Let’s be honest — even with antivirus software, computers aren’t immune to digital threats. Malware (short for malicious software) can sneak in through sketchy websites, email attachments, downloads, or even fake ads.

Sometimes, it’s obvious when something’s wrong. Other times, malware works quietly in the background, stealing your data or slowing your system to a crawl.

So how do you know if your computer has been infected?

Here are the top signs to watch out for — and what to do if you spot them.

🐢 1. Your Computer is Suddenly Super Slow

If everything is taking longer than usual — booting up, opening apps, loading websites — it might not just be age. Malware running in the background can hog your system’s resources.

What to watch for:

  • Fans running constantly
  • Lag while typing or using your mouse
  • Programs freezing or crashing

💣 2. You’re Getting Weird Pop-Ups or Ads

If pop-ups are showing up when you’re not even browsing the web, that’s a big red flag. Malware often floods your screen with ads (sometimes even fake warnings) to trick you into clicking.

Bonus red flag: ads that are inappropriate, sketchy, or completely unrelated to your activity.

🔁 3. Your Browser Homepage or Search Engine Changed (and You Didn’t Do It)

If your browser starts up to a homepage you don’t recognize — or your searches are suddenly going through some odd search engine — you’ve likely got browser hijacking malware.

These can track your activity, redirect you to shady sites, or try to steal your data.

h out for — and what to do if you spot them.

🔐 4. You’re Locked Out of Files or Programs

If you suddenly can’t open certain files, or you get a message asking you to pay to unlock your data, that’s a sign of ransomware — one of the nastiest types of malware.

Don’t pay. Shut the system down and call a pro ASAP.

📬 5. Friends or Contacts Are Getting Strange Messages from You

Sometimes the first clue that your system has been compromised is someone else telling you.

If your email or social media accounts are sending messages you didn’t write — especially with links — your system (or account) may be infected or hacked.

⚠️ 6. Security Software is Disabled — Without Your Permission

Some malware programs are sneaky enough to turn off your antivirus or firewall behind your back.

If you can’t open your antivirus program, or it says it’s not protecting you anymore, that’s a major warning sign.

🧪 Think Your Computer Might Be Infected?

Here’s what to do right away:

  1. Disconnect from the internet — to prevent further spread or data theft.
  2. Don’t click on anything suspicious.
  3. Back up important files if possible.
  4. Bring it to a trusted repair shop (like us!) for a full malware scan and cleanup.

At We Fix Computers, we offer fast, affordable virus and malware removal, plus tools and tips to keep your computer safe going forward.

🛡 Prevention is Key

To avoid future infections, always:

  • Keep your antivirus software updated
  • Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails
  • Only download software from trusted sources
  • Be cautious of pop-ups and “too good to be true” ads

🧑‍🔧 Worried your computer might be infected? Stop by We Fix Computers or give us a call. We’ll run a full diagnostic and get you back to safe, speedy computing in no time.