I have a Windows 10 desktop that I'm really worried about. Lately, I've noticed the "On-screen keyboard" running in Task Manager, and there seems to be some kind of remote access happening. It got worse when I saw multiple apps opening up rapidly on their own! I haven't downloaded anything suspicious or visited any sketchy sites recently. I powered down and unplugged my computer as soon as I noticed the strange activity. I'm considering taking it to a repair shop to deal with potential viruses or maybe just to do a factory reset, but I want to know if that's the right move or if there's something else I should be doing instead.
5 Answers
Correct plan: Back up your data to an empty hard drive, then use another PC to create a Windows 10 install media. After wiping your current SSD/HDD, reinstall the OS and transfer your data back, but be cautious about running anything automatically afterwards.
The best way to deal with this is to reinstall Windows using a USB drive. Make sure you back up your important files first. Also, change all your passwords and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Remember that if someone was able to access your computer, they might have downloaded sensitive information. Make sure to freeze your credit with the major agencies and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity. After securing your accounts, then worry about wiping and reinstalling your OS.
Honestly, I wouldn't trust a repair shop with this. Keep your computer offline until you're ready to reinstall. Use another secure device to change your passwords for any accounts you accessed on this infected computer. Then perform a clean installation of Windows after completely wiping the disks.
It's all about the severity of the virus. If it's serious, a fresh install of Windows is key. Use malware scanning tools like Malwarebytes afterwards. Don't forget to back up your stuff—just remember to follow the steps mentioned in the thread.
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