Computers are essential in daily work and personal life, so keeping them safe from viruses is critical. But how can you tell when your computer is infected and needs a virus cleanup? Here are some common signs that indicate it may be time to get your device checked and cleaned up.
- Sluggish Performance and Frequent Crashes. If your computer has slowed down significantly, frequently crashes, or freezes without reason, malware could be to blame. Viruses and malicious programs often consume processing power and memory, reducing resources for regular operations. A sudden drop in speed or unexplained crashes can signal a compromised system needing a cleanup.
- Unexplained Pop-Ups and Ads. A sudden increase in pop-up ads or unwanted programs on your screen is a clear sign of a virus infection. These ads are often generated by adware or malware embedded in your system. If strange ads appear even when you’re offline, it’s time to perform a virus cleanup to remove these intrusive programs.
- Unauthorized Account Activity. Are you experiencing unexpected password changes, unusual emails, or unauthorized purchases? This could mean a virus or spyware is at work. Many viruses are designed to capture sensitive information, leading to unauthorized access to accounts.
- Changes to Browser Settings. Have your homepage or default search engine changed without your input? These changes are often caused by browser hijackers designed to reroute your web traffic to infected sites. A virus cleanup can restore your browser settings and improve your browsing safety.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, having your computer checked by a professional is wise. At Piedmont Technical Experts, we have virus cleanup services to safely remove infections, restore performance, and strengthen your computer’s security. A professional virus cleanup can get your system back to optimal performance.