How to Remove Windows Virus Scan Malware

Malware often comes disguised as antivirus software, claiming to offer a free Windows virus scan. However, this is really just deceitful marketing. Running one of these scans will find all sorts of “viruses” the scan will offer to remove--for a price, of course. The only malware on your computer is the bug popping up the Windows virus scan ads itself. Remove it with a tool already on your computer, with which you can run a real scan.


Instructions

1
Launch Windows Defender. This tool comes included on any PC running either Windows 7 or Windows Vista. To locate it, type "Windows Defender" into the Start menu search bar, then hit the "Enter" key. Though Windows XP does not include the tool, XP users can download a compatible version from Microsoft Security (see Resources).

2
Click once on the arrow next to the “Scan” button. Select the "Full Scan" from the menu that appears

3
Click the “Scan” button.

4
Wait for the full scan to finish. When it does, click "Clean System" or “Repair” to remove the Windows virus scan malware.

5
Restart your computer