I think my computer might be infected with a virus or malware. What can I do?

Windows 10/11 includes a built-in anti-virus program called Windows Defender.  However, much of the infections that occur today are from "malware" - not viruses.  Malware is software that doesn't necessary spread on it's own like a virus but can still perform many unwanted tasks such as stealing your data, recording your keystrokes, showing you ads, hijacking your searches, or even using your machine in a "botnet".  

The tool will download immediately.  Once it does, simply run it and complete the install procedure.  You should then see MalwareBytes in your applications list and can run it.  One you run it, simply choose the option to perform a scan on your computer.

After each run, you will have the option to quarantine/remove all the malware found - please do so.   Immediately after, you can run it again.  We recommend repeating this procedure until MalwareBytes finds nothing "bad" on your computer.  

At this point you can remove the software or just run it periodically to stay clean.  By default it will install with a 7-day free trial of the Premium version but you can revert it to the FREE version at any time by clicking the Gear icon in MalwareBytes and going to the Account tab.