15 Signs Your Computer is Infected with Malware

Michelle Wilson - November 15, 2021

Unfortunately, no one wants to imagine a day that starts with computer issues. But, if you’re working through a large project and you suddenly notice pop-ups showing across the screen or becoming frustrated at the snails-pace it’s taking you to finish essential tasks on your computer, there’s a good chance your computer has malware.

If your computer is struggling with basic tasks or suddenly slows down when performing basic tasks, you might have an issue with next-gen malware or a virus. Unfortunately, there isn’t one set of symptoms with malware; it’s a complicated issue.

To better understand the problems malware can cause on your Microsoft computer, here are 15 signs it’s infected.

The Computer is Running Slower than Usual

There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow computer. One of the malware’s primary activities on an operating system is slowing down the applications, whether you’re opening a local application or trying to browse online.

Ads Keep Opening Randomly

Unexpected messages or ads appearing on the screen are a typical sign of malware. This type of infection is called spyware, which collects and steals users’ data without knowledge. While the pop-ups are particularly annoying, it’s the difficulty of removing the virus that poses the most significant issue. Spyware is often disguised as legitimate programs on your computer, tracking your web browsing and activity to collect passwords.

Laptop Keeps Freezing Or Blue Screen Appears

Commonly called the “Blue Screen of Death,” this issue causes a random shut down of the computer, with a blue screen appearing. Windows suggests an unexpected shutdown occurred, which seems to happen anytime you’re playing a game or watching a video.

Running Out of Disk Space Message

Chances are, if you’re receiving this message, you’ve run out of free space on a particular partition on your computer. This is often the C drive (which is the main hard drive on your computer). Malware will usually change the names of your files, delete files, or increase the number of files on the partition. Filling the C drive is a common malware practice.

The Internet Traffic Seemingly Increases

If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your web use, there’s a good chance you’ve got a malware infection on the computer. Always check your computer for ongoing updates, downloads you forgot were running in the background, or any currently running application. Chances are if you don’t have any sudden changes in your usage, but the traffic is sky-high, you’ve likely got an infection.

The Homepage on Your Browser has Changed

While some websites will automatically install new browsers or add-ons to browsers during installation, a sudden change could be a redirect happening from your malware infection. These types of infections will often occur when you visit a website and accidentally click a pop-up window or link. This action often triggers an unwanted download, which can compromise your information and data. Your browser’s homepage will usually have changed; the preferred search engine may have shifted to an unknown page or additional pop-ups on the screen.

Unusual or unexpected messages appear randomly

This type of malware will have you questioning whether your computer is possessed. Suppose you notice that your applications are opening and closing automatically. In that case, the operating system shuts down automatically, or you simply can’t access parts of your drives; there’s a chance it’s either a technical issue or malware.

Antivirus Programs are Disabled

When your antivirus program randomly stops working or simply won’t update, there may be something more sinister going on. Malware can be a sneaky operation, deliberately attacking programs that leave users unprotected. If you’ve already tried restarting the computer, rebooting the security program, and performing basic troubleshooting, there’s a chance your device has a malware infection.

Social Media Accounts Send Random Messages

You may have countless contacts that you chat with online, but if you’ve not sent messages in a long-time and suddenly start hearing from people that you haven’t talked to in a while, there’s a chance the device is infected with malware. Malware will often send out automated messages with malicious links or attachments through social media or email accounts. To safeguard your accounts, always log out from your accounts, use strong alphanumeric passwords, and enable two-factor authentication.

Unfamiliar icons appear on the desktop

If unwanted programs have suddenly started appearing on your PC that you don’t recognize, there’s a chance the malware infection has started downloading malicious programs on the device. These programs are dangerous and can cause theft of your data. Most often, this type of malware installs with various programs you’ve opted to download online. This includes keylogging software, annoying ads, pop-ups, and toolbars on the browser. It may also include any consent in “terms of service” with registration or installation.

Random Error Messages Display on the Screen

Most people associate an error warning with a technical issue, but malware can also cause bugs that push similar-sounding error posts. Sudden messages that appear unprovoked (for example, warnings indicating a duplicate folder) may cause concern. These warnings often occur when there’s a missing or corrupt file folder on your PC. To confirm, always ensure the latest updates are installed on the operating system.

Control Panel isn’t Accessible

The control panel is responsible for the essential maintenance of your system. If you’re not able to open the control panel, there’s a good chance your device has a technical issue that needs to be adjusted. To confirm the cause, always run a scan of your PC. Try to open the control panel in safe mode on the computer. If there are ongoing issues, there’s a chance the system has a malware infection.

Everything Seems to Work… But I’m Anxious

Being careful with your system is vital for your machine’s online security and longevity. Malware can operate even when the device works smoothly, hiding malware in unexpected locations. Although your machine might work perfectly now, there’s a chance the malware will takeover upon rebooting the system. To prevent this from happening, always install a security system on the device that scans files in real-time.

The Laptop Works Slowly and Occasionally Gives an Error

This issue isn’t likely malware, as it’s most often an issue with Flash and the vulnerabilities that comes with the program. If you receive this warning while using Firefox, there’s a chance you’ve got a malware infection. Try rebooting the PC and ensure that all Windows updates are complete. You’ll want to run a full virus scan to ensure any malware is removed. Flash is known for conflicts and issues operating under specific conditions, but it can be malware too.

All files Turned into Shortcuts

This issue is commonly caused by an external drive or USB, although it can download directly. If you’ve recently used a USB and now have an issue with your files showing as shortcut files, you may have a malware infection. Malicious programs can rename your files, causing chaos and problems overall.

Stay Alert for Malware

While technical and physical issues like storage space can potentially cause these problems, malware is often connected with these symptoms. Always run an antivirus scan and remove any new programs if you’re concerned. You may need to reboot your device from a safe point and delete any new programs installed before the system has problems. As malware can be difficult to identify, you may need to contact a professional for assistance. Avoid downloading new software or programs from an unknown website. Never click links in social media or emails if you don’t recognize the sender (or it seems out of place for the link to be sent).