data breaches damage reputation
Hackers steal financial data
Ransomware locks systems

Your company must detect malware early.

Email is the biggest entry point.

That’s why mail experts provides professional email-based malware removal and detection services.

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https://mailexperts.io/services/malware-ransomware-email-protection/

How to Detect and Remove Malware Professionally

DIY scanning helps, but advanced malware might:

Hide in system files
Disable antivirus
Avoid detection
Reinstall after reboot

If threats persist:

Contact the company providing your security software
Hire professional malware removal experts

Mail experts provides:

Enterprise malware detection
Email threat filtering
Advanced scanner deployment
Ransomware protection
Real-time monitoring
Security audits

When to Contact the Company for Help

Contact professionals if:

Your device is infected repeatedly
Threats are detected again and again
You cannot remove the malware
Computer may be infected even after scan
Suspicious activity continues

Final Checklist: How to Check for Malware Properly

To summarize:

Look for common signs
Run Windows Security scan
Use third-party malware scanner
Boot into safe mode
Remove malicious programs
Scan USB
Change passwords
Install security updates
Enable real-time protection
Use professional email security

Why Choose Mail Experts for Malware Protection?

At mail experts, we help businesses:

Detect malware
Remove malware
Prevent virus or malware threats
Protect personal information
Secure online accounts
Block phishing
Filter malicious attachment
Stop ransomware

Our security software solutions continuously scan, detect and remove threats before damage happens.

Don’t wait until your computer has a malware infection.

Take action today.

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https://mailexperts.io/services/malware-ransomware-email-protection/

Conclusion: How to Check for Malware and Stay Protected

If you’ve been wondering how to check for malware, now you know:

Identify common signs
Use antivirus and malware scanner tools
Run full virus scan
Remove the malware immediately
Update your operating system
Protect your device long-term

Remember, malware might stay hidden.

Security threats evolve daily.

Viruses and malware target:

Windows 10
Windows 11
Android
iOS
Businesses
Individuals

The safest strategy is proactive protection.

If you suspect infection from email, phishing, or malicious attachment:

👉 Protect your business with mail experts today.