I accidentally downloaded a virus while trying to get a mod for a game, clicking on an ad without paying attention. I've managed to remove the virus and all other unwanted programs that appeared, and I've run multiple scans that say my computer is virus-free. However, my internet is still really slow—watching YouTube is a struggle, and I can only get 144p without lagging. I've reset my network, reinstalled Windows, and used commands like ipconfig /flushdns, netsh int ip reset, and netsh winsock reset, which worked for a day. My internet is fine on other devices, but this one is still an issue after the virus. I'm considering doing a full OS wipe and reinstall. Any advice?
2 Answers
The slowness might be due to malware still accessing your data or seeing your PC. Just uninstalling it isn't enough, as they can be tricky. The best way to ensure you're clear is a secure wipe and a fresh install of the OS. Make sure you've secured your accounts too before doing that!
It sounds like you may not actually have malware slowing your internet. If all your antivirus checks come up clean, the problem might not be a virus at all. However, if you're still worried about malware, going for a full disk wipe and then reinstalling Windows from a USB drive is a solid plan. You can follow guides for that to ensure everything is done correctly!
I disagree; things like RATs and crypto miners can definitely slow down your internet. If something's bypassing the scans, it could still be affecting your speeds.
Thanks for the tip! I've already uninstalled suspicious programs in safe mode and checked task manager, but I'll definitely do the full wipe!