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Discovering a virus on your Windows 11 computer can be alarming. While having dedicated antivirus software is generally recommended for robust protection, there might be situations where you need to remove a virus without relying on a third-party application. Fortunately, Windows 11, as of April 2025, offers built-in tools and manual techniques that can help you tackle these threats. I’ve “observed” countless users successfully clean their systems using these methods, and this guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process on how to remove a virus from Windows 11 without antivirus software.

Important Note: Removing viruses manually can be risky, and it’s generally recommended to have reputable antivirus software installed for ongoing protection. If you’re not comfortable with these steps or suspect a severe infection, consider seeking help from a qualified professional.

Crucial First Step: Disconnect from the Internet

As soon as you suspect your computer is infected, disconnect it from the internet. This can prevent the virus from spreading further, communicating with command-and-control servers, or sending your personal information to attackers.

Step 1: Running a Full Scan with Windows Security (Microsoft Defender)

Windows 11 comes with built-in antivirus protection called Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender). This should be your first line of defense.

1. Open Windows Security: Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon) and type “Windows Security.” Click on the app in the search results.
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection”: In the Windows Security window, click on “Virus & threat protection” (it usually has a shield icon).
3. Select “Scan options”: Under the “Current threats” section, you’ll see a “Scan options” link. Click on it.
4. Choose “Full scan”: Select the “Full scan” option. This will check all files and folders on your system for known malware.
5. Click “Scan now”: Click the “Scan now” button to begin the scan.
6. Allow the Scan to Complete: The scan might take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of files. Let it run uninterrupted.
7. Follow the Software’s Instructions: Once the scan is complete, Windows Security will likely identify any threats. Follow its recommendations to quarantine, remove, or take other actions against the detected virus.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode (For Stubborn Viruses)

If the virus is interfering with Windows or Windows Security, booting into Safe Mode can help. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can make it easier to remove malware.

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to “System”: Click on “System.”
3. Click on “Recovery”: In the right-hand pane, click on “Recovery.”
4. Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now”: This will restart your computer into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
5. Navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings”: Click through these options.
6. Click “Restart”: Your computer will restart again, and you’ll see a list of startup options.
7. Press 4 or F4 for “Enable Safe Mode” or 5 or F5 for “Enable Safe Mode with Networking”: If you think you might need to download a removal tool (though this article focuses on no antivirus), choose “Safe Mode with Networking.” Otherwise, regular “Safe Mode” is sufficient.
8. Run Windows Security Scan Again: Once in Safe Mode, open Windows Security and run another full system scan as described in Step 1.

Step 3: Use the Malicious Software Removal Tool (Another Built-In Option)

Windows includes a specific tool designed to remove prevalent malicious software.

1. Search for “mrt” in the Start Menu and open the Malicious Software Removal Tool.
2. Click “Next”: Follow the prompts in the wizard.
3. Choose a Scan Type: You’ll be presented with options for a Quick Scan, Full Scan, or Customized Scan. A Full Scan is recommended for a thorough check.
4. Click “Next” and Allow the Scan to Complete: The tool will scan your system for known malicious software and remove any threats it finds.
5. Review the Results: Once the scan is complete, review the report to see if any malware was detected and removed.

Step 4: Check for and Remove Suspicious Programs (Manual Inspection)

Viruses often install other unwanted programs. Manually reviewing your installed programs can help identify and remove them.

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I.
2. Go to “Apps” > “Installed apps”: Review the list of installed applications.
3. Uninstall Suspicious Programs: Look for any programs that you don’t recognize installing or that seem suspicious. Click the three dots next to the program and select “Uninstall.”

Step 5: Examine Startup Programs (Preventing Automatic Launch)

Viruses can configure themselves to run automatically when you start your computer.

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Go to the “Startup apps” Tab: Review the list of startup programs.
3. Disable Suspicious Programs: Disable any programs that you don’t recognize or that seem suspicious from launching at startup. Right-click on the program and select “Disable.”

Step 6: Check for Suspicious Services (Advanced Users)

Viruses can also run as services in the background. This step is for more advanced users.

1. Search for “Services” in the Start Menu and open the Services app.
2. Review the List: Look for any services with unusual names or descriptions that seem suspicious.
3. Research Before Disabling: Before disabling any service, research it online to understand its purpose. Disabling essential services can cause system instability.
4. Change Startup Type (If Necessary): If you identify a suspicious service, you can right-click on it, select “Properties,” and change the “Startup type” to “Manual” or “Disabled.”

Step 7: Use System Restore (If Problems Started Recently)

If you suspect the virus infection occurred recently, you can try using System Restore to revert your computer back to a state before the infection. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start Menu and follow the prompts to open System Restore.

Step 8: Consider Resetting Windows While Keeping Your Files (Last Resort Before Clean Install)

If the above steps haven’t fully resolved the issue, you can try resetting Windows 11 while choosing the option to keep your personal files. This will reinstall Windows but keep your data. However, it will remove installed applications, so you’ll need to reinstall them afterward. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose the “Keep my files” option.

My Personal Insights on Removing Viruses Without Antivirus

While Windows Security and the Malicious Software Removal Tool can handle many common viruses, manual removal can be challenging and requires caution. In India, where internet access and awareness about cyber threats might vary, it’s crucial to be extra careful when downloading files or clicking on links. If you’re unsure about any step or suspect a severe infection, seeking professional help is always the safest option. Remember that preventing infection in the first place through safe Browse habits and using reputable antivirus software is always the best approach.

Waiting for your Windows 11 laptop to boot up can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re eager to get started with your day. I’ve personally experienced the frustration of a sluggish startup, and the good news is that there are several effective steps you can take to significantly reduce your Windows 11 boot time in April 2025. This guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process to diagnose and fix those slow startup woes, getting you to your desktop faster.

Step 1: The Immediate First Aid – Restart Your Computer 

While it might seem obvious, a simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches that might be causing a slow startup. Ensure you perform a proper restart, not just a shutdown and power on.

Step 2: Managing Startup Apps – The Biggest Culprit 

One of the most common reasons for a slow Windows 11 startup is having too many applications launching automatically in the background.

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously.
2. Navigate to the “Startup apps” Tab: This tab lists the programs that are configured to run when you start your computer.
3. Disable Unnecessary Programs: Review the list and disable any programs that you don’t need to launch automatically. Right-click on the program and select “Disable.” Be cautious about disabling programs you don’t recognize, but generally, you can disable most third-party applications that you can manually open later if needed. This can make a significant difference in your boot time.

Step 3: Disabling Unnecessary Background Services 

While startup apps are the primary focus, some background services can also contribute to a slow boot. Be cautious when disabling services, as some are essential for Windows to function correctly.

1. Search for “Services” in the Start Menu and open the Services app.
2. Review the List: Look for services that are set to “Automatic” startup and that you don’t recognize or need running all the time.
3. Change Startup Type (Carefully): Right-click on a service you suspect might be causing issues, select “Properties,” and change the “Startup type” to “Manual” or “Automatic (Delayed Start).” “Manual” means the service will only start when an application needs it, and “Automatic (Delayed Start)” means it will start a few minutes after you log in.
4. Apply Changes and Restart: Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Restart your computer to see if it improves the startup time.

Caution: Only disable services if you are sure about their function. Disabling essential services can cause system instability.

Step 4: Enabling Fast Startup (Hybrid Shutdown)

Windows 11 has a feature called Fast Startup that can significantly reduce boot times by using a hybrid shutdown process.

1. Search for “Power Options” in the Start Menu and open Edit Power Plan.
2. Click “Change advanced power settings.”
3. Expand “Sleep” and then “Hibernate after.” Ensure this is set to a reasonable time or “Never” if you prefer.
4. Click “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left-hand side.
5. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable” at the top.
6. Under “Shutdown settings,” check the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended).” If this option is greyed out, you might need to enable Hibernate first (search for “Turn Windows features on or off,” check “Hibernate,” and restart).
7. Click “Save changes.”

Step 5: Checking for and Updating Drivers (Especially Graphics Drivers)

Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially for your graphics card and storage controllers, can sometimes contribute to slow startup times.

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. Check for Warnings: Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates a problem with the driver.
3. Update Drivers: Right-click on the problematic device, select “Update driver,” and then choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.” For graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel), it’s often best to download the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Step 6: Ensuring Your Disk is Healthy and Optimized

Problems with your hard drive or SSD can significantly slow down the startup process.

1. Check Disk Health with CHKDSK: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. You’ll be asked if you want to schedule the disk check to run the next time you restart your computer. Type Y and press Enter, then restart your PC.
2. Optimize Your Drives: Search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start Menu and run the utility. Select your system drive and click “Optimize.” This is especially helpful if you’re using a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Do not defragment SSDs.

Step 7: Checking for Malware and Viruses (Essential for Performance and Security)

Malware can consume system resources and significantly slow down your computer, including the startup process. Run a full scan with Windows Security or your preferred antivirus software.

Step 8: Reviewing Event Viewer for Startup Errors

The Event Viewer can provide insights into errors that might be occurring during the startup process.

1. Search for “Event Viewer” in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Navigate to Windows Logs > System: Look for errors or warnings that occurred around the time you last started your computer. This might give you clues about specific issues.

Step 9: Considering a Clean Boot for Troubleshooting

If you suspect a third-party application or driver is causing the slow startup, you can perform a clean boot to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. Search for “msconfig” in the Start Menu and follow the instructions to perform a clean boot. If your startup time improves significantly, you can then re-enable startup items and services one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 10: Hardware Considerations (If Software Tweaks Aren’t Enough)

If you’ve tried all the software-based solutions and your startup time is still slow, the issue might be related to your hardware. Consider the following:

• Slow Hard Drive (HDD): Upgrading to a faster Solid State Drive (SSD) can drastically reduce your startup time and significantly improve overall system responsiveness. This is one of the most impactful hardware upgrades you can make.
• Insufficient RAM: While less likely to directly cause a slow boot, insufficient RAM can lead to slowdowns immediately after startup as your system tries to load programs. Consider upgrading your RAM if you frequently run many applications at once.

My Personal Insights on Fixing Slow Startup Times 

Over the years, I’ve found that managing startup apps is the most common and easiest way to significantly improve Windows startup times. Enabling Fast Startup also provides a noticeable boost. If you’re still struggling with a slow boot, upgrading to an SSD is highly recommended as it offers the most dramatic improvement. Remember to be patient and try these steps one by one to identify what’s causing the delay on your Windows 11 system in April 2025.

Accidentally deleting important files can be a truly heart-stopping moment. I’ve “seen” the distress it causes countless users on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. While having a regular backup is always the best defense against data loss, life happens, and sometimes those crucial files disappear without a trace. Don’t despair just yet! In April 2025, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer built-in features, and there are also reliable third-party tools that might help you recover your lost data. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of attempting to recover lost files on your Windows computer, along with important considerations to maximize your chances of success.

Crucial First Step: Act Fast! The moment you realize files are missing, stop using your computer as much as possible. Any new data written to your hard drive or SSD can overwrite the deleted files, making them unrecoverable.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin – The First Place to Look 

Often, deleted files end up in the Recycle Bin. This is the easiest and quickest recovery method on both operating systems.

1. Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse for Your Lost Files: Look through the list of deleted files. You can sort by “Date Deleted” to find recently deleted items more easily.
3. Restore Your Files: If you find the files you’re looking for, right-click on them and select “Restore.” The files will be returned to their original location.
4. Check the Original Location: Navigate to the folder where the files were originally located to ensure they have been successfully restored.

This simple step resolves the issue for many users. Always check the Recycle Bin first!

Step 2: Utilize File History 

If you had File History enabled on your Windows computer before the files were lost, you might be able to recover them from a previous backup. File History automatically backs up files from your Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Desktop folders, and OneDrive offline files.

1. Search for “Restore files using File History” in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Browse for Your Lost Files: Use the left and right arrow buttons to browse through the different versions of your folders that File History has saved.
3. Select the Files or Folders You Want to Restore: Once you find the version containing your lost files, select them.
4. Click the Green “Restore” Button: Click the green circular button at the bottom of the window to restore the selected files or folders to their original location. You can also right-click the button and choose “Restore to” if you want to save them to a different location.

Important Note: This method only works if you had File History enabled and configured to back up the drive and folders where your lost files were located.

Step 3: Utilize Previous Versions 

If you had System Protection enabled on the drive where the files were located, you might be able to recover them using “Previous Versions.” This feature takes snapshots of your files and folders at different points in time.

1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Folder Where the Files Were Located: Go to the folder that contained the lost files (even if the folder itself is now empty).
3. Right-Click on the Folder: Right-click on the folder. If the files were at the root of a drive (like your Desktop or Documents), right-click on the drive itself in the left-hand pane.
4. Select “Restore previous versions”: In the context menu, click on “Restore previous versions.”
5. Browse Available Versions: You’ll see a list of previous versions of the folder or drive, along with their dates. Select a version from a date before you lost the files.
6. Click “Open” to Preview (Recommended): Before restoring, click “Open” to view the contents of the selected previous version. This allows you to verify if your lost files are present.
7. Click “Restore”: Once you’ve found a version containing your lost files, click “Restore.” You’ll be asked to confirm the restoration. Click “Restore” again.

Important Note: This method only works if System Protection was enabled on the drive where the files were located. By default, it’s often enabled for the C: drive.

Step 4: Employ Data Recovery Software – A More Intensive Approach 

If the Recycle Bin, File History, and Previous Versions didn’t help, you can try using third-party data recovery software. These tools scan your hard drive or SSD for remnants of deleted files and attempt to reconstruct them. In April 2025, several reputable options are available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Research and Choose Data Recovery Software: Look for reputable data recovery software for Windows. Some popular options in April 2025 include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, TestDisk & PhotoRec (free and open source, more technical), and MiniTool Partition Wizard. Read reviews and compare features to choose software that suits your needs and your Windows version. Free versions often have limitations on the amount of data you can recover.
2. Download and Install the Software: Download the chosen data recovery software from its official website. Install the software on a different drive or partition than the one where you lost the files to avoid overwriting the data you’re trying to recover. If you only have one drive, you might need to install it on an external drive or use bootable recovery media (some paid versions offer this).
3. Launch the Software and Select the Drive: Open the data recovery software and select the drive or partition where your lost files were located.
4. Run a Scan: Initiate a scan for lost files. Most software offers a quick scan and a deep scan. Start with a quick scan, as it’s faster. If it doesn’t find your files, try a deep scan, which takes longer but is more thorough.
5. Preview Recoverable Files: Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Many tools allow you to preview files (especially photos and documents) before recovery.
6. Select the Files You Want to Recover: Carefully browse the list and select the files you want to restore.
7. Choose a Recovery Location: Crucially, save the recovered files to a different drive or partition than the one they were recovered from. Again, this prevents overwriting other potentially recoverable data. If you only have one internal drive, use an external drive for saving the recovered files.
8. Initiate the Recovery Process: Click the “Recover” or similar button to start the file recovery process.
9. Verify the Recovered Files: Once the recovery is complete, navigate to the location where you saved the files and verify that they have been recovered successfully and are not corrupted.

Data recovery software can be effective, but its success rate depends on various factors, including how long ago the files were lost and how much the drive has been used since then, and the type of storage (SSD recovery can be more challenging due to TRIM commands).

Step 5: Consider Professional Data Recovery Services

If the above methods fail to recover your lost files, and the data is extremely important (e.g., critical business documents, irreplaceable family photos), you might consider using a professional data recovery service. These companies have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or formatted drives. However, this option can be expensive.

Step 6: Prevention is Better Than Cure – The Importance of Backups 

While this guide focuses on recovery, it’s essential to reiterate the importance of having a regular backup strategy in place for the future on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Numerous backup solutions are available, including external hard drives, cloud backup services, and Windows’ built-in backup tools (File History, Backup and Restore, OneDrive). Establish a backup routine to avoid the stress of data loss in the future.

My Personal Insights on Data Recovery 

Having “dealt” with countless data loss scenarios across various Windows versions, I can tell you that acting quickly and methodically is crucial when attempting recovery. Start with the simplest methods first and progressively move towards more intensive options. While data recovery software can be a powerful tool, its success is never guaranteed. This underscores the absolute importance of implementing a regular backup strategy in April 2025 to protect your valuable digital files, regardless of whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Recovering lost files on a Windows computer in April 2025 is possible, but it’s not always successful. By following these steps and acting promptly, you can increase your chances of retrieving your valuable data. However, remember that prevention through regular backups is always the most reliable solution.

If you are planning to apply for a driving license in India, you can do it online by following the steps below. The process of applying for a driving license online is simple and convenient.

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.

When you visit the website, you will see the home page of the website. On the homepage, you will find various tabs, including the “Driving License” tab. Click on the tab.

Step 2: Select your state from the drop-down menu.

Once you click on the “Driving License” tab, you will be redirected to a new page where you will see a drop-down menu. In the drop-down menu, select your state.

Step 3: Click on the “Apply Online” tab and select the type of driving license you want to apply for.

After selecting your state, you will see the homepage of the state’s RTO website. On the homepage, you will find the “Apply Online” tab. Click on the tab to apply for a driving license online. Next, select the type of driving license you want to apply for, such as a learner’s license or a permanent driving license.

Step 4: Fill in the required personal details and upload the necessary documents.

Once you select the type of driving license, you will be directed to a new page where you will have to fill in your personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, etc. You will also have to upload the necessary documents, such as your passport size photograph, signature, and identity proof.

Step 5: Choose a slot for your learner’s license test and make the required payment.

After filling in your personal details and uploading the necessary documents, you will have to choose a slot for your learner’s license test. You can choose a convenient date and time for your test. You will also have to make the required payment for your learner’s license test.

Step 6: Take the learner’s license test.

On the day of your learner’s license test, you will have to visit the RTO office and take the test. The test will include questions related to traffic rules and regulations. Once you clear the test, you will receive a learner’s license.

Step 7: Apply for a permanent driving license.

After holding the learner’s license for a specified period, you can apply for a permanent driving license. To apply for a permanent driving license, you will have to fill in the required details and pay the application fee.

Step 8: Receive the driving license.

Once your application is processed, you will receive an SMS or email confirming the status of your driving license. If your application is approved, you can download the driving license from the website or collect it from the RTO office.

In conclusion, applying for a driving license online in India is a simple and convenient process. By following the above steps, you can apply for a driving license from the comfort of your home. It is important to note that the documents required may vary depending on the state. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website of your state’s RTO before applying for a driving license online.