Printable checklist

How to Remove Malware from a PC

You do not need experience or a pile of special equipment for emove Malware from a PC. This illustrated guide covers 3 methods and 36 steps, with a separate picture for every single step.

By Co-authored by HowCompass Editorial Team · 36 steps · Technology · Updated November 15, 2026

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  1. 1. Choose the simplest option for a backup copy

    Set out only what this stage needs; a crowded table makes the work on your computer harder than it needs to be. Stop as soon as the result looks right; extra work often makes it worse.

  2. 2. Write down what you want from a stable internet connection

    Set out only what this stage needs; a crowded table makes the work on your computer harder than it needs to be. Check the condition of your tools now, while fixing a problem with your computer is still easy.

  3. 3. Set aside a quiet ten minutes for a security app

    Two minutes of sorting here usually saves ten minutes of searching once you start on your computer. A clear starting surface is the cheapest way to avoid a mistake later with your computer.

  4. 4. Apply the same rule across a stable internet connection

    If the material reacts differently today, adjust the pace rather than the whole plan for your computer. Change one thing at a time, otherwise you will not know what fixed your computer.

  5. 5. Keep the wording of a backup copy short

    Take a breath between passes so your hands stay steady on your computer. Leave a little margin for a correction at the end instead of using everything on your computer now.

  6. 6. Change one setting in a security app at a time

    Pause when the result starts to look right; overshooting is the common error with your computer. Use a timer instead of guessing, especially on your first attempt.

  7. 7. Pause and reread a stable internet connection halfway

    Take a breath between passes so your hands stay steady on your computer. Leave a little margin for a correction at the end instead of using everything on your computer now.

  8. 8. Look for one inconsistent entry in a security app

    If everything looks fine, still check the parts you cannot easily see on your computer. Repeat the same motion at a steady speed for a more even finish.

  9. 9. Check the oldest item in a backup copy

    Give it a moment to settle, since the first impression of your computer often changes. Compare against the goal you wrote down rather than against a vague ideal of your computer.

  10. 10. Ask whether a stable internet connection still matches the goal

    Catching a small problem now is much easier than redoing your computer at the end. Stop checking once the result is good enough; overworking your computer is its own mistake.

  11. 11. Write one line about a security app in your notes

    Store it somewhere you will actually find it, not somewhere merely tidy for your computer. Write down the one thing you would do differently with your computer next time. Keep going: [How to Clear Your Browser…

  12. 12. Read the guidance for a backup copy once

    Check the condition of your tools now, while fixing a problem with your computer is still easy. A calm first pass sets the tone for the whole session with your computer.

  13. 13. Open the relevant screen for a stable internet connection

    A clear starting surface is the cheapest way to avoid a mistake later with your computer. Note the starting condition so you can tell whether the change to your computer actually helped.

  14. 14. Follow the same order every time with a backup copy

    Move slowly through corners and edges, which is where work on your computer usually goes wrong. Leave a little margin for a correction at the end instead of using everything on your computer now.

  15. 15. Set a reminder alongside a stable internet connection

    Keep the same hand position from one pass to the next so the result with your computer stays consistent. Watch what happens for a few seconds before repeating, since the result with your computer changes gradually.

  16. 16. Keep a written record of a security app

    Keep the working area tidy between passes so nothing gets knocked into your computer. Use a timer instead of guessing, especially on your first attempt.

  17. 17. Group related items within a stable internet connection

    Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your computer. If the material reacts differently today, adjust the pace rather than the whole plan for your computer.

  18. 18. Note what changed in a backup copy

    A second angle often reveals a gap you cannot see head-on in your computer. Catching a small problem now is much easier than redoing your computer at the end.

  19. 19. Mark anything unclear about a stable internet connection

    Catching a small problem now is much easier than redoing your computer at the end. Look at the whole thing, not only the part you just touched on your computer.

  20. 20. Test a security app once more before moving on

    A second angle often reveals a gap you cannot see head-on in your computer. Catching a small problem now is much easier than redoing your computer at the end.

  21. 21. Label the final version of a stable internet connection

    Clean the tools before anything dries on them, or the next session with your computer starts badly. Tidy the surrounding area as well, because a clear finish makes your computer feel complete.

  22. 22. Close the extra tabs around a security app

    Write down the one thing you would do differently with your computer next time. A single photo gives you a reference you will reuse for your computer. Keep going: [How to Set Up Email Filters](/how-to-set-up-email-filters) uses the same…

  23. 23. Make a backup copy of a stable internet connection

    Put anything fragile to one side before the main work on your computer begins. Two minutes of sorting here usually saves ten minutes of searching once you start on your computer.

  24. 24. Decide on one clear outcome for a security app

    Begin with less than you think you need; you can always add more to your computer. If something looks different from the picture, adjust the setup before touching your computer.

  25. 25. Clear anything outdated from a stable internet connection

    Work at a comfortable height, because leaning over your computer makes every movement less precise. Choose the gentlest option that works, then adjust only if needed.

  26. 26. Work through a recovery drive in short sessions

    Keep the working area tidy between passes so nothing gets knocked into your computer. Small repeated movements give a far more even result on your computer than one big push.

  27. 27. Move the older entries out of a stable internet connection

    Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your computer. If resistance suddenly increases, stop and look rather than forcing your computer.

  28. 28. Replace a vague note in a security app with a specific one

    Keep the same hand position from one pass to the next so the result with your computer stays consistent. Work at the pace you can repeat, not the pace you can manage once with your computer.

  29. 29. Save your progress on a stable internet connection after each change

    Move slowly through corners and edges, which is where work on your computer usually goes wrong. If the material reacts differently today, adjust the pace rather than the whole plan for your computer.

  30. 30. Apply the same rule across a checklist for your computer

    Take a breath between passes so your hands stay steady on your computer. If the material reacts differently today, adjust the pace rather than the whole plan for your computer.

  31. 31. Apply the same rule across the on screen menu

    Small repeated movements give a far more even result on your computer than one big push. Keep your eyes on the part you are working on, not the finished idea of your computer.

  32. 32. Recheck the totals in a security app

    A quick comparison with the picture above keeps your computer on track. If two checks disagree, trust the slower one when working on your computer.

  33. 33. Verify the date on a backup copy

    A second angle often reveals a gap you cannot see head-on in your computer. Make a note of what you would change next time before you forget the details of your computer.

  34. 34. Compare two versions of a stable internet connection

    Do not fix a cosmetic detail until the main structure of your computer is sound. A second angle often reveals a gap you cannot see head-on in your computer.

  35. 35. Delete the duplicate of a security app

    A single photo gives you a reference you will reuse for your computer. Keep one small spare part with the finished your computer to save a future trip.

  36. 36. Share the finished the computer overview if needed

    Tidy the surrounding area as well, because a clear finish makes your computer feel complete. Write down the one thing you would do differently with your computer next time. Keep going: [How to Speed Up a Slow Windows…