Is My New Windows 11 Laptop Infected with Malware?

In summary, determining if a new Windows 11 laptop is infected with malware can be done by running a thorough virus scan, checking for suspicious or unknown programs, and monitoring for unusual activity or pop-ups. It is also important to keep the operating system and antivirus software up to date to prevent and detect any potential infections.
  • #1
Hornbein
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A week ago my Windows 10 laptop overheated and decayed. I bought a new one with Windows 11. The first thing I did was download a video. Ads pop up and I'm often redirected to sleazy sites selling something. That never happened before. This happens with Chrome, Firefox, and DuckDuckGo.

I went to a shop and got AdBlock and Malwarebytes. These blocked the stuff but Malwarebytes now wants me to pay. But I bought a brand new computer that wasn't cheap, it shouldn't be vulnerable to this junk. And I want to get rid of the stuff that is causing this, not patch around it.

I sought Internet advice. There is some switch in Chrome to block popups and redirects. It was already on.

What next? There is a guarantee on the computer but I bought it in the Big City an hour away so I'd rather do it myself, and the residents of this island are not all that technologically sophisticated so I'm not sure it would help. They may have screwed it up in the first place.
 
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  • #2
Reset to factory default?
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  • #3
Get an antivirus software and do a full scan. Comodo has free version and said to be 'docile'. Avast and AVG also has free software, but they are infamous about their continuous naggin'.

Instead of AdBlock these days uBlock is the one more often recommended. Set it up for all browsers.

Check all browsers for popup, notification and security/privacy settings.

Check general notification settings.

If things does not calm down then a fresh start might be in order, indeed...
 
  • #4
Hornbein said:
But I bought a brand new computer that wasn't cheap, it shouldn't be vulnerable to this junk.
That's a bit naive. ALL computers are "vulnerable to that junk" if you click on a bad link or download infected software.

I started using Norton decades ago and have never had a virus, although it has blocked a lot of them.
 
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  • #5
phinds said:
That's a bit naive. ALL computers are "vulnerable to that junk" if you click on a bad link or download infected software.

I started using Norton decades ago and have never had a virus, although it has blocked a lot of them.
Must you get personal?

The very first thing I did had this problem.
 
  • #6
Rive said:
Get an antivirus software and do a full scan. Comodo has free version and said to be 'docile'. Avast and AVG also has free software, but they are infamous about their continuous naggin'.

Instead of AdBlock these days uBlock is the one more often recommended. Set it up for all browsers.

Check all browsers for popup, notification and security/privacy settings.

Check general notification settings.

If things does not calm down then a fresh start might be in order, indeed...
My problem seems to be solved. I installed Comodo, did a number of scans, and fiddled with Windows settings. Something seems to have blocked that junk.
 
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  • #7
Hornbein said:
installed Comodo, did a number of scans
Did it actually find something?
 
  • #8
Rive said:
Did it actually find something?
No. I did some special Windows Defender offline scan and couldn't tell whether it found anything or not.
 
  • #9
Well, anyway: now you have the basic protection, and that seems to be adequate.

The very first thing I usually do with a fresh install is to set up an antivirus software... Just don't miss it next time.
 
  • #10
Rive said:
Well, anyway: now you have the basic protection, and that seems to be adequate.

The very first thing I usually do with a fresh install is to set up an antivirus software... Just don't miss it next time.
But isn't Windows Defender antivirus software?
 
  • #11
Hornbein said:
But isn't Windows Defender antivirus software?
Were you satisfied with it?
 
  • #12
Rive said:
Were you satisfied with it?
It worked on my other laptops for 10 years or so.
 
  • #13
It works all of my Win-cursed PCs too (mostly because it's a bother to get rid of it), but never crossed my mind to actually trust it for real...
 
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FAQ: Is My New Windows 11 Laptop Infected with Malware?

How can I tell if my new Windows 11 laptop is infected with malware?

Common signs of malware infection include slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, programs crashing, increased use of system resources, or unusual network activity. Running a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program can help detect any malware.

What should I do if I suspect my Windows 11 laptop is infected with malware?

If you suspect your laptop is infected, immediately disconnect from the internet to prevent the malware from spreading. Then, run a full system scan using your antivirus software and follow its recommendations. If the antivirus can't remove the malware, consider using a specialized malware removal tool or seeking professional help.

Can I get malware on my Windows 11 laptop even if I'm careful online?

Yes, even if you are cautious, there are still risks. Malware can come from legitimate-looking websites, email attachments, software downloads, and even from compromised ads on trusted sites. Keeping your software up to date and using a reliable antivirus program can help minimize the risk.

Will resetting my Windows 11 laptop remove malware?

Resetting your laptop can remove many types of malware, especially if you choose the option to remove all files and clean the drive. However, sophisticated malware may persist. It's best to run a malware scan after resetting to ensure your system is clean.

How can I protect my Windows 11 laptop from future malware infections?

To protect your laptop, keep your operating system and all software up to date, use a reputable antivirus program, avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, be cautious with email attachments and links, and regularly back up important data.

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