Can Windows Defender Remove Malware?

I’d personally recommend a factory reset unless you have a strong reason not to. It's usually the safest route to eliminate any lingering malware. Just remember to back up your important files first! Also, Windows has a system restore feature that might let you roll back to a previous state.

Running MRT (Malicious Software Removal Tool) could help out, too! It's a handy tool provided by Microsoft that can help find and remove malware, though it's not a complete replacement for antivirus software.

From what I've seen, Windows Defender can catch some malware, but it doesn't catch everything. If your scan didn't find anything, you might want to consider a more thorough malware removal tool. It's also a good idea to change your passwords on other devices and enable two-factor authentication for better security.

Using a factory reset usually makes things simpler and safer, especially if you're not super tech-savvy. Double-check that you have everything backed up before you wipe your system. You can also look into creating regular backups so you're prepared for any future issues.