If you have spyware or other
potentially unwanted software on your computer, you should use an anti-spyware
scanner and removal tool to try to remove it. You can also try to remove
spyware manually. You might need to use both of these methods more than once to
completely remove the spyware or other potentially unwanted software.
Windows Defender is a feature in
this version of Windows that helps prevent spyware and other potentially
unwanted software from infecting your computer. When Windows Defender is on,
you're alerted if spyware and other potentially unwanted software tries to run
or install itself on your computer. You choose whether to ignore, quarantine
(move to a different location on your computer where it can't run), or remove
each item that is detected.
Spyware
scanners are also frequently included in antivirus programs. If you have
already installed an antivirus program, check to see if that program includes
spyware protection features or if you can add them as an update, and then scan
your computer regularly. To see a list of other spyware protection programs, go
online to the Microsoft Security at Home website.
Spyware can sometimes be hard to
remove. If an anti-spyware program notifies you that it can't remove spyware,
follow the instructions provided by the anti-spyware program. If that doesn't
work, try these options:
- Try
installing an antivirus or another anti-spyware program. Many antivirus
programs also come with anti-spyware protection.
- Check
Programs and Features for items that don't belong on your computer.
Click to open Programs and Features.
Use this method with extreme
caution. Control Panel lists many programs, most of which are not spyware. Many
spyware programs use special installation methods to avoid showing up in
Programs and Features. Occasionally, a spyware program will offer an uninstall
option and can be removed with this method. Only remove programs that you can
positively identify as spyware, and don't remove programs that you might want
to keep, even if you don't use them very often.
- Re-install
Windows.
Some spyware can hide itself so well
that it can't be removed. If you still see evidence of spyware after trying to
remove it with an anti-spyware program or after trying to uninstall it using
Control Panel, you might need to re-install Windows and your programs.
Warning: Re-installing
Windows will remove spyware, but it will also delete your files and programs.
If you have to re-install Windows, make sure that you back up your documents and
files, and make sure that you have access to the installation discs you will
need to re-install your programs.
