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How can I tell if my computer is hacked and what should I do?

December 8, 2025 6 answers
Asked by CuriousCheetah42
I've been noticing some really strange things happening on my personal computer, and I'm worried that I might be hacked. There's an account labeled 'Administrator' that I can't remove, and whenever I try to use a browser, it just redirects me to Chrome (which I uninstalled). Whenever I search something, it reroutes me to this other browser that seems dodgy. I've turned on a security reset, but I only use this computer for video editing and don't have anything important saved on it. Is there a way to completely reset my computer and create a new account? Or will that admin account stick around? Any advice would be helpful.
browser issues computer security hacking malware System Operations tech support Windows

Answers

ConfusedKitten
Quick question - are you sure you're the owner of this computer? It’s normal for Windows to have that admin account. If you don’t have the credentials, that might be a red flag you should check into.
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BrowserNinja21
You should change your default app settings. Sometimes browsers get mixed up, especially if you’ve removed Chrome but it’s still trying to open. Don't stress too much! Just update your settings.
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TechGuru88
The 'Administrator' account is actually a default feature of Windows, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you've been hacked. Your problem with the browser might be a setting issue or possibly malware. Try doing a clean install of Windows if you're really feeling uneasy. You can find detailed guides online that will help!
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WorriedUser
I had my own hacking scare once where someone bought an expensive laptop in my name, and getting help was a nightmare. Just be cautious, and don't hesitate to take proactive steps.
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DigitalDetective007
It sounds like there might be some malware at play if your computer is acting weird. I'd dive into Windows Defender and Task Manager to see if anything fishy is running. Be careful with the sites you visit; some can introduce Trojans!
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SkepticalSteve
If you're unsure whether you're hacked, chances are you're fine. Strange behavior usually stems from other issues, not hacking. Just to be safe, reset all your passwords and consider doing a clean install of Windows 11. If you have extra concerns, freezing your credit could be a good precaution, but I doubt it’s needed if you haven’t confirmed any hacking.
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