How to Remove a Virus from Windows 11 Without Antivirus

Today we will discuss How to Remove a Virus from Windows 11 Without an Antivirus,  so having a virus on your laptop or computer can be stressful, especially if you don’t have antivirus software installed. but, you don’t need to be panic -Windows 11 provides built-in tools and manual methods to help you remove malware and restore your system like a brand new one. In this article , I will be sharing steps that you will need to apply to remove a virus without depending up on third-party antivirus software.

You just need to follw these simple effective steps to keep your system clean and secure how to remove a virus from your Windows 11 PC without depending up on antivirus software. Follow these simple yet effective steps to keep your system clean and secure

How to Remove a Virus from Windows 11 Without Antivirus

Things To Do Before You Start Cleaning Virus

1. Backup  Your Important Data or File:
   you should back up your important data or files and Save them to an external drive or cloud storage to ensure they are safe during the virus removal process.
2. Disconnect your laptop or computer  from the Internet:
   you have to Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable to prevent the virus from spreading or downloading additional malicious files.

Part 1. Remove Viruses from PC or Laptop Without Antivirus software 

A Viruse can damage your laptop or computer performance and compromise your data. If you suspect your laptop or computer is affected from virus but  you don’t have antivirus software, follow these steps to remove it manually.

Step-by-Step Virus Removal

1. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables unnecessary programs, making it easier to detect and remove malware.

• Go to the Start menu and click the Power button.
• Hold the Shift key and select Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
• Press F4 to enable Safe Mode.

2. Delete Temporary Files

Temporary files can sometimes be a place of malicious software. Clearing them not only frees up space but may also remove infected files.

• Press Windows + R, type temp, and press Enter.
• Delete all files in the folder.
• Again
• Press Windows + R, type%temp%, and press ctrl A to select all.
• Then press delete key to delete them all.

3. Check Task Manager for Suspicious Processes

Malware often runs as hidden processes in the background.

• Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Look for processes with unfamiliar names or unusually high CPU or memory usage.
• Right-click the suspicious process, select Open File Location, and delete the file if it appears malicious (e.g., stored in a temporary folder).

4. Uninstall Suspicious Programs

Malicious programs may install themselves without your knowledge.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
• Scroll through the list of installed programs.
• Uninstall any unfamiliar or suspicious programs.

5. Reset Your Browser

Viruses can modify browser settings, causing pop-ups or redirects. Resetting your browser can resolve these issues.

• Open your browser and access the Settings menu.
• Look for an option to reset the browser to its default state.
• Clear the cache and cookies to remove any lingering malicious files.

6. Use Windows Security to Scan for Malware

Windows 11 includes built-in security tools to help detect and remove threats.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
• Run a Quick Scan or a Full Scan to identify and quarantine malware.

Important things you should do After Cleaning Virus

1. Change Your Passwords

If you suspect sensitive information has been compromised, update your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to enhance security.

2. Keep Windows Updated

Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that viruses can exploit.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for Updates and install any pending updates.

3. Monitor Your System’s Performance

After cleaning your system, monitor its behavior. If issues persist, consider using professional antivirus software or seeking expert assistance.

Run Regular Scans: Even without antivirus software, schedule periodic scans using Windows Security.

Part 2. Recover Files after Removing Virus from Windows PC

Once you’ve successfully removed a virus from your Windows PC, you might find some of your files missing or corrupted. Don’t worry—there are several ways to recover lost or damaged files. Follow these steps to restore your data effectively:

1. Check the Recycle Bin

Start by looking in the Recycle Bin, as some files may have been accidentally deleted during the cleanup process.

• Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
• Locate your missing files, right-click them, and select Restore.

2. Use File History Backup

If you have File History enabled on your PC, you can restore previous versions of your files:

• Go to the folder where the missing file was located.
• Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions.
• Choose the desired version and click Restore.

3. Recover from a Cloud Backup

If you’ve backed up your files to cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox), simply login to your account and download the missing files.

4. Use Windows System Restore

If the virus removal process altered critical files, System Restore can roll your system back to a previous state:

• Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
• Follow the prompts to select a restore point before the virus infection.
• Note: This will not affect your personal files but may uninstall recently installed software.

5. Run Data Recovery Software

If your files were deleted or corrupted and no backups are available, data recovery software can help:

• Download reputable recovery tools like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill.
• Install and run the software to scan your hard drive for recoverable files.
• Follow the software’s instructions to restore your data.

6. Check for Hidden Files

Sometimes, viruses hide files rather than deleting them. To reveal hidden files:

• Open File Explorer, go to the View tab, and check the box for Hidden items.
• Navigate to the folder where your files were stored to see if they’re hidden.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you’re unable to recover important files, consider consulting a professional data recovery service. They have advanced tools and expertise to retrieve lost data.

Part 3. Prevent Computer and Data from Virus Infection

Protecting your computer and data from virus infections is just as important as removing malware. Follow these best practices to keep your system secure and minimize the risk of future infections:

1. Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated

Regularly update Windows and other software to patch vulnerabilities that viruses often exploit.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for Updates.
• Enable automatic updates for critical patches and security fixes.

2. Use Built-In Security Tools

Windows Defender offers robust, real-time protection against malware:

• Ensure Windows Security is enabled by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
• Run regular scans and enable features like firewall protection.

3. Avoid Suspicious Links and Attachments

Be aware when opening emails or downloading files:

• Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown or untrusted sources.
• Verify the sender’s identity before engaging with unsolicited messages.

4. Download Software from Trusted Sources

Always use official websites or app stores to download programs and updates. Avoid third-party download sites, which are often riddled with malicious files.

5. Enable a Firewall

A firewall acts as the first line of defense by blocking unauthorized access to your system:

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall and ensure it is turned on.

6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Secure all your accounts with strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access:

• Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
• Consider using a password manager to create and store complex passwords securely.

7. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Set up automatic backups to protect your data in case of a virus infection:

• Use an external hard drive or cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive.
• Schedule regular backups to ensure you always have a recent copy of your files.

8. Avoid Connecting to Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your system to malware or hacking attempts:

• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data when browsing on public networks.

9. Be Cautious with External Devices

Viruses can spread through USB drives or external hard drives:

• Scan all external devices with an antivirus program before accessing their files.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Awareness is key to preventing infections:

• Learn about the latest threats and how to identify phishing attempts or malicious software.
• Share tips with family and colleagues to create a secure computing environment.

How to Check Your Laptop for a Virus

If you suspect your laptop might be infected with a virus, it’s important to act quickly to identify and remove any threats. Follow these steps to check your laptop for viruses:

1. Look for Signs of Infection

Common symptoms of a virus include:

• Slow performance or frequent crashes.
• Unexpected pop-ups or ads.
• Files or programs behaving abnormally.
• Unfamiliar apps or processes running.
• Excessive CPU or memory usage.

2. Use Built-In Security Tools

Windows laptops come with built-in security tools like Windows Security:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
• Click on Quick Scan or Full Scan to check for threats.

3. Inspect Task Manager for Suspicious Processes

Check for unusual processes consuming resources:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Look for unfamiliar or resource-heavy processes.
• Right-click the process, select Open File Location, and investigate further.

4. Run an Antivirus Scan

If you have a third-party antivirus installed:

• Open the antivirus software.
• Run a full system scan to detect and remove any malicious files.

5. Check Installed Programs

Unwanted or unknown programs may indicate malware:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
• Look for unfamiliar programs and uninstall them if necessary.

6. Monitor Browser Behavior

If your browser is redirecting to strange websites or showing unusual ads:

• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Reset the browser to its default settings.
• Check installed extensions and remove any suspicious ones.

7. Use Online Virus Scanners

Some reliable online tools can scan your system:

• Tools like Malwarebytes or Kaspersky offer free virus detection services.
• Download and run the scanner to check for infections.

8. Scan External Devices

If you recently connected a USB drive or external device, scan it for viruses as well.

Tips After Checking for Viruses

• If a virus is detected, remove it immediately using your antivirus software.
• Update your operating system and all programs to the latest versions.
• Change passwords for important accounts if you suspect a data breach.

By being alert and doing routine maintenance, you can make sure your laptop is safe and virus-free.

Tips for Preventing Data Loss in the Future.

Avoid Suspicious Links or Software: Prevent future infections by practicing safe browsing habits.

Install Reliable Antivirus Software: Real-time protection can stop malware before it damages or deletes files.

1. Regular Backups: Use an external hard drive or cloud service to back up important files regularly.
2. Enable File History: Turn on this feature in Windows for continuous protection.
3. Avoid Suspicious Links or Software: Prevent future infections by practicing safe browsing habits.
4. Install Reliable Antivirus Software: Real-time protection can stop malware before it damages or deletes files.
5. Encrypt Sensitive Data

• Protect critical files with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use tools like BitLocker or third-party encryption software for added security.

6. Practice Safe Browsing

• Avoid visiting insecure websites or using public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
• Use secure browsers with built-in protections against phishing and malware.

Tips To Avoid PC Viruses