Is your computer acting weird? Strange pop-ups appearing? Programs running slow? These could be signs of a virus or malware infection.

Detecting viruses early is crucial to prevent data loss, identity theft, and system damage. This guide will show you the warning signs and what to do if you suspect infection. Our Saskatoon tech team helps customers remove viruses daily—here's what to watch for.

Sudden Slowdown in Computer Performance

Extended boot times and sluggish application loading may signal infection. While aging hardware causes occasional slowness, dramatic performance degradation typically indicates viruses consuming system resources.

Performance Check Steps

Monitor computer speed across various activities
Compare current performance against historical baseline
Assess CPU usage via task manager

Unexpected Pop-Ups and Advertisements

Unwanted advertisements frequently signal adware infection. These intrusive pop-ups obstruct productivity and indicate system compromise.

Managing Pop-Up Problems

Ignore suspicious pop-ups without interaction
Never enter personal information on untrusted sites
Review browser extensions for unfamiliar additions
Enable pop-up blockers available in most browsers

New, Unfamiliar Icons on Your Desktop

Unrecognized desktop icons warrant investigation. Some viruses disguise themselves as legitimate applications or bundle with other software.

Verifying Icon Safety

Avoid opening suspicious-looking applications
Right-click icons and verify file locations
Consult technical professionals for investigation

Increased Network Activity

Malicious software spreads through networks and downloads additional threats, causing unusual data usage spikes.

Monitoring Network Usage

Track data consumption regularly
Use operating system network monitoring tools
Contact network administrators about persistent high transfers

Unresponsive or Disabled Security Solutions

Security software automatically disabling represents a major warning sign. Viruses deliberately compromise antivirus and firewall protections.

Addressing Security Failures

Update security software consistently
Run immediate system scans if protections disable
Seek professional diagnostics for thorough evaluation

What to Do If You Have a Virus

If you've identified virus symptoms, take these immediate actions:

Disconnect from internet: Prevent the virus from spreading or downloading more malware
Run Windows Defender: Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Full scan
Use Malwarebytes: Download (on a clean computer) and run a thorough scan
Remove threats: Follow prompts to quarantine or delete detected malware
Change passwords: After cleaning, change important passwords from a secure device

Prevention Tips

Keep Windows Defender enabled and updated
Don't click suspicious email links or download attachments from unknown senders
Only download software from official websites
Use strong, unique passwords for each account
Keep Windows and all software updated

Need Professional Virus Removal?

Some viruses are stubborn and won't remove easily. If you're experiencing:

Persistent infections that return after removal
Ransomware demanding payment
Complete system lockouts
Data encryption or file corruption
Multiple antivirus warnings

Our professional virus removal services in Saskatoon can help. We provide:

Complete malware and virus removal
System cleanup and optimization
Security software installation and configuration
Data recovery when possible
Prevention strategies to avoid future infections

Services start at $29, with most infections removed within 24 hours. We offer both remote and in-person support for Saskatoon residents.

Contact TechYXE for professional virus detection and removal services in Saskatoon. We'll diagnose and eliminate threats while protecting your valuable data.

How to Tell If Your Computer Has a Virus