Update your operating system and all installed software
Run a full scan with your antivirus/anti-malware program
Run an additional scan with a second on-demand scanner (on-demand malware scanner)
Use Microsoft Defender Offline (Windows) if available
Scan removable drives (USB/external drives) before accessing them
Perform a scan in Safe Mode if malware is suspected to interfere with scans
Check browser extensions/add-ons and remove anything unfamiliar
Clear browser cache and reset browser settings to default
Review installed programs and uninstall anything suspicious
Check startup items and scheduled tasks for unknown entries
Inspect running processes and services for suspicious names/locations
Verify file integrity for critical system files (OS file checker)
Run rootkit detection tools if your security software supports it
Scan for potentially unwanted programs (PUPs/PUMs) and remove them
Check email and download folders for recently added suspicious files
Change passwords after malware removal (especially email and banking)
Disconnect from the internet during cleanup to limit reinfection
Reboot after scans and removals, then run another full scan
If infections persist, collect logs and run vendor-specific cleanup tools
If needed, back up important files, then reinstall the OS
Ensure backups are clean before restoring files