Easiest Way to Remove Spyware

Windows users have access to a free spyware, malware and virus protection software called Microsoft Security Essentials.

Spyware is any software that displays advertisements or actively collects personal data from the host computer. This information can then be sent via Internet to another computer and used in any number of ways. Advertisers use spyware as a way to track software users' habits. Spyware can be a major security risk, not to mention incredibly annoying. Microsoft Windows users can easily detect, clean, remove and avoid spyware by downloading a free copy of Microsoft Security Essentials.

Instructions

1. Download and install Microsoft Security Essentials (see Resources). This free anti-malware software is available to Microsoft customers using Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

2. Run the software and click the "Update" tab to download the latest security updates and definitions. Then click the "Home" tab.

3. Click on the radio buttons to select a scan method. Select "Quick Scan" to check only hard drive areas where spyware, viruses and other malicious software are most likely to be found. Select "Full Scan" to thoroughly scan every area of the hard drive for malicious software. Select "Custom Scan" to manually select particular areas of the hard drive to scan.

4. Click the "Scan Now" button to begin the selected scanning process. Microsoft Security Essentials will scan the selected area of the hard drive for any suspicious files. Review the results once the scan has finished and click to allow the program to clean or remove any threats found.

References

• Microsoft Safety & Security Center: What is Spyware?
• Microsoft Safety & Security Center: Help protect your PC with Microsoft Security Essentials
• Spy Checker: What is Spyware and Adware?