How to Remove Spyware and Adware from Your Computer

Is your computer showing unwanted ads, redirecting your browser, or running slowly? You may have spyware or adware. Here is how to identify and remove it.

Category: Security & Privacy | Read time: 3 min | By Midland Computers

What Are Spyware and Adware?

**Spyware** is software that secretly monitors your computer activity — tracking your keystrokes, browsing habits, and personal information — and sends that data to third parties. You usually have no idea it is there.

**Adware** is software that automatically displays unwanted advertising. It typically installs alongside free programs you download and may redirect your browser, inject ads into websites, or bombard you with pop-ups.

Both types of software degrade your computer's performance, compromise your privacy, and can be very difficult to remove manually.

Signs Your Computer Has Spyware or Adware

  • Pop-up ads appearing even when no browser is open
  • Your browser homepage changed without your permission
  • New toolbars or extensions you did not install
  • Search engine changed to one you have never used
  • Computer running significantly slower than usual
  • Increased data usage on your internet connection
  • Browser being redirected to suspicious websites

    • How to Remove It

    Step 1: Run Malwarebytes Free

    Malwarebytes is the best free tool for detecting and removing spyware and adware. Download it from the official Malwarebytes website, run a full scan, and remove everything it finds. Restart when prompted.

    Step 2: Check Browser Extensions

    In your browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox), go to the Extensions or Add-ons settings and remove anything you do not recognise or did not deliberately install.

    Step 3: Check Installed Programs

    Go to **Settings → Apps** and sort by installation date. Look for programs installed around the time problems started and uninstall anything suspicious. Be careful — some adware disguises itself with legitimate-sounding names.

    Step 4: Reset Your Browser

    If your browser settings are still wrong after the above steps, use your browser's built-in **Reset settings** option (found in advanced settings). This restores your homepage, search engine, and extensions to defaults.

    Step 5: Run Windows Defender Full Scan

    After Malwarebytes, run a full scan with Windows Defender as well for a second opinion.

    When Home Removal Does Not Work

    Some spyware is deeply embedded in the system and cannot be fully removed with consumer tools. In these cases — or if you are concerned that sensitive personal or financial information may have been captured — professional cleaning is the only reliable solution.

    Midland Computers provides thorough [virus, spyware, and malware removal in Midland](/services/virus-removal). Our technicians use professional-grade tools to find and remove everything, and in persistent cases can perform a clean Windows reinstall that completely eliminates any infection.

    We are highly rated for our computer security work in the Perth area. [Book a cleaning](/book-repair) or [contact our team](/contact) for fast, expert help.