Remove malware or unsafe software

Malware is unsafe or unwanted software that may steal personal info or harm your device.

You may have malware on your device if:

Google signed you out of your Google Account to help protect you from malware on your device.
You notice suspicious signs on your device, like pop-up ads that won’t go away.

Find more signs of malware

Device symptoms

Alerts about a virus or an infected device
Anti-virus software you use no longer works or runs
A significant decrease in your device’s operating speed
A significant, unexpected decrease in storage space on your device
Your device stops working properly or working altogether

Browser symptoms

Alerts about a virus or an infected device
Pop-up ads and new tabs that won't go away
Unwanted Chrome extensions or toolbars keep coming back
Your browsing seems out of your control, and redirects to unfamiliar pages or ads
Your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission

Other symptoms

Your contacts have received emails or social media messages from you, but you didn’t send the emails or messages.

Step 1: Remove malware

Windows computers

Use Google Chrome
Go to Microsoft support to learn how to:
- Use built-in software.
- Use compatible third-party anti-virus software. Only download anti-virus software from trusted sources. Software from untrusted sources may harm your device’s security or performance.

To learn more about how to remove unsafe software, go to Microsoft support.

Mac computers

To remove unsafe software, you can remove unwanted software manually.

For more info about how to remove unsafe software, go to Apple support.

Chromebooks

You can remove unwanted apps from your Chromebook.

Tip: If a fraudulent website causes your Chromebook to become locked, you can unlock it.

Step 2: Remove untrusted browser extensions

If you use Chrome, uninstall Chrome browser extensions that are unnecessary, untrusted, or from sources outside the Chrome Web Store.

If you use another browser, check its help center to learn how to uninstall extensions you no longer trust.

Step 3: Reset your browser settings

On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, click More Settings.
At the bottom, click Advanced.

Mac: Under 'Reset Settings', click Restore settings to their original defaults Reset Settings.
Windows: Under 'Reset and cleanup', click Reset Settings Reset Settings.

If you reset your browser settings, you might need to turn some extensions back on. To turn extensions on, at the top right, click More More Tools Extensions. Only turn on extensions that you trust.

Step 4: Update your operating system

For steps to update your operating system, go to your manufacturer’s help center.

To update Windows, go to Microsoft support.
To update MacOs, go to Apple support.

Step 5: Do a Security Checkup

On your computer, open a web browser, like Chrome.
Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.
To fix any security issues in your account, follow the on-screen steps.

Tip: You can learn more about how to review your account settings and secure your account.

If you still notice signs of malware

If you continue to notice signs of malware, you may need to factory reset your device or take other device-specific steps. Contact your device manufacturer for additional steps.