When it comes to cleaning up a compromised Internet browser, nothing beats AdwCleaner. That is why I use several different programs for cleaning up an infected computer. Sometimes you can get a complete security suite from your ISP for free.īut remember that the majority of AV programs look for viruses and malware, not adware or junkware. One of the first things you may want to do is check and see if your Internet Service Provider ( ISP) provides a branded version of AV software. If you are looking for AV software with a bunch of bells and whistles, Windows Defender may not be what you are looking for. Windows 10 does include an AV program called Windows Defender, and it does rank pretty high, but it does have a limited feature set. I personally like AV Test as they review only anti-virus and security software.

I suggest checking some of the independent anti-virus review sites and see what is recommended. This is a tricky question to answer because there are so many decent free and paid AV programs out there. I get asked quite often about what anti-virus software I recommend. But all of the programs listed here have been around for several years. Some of them you have to install fully, some you just download and run.

Now some programs have withstood the test of time. I have seen plenty of software that works like a charm, only to be bought out by their competitor or never updated. So here are my five favorite virus and malware removal tools.Īs a computer repair technician, I have used many different tools over the years to remove viruses, malware, and adware. And finding software that can remove the infection can be even more stressful. Having your computer get infected with a virus or malware can be an actual stressful situation.

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