Do you suspect that your PC is affected by spyware? Are you confused about the exact steps that you need to take to remove it? Well, do not worry.

In this guide, you will learn all the tips and tricks to remove spyware from Windows 10 for good.

But before we dive into the spyware removal methods, let's have a quick look at what spyware is and how it harms your system.

What Is Spyware?

Spyware is a type of malware that latches onto your PC and secretly records all your online activities. The main purpose behind this is to sell your information to advertisers, gain access to your bank account details, or sometimes, outright steal your identity.

It also records your internet activities, like the sites you visit, your usernames and passwords, and other similarly sensitive information.

How to Know If You’re Infected With Spyware?

While there’s no sure shot to way to tell if your computer is infected with spyware, there are some signs that act as a good yardstick:

  • Slower performance than usual and freezing up or crashing programs.
  • Files are added or removed on their own on your PC.
  • The home page of your browser is altered.
  • Your default browser changes automatically.
  • Strange toolbars appear on your browser.
  • You get frequent ad pop-ups on your PC.
  • Unexplained and increased CPU activity.

The above changes are signs that your Windows 10 computer may be infected with spyware. However, they're not the only indicators, just some of the most common.

How to Remove Spyware From Windows

Now that you know how terribly spyware can damage your system, let’s look at some of the best spyware removal methods.

Note: Since spyware steals and transmits your sensitive data, you must disconnect your PC from the internet to stop further damage. To do that, turn off your Wi-Fi if you are connected through a wireless network, or if you are using a wired connection, just remove the Ethernet cable.

1. Turn On Safe Mode

Before you get down with testing different methods to delete the spyware from your Windows computer, you must bring your PC in safe mode.

Safe mode is a Windows feature that lets you start your computer with the most basic settings and files. This helps you fix most problems in your operating system.

Here’s how you can run your PC in safe mode:

  1. Type settings in the Start menu search bar and select the Best Match.
  2. Now, select the Update & Security > Recovery option.
  3. Under the Advanced startup, select Restart now.
  4. After the restart, on the Choose an option screen, select  Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Upon the next restart, press 4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. If you need to use the internet, press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Related: How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode?

2. Use Windows Defender Offline Scan

Windows Defender is a free antivirus program by Microsoft, first introduced with Windows XP.

Now part of the Windows Security framework, it works by scanning and then removing any threats it finds on your computer.

Follow the steps below to get started with the scan:

  • Type windows security in the Start menu search bar and select the Best Match. From there, click on Virus & threat protection option.
  • Click on Scan options under the Current Threats option.
  • Now, select the Windows Defender Offline scan, and then click on Scan now.

The scan will be completed in a few minutes, and your PC will be restarted during the process.

To view the results of your scan, again select Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. From there, click on Protection history to see the threats that have been removed.

3. Delete Suspicious Files

Another way of removing spyware from your Windows 10 is to delete any suspicious files that you do not recognize or may suspect to be spyware.

To do that, type control panel on the start menu search bar and select the best match. In the Control Panel, click on the Programs and Features option, right-click on the app that you feel is spyware, and click on the Uninstall button.

After the uninstallation is complete, you need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

4. Use a Professional Spyware Removal Application

If you have tried the above methods to delete spyware from your PC, and none of them have worked, your next best option is to use a spyware removal tool.

While there are many excellent options to choose from, we've listed two applications that we've found to be the best. And they are free, too.

1. Avast Anti-Spyware Tool

The Avast free antivirus is a great application for spyware removal, as it keeps checking for threats behind the scenes. While the premium version offers more features, the free version is enough to get rid of spyware infecting your PC.

All you need to do is install the tool and run the Smart Scan; the application will take care of the rest.

remove spyware from windows 10 by avast

2. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes antimalware is another free option to delete spyware from your Windows 10 PC. It is available in Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Install the application and run the scan. The software will run its course and remove the spyware from your PC.

remove spyware from windows 10 by malwarebytes app

5. Reset Windows 10

If none of the above methods have worked, then your last resort is the Windows Factory Reset.

Windows Reset lets you delete all your Windows files and apps, giving you a clean slate. It then reinstalls all the necessary drivers and apps that came installed from manufacturers.

To get started with the Windows Reset, head to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Now, click on Get Started.

From there, you’ll get two options to choose from: Keep my files or Remove Everything.

In your case, it's better that you go with removing all your files from Windows 10. Otherwise, you may be left with spyware. So, select the Remove Everything option to move ahead with the Reset. Please note that this will wipe your system, so make sure to backup the files you need and run those files through an antivirus tool before copying them back to your computer.

Follow the simple instructions ahead to the end, and in no time, you’ll have a Windows 10 that will be as good as a new one.

Related: How to Factory Reset Windows 10?

Say Goodbye to Spyware

That's it, folks!

Spyware can be big trouble for Windows computers. Hopefully, this guide helped you delete spyware from your PC for good.