Is My New Windows 11 Laptop Infected with Malware?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concerns regarding potential malware infection on a new Windows 11 laptop. Participants explore various troubleshooting steps, software recommendations, and personal experiences related to malware and antivirus solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports issues with ads and redirects after downloading a video on their new laptop, expressing frustration over the situation.
  • Another suggests resetting the laptop to factory defaults as a potential solution.
  • Several participants recommend installing antivirus software, mentioning options like Comodo, Avast, and AVG, with varying opinions on their effectiveness and user experience.
  • There is a discussion about the effectiveness of AdBlock versus uBlock, with a suggestion to configure it for all browsers.
  • One participant argues that all computers are vulnerable to malware if users engage in risky behavior, challenging the notion that a new computer should be immune.
  • Another participant shares their experience with Comodo, noting that after installation and scans, they believe the issue may have been resolved.
  • Questions arise about whether antivirus software, including Windows Defender, is sufficient protection, with mixed opinions on its reliability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the vulnerability of new computers to malware and the effectiveness of various antivirus solutions. There is no consensus on the best approach to resolve the issues raised.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific software and settings without providing detailed explanations of their effectiveness or limitations. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and opinions on malware protection.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar issues with malware on new laptops, those seeking advice on antivirus software, and users interested in browser security settings may find this discussion relevant.

Hornbein
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A week ago my Windows 10 laptop overheated and decayed. I bought a new one with Windows 11. The first thing I did was download a video. Ads pop up and I'm often redirected to sleazy sites selling something. That never happened before. This happens with Chrome, Firefox, and DuckDuckGo.

I went to a shop and got AdBlock and Malwarebytes. These blocked the stuff but Malwarebytes now wants me to pay. But I bought a brand new computer that wasn't cheap, it shouldn't be vulnerable to this junk. And I want to get rid of the stuff that is causing this, not patch around it.

I sought Internet advice. There is some switch in Chrome to block popups and redirects. It was already on.

What next? There is a guarantee on the computer but I bought it in the Big City an hour away so I'd rather do it myself, and the residents of this island are not all that technologically sophisticated so I'm not sure it would help. They may have screwed it up in the first place.
 
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Reset to factory default?
1707218472227.png
 
Get an antivirus software and do a full scan. Comodo has free version and said to be 'docile'. Avast and AVG also has free software, but they are infamous about their continuous naggin'.

Instead of AdBlock these days uBlock is the one more often recommended. Set it up for all browsers.

Check all browsers for popup, notification and security/privacy settings.

Check general notification settings.

If things does not calm down then a fresh start might be in order, indeed...
 
Hornbein said:
But I bought a brand new computer that wasn't cheap, it shouldn't be vulnerable to this junk.
That's a bit naive. ALL computers are "vulnerable to that junk" if you click on a bad link or download infected software.

I started using Norton decades ago and have never had a virus, although it has blocked a lot of them.
 
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phinds said:
That's a bit naive. ALL computers are "vulnerable to that junk" if you click on a bad link or download infected software.

I started using Norton decades ago and have never had a virus, although it has blocked a lot of them.
Must you get personal?

The very first thing I did had this problem.
 
Rive said:
Get an antivirus software and do a full scan. Comodo has free version and said to be 'docile'. Avast and AVG also has free software, but they are infamous about their continuous naggin'.

Instead of AdBlock these days uBlock is the one more often recommended. Set it up for all browsers.

Check all browsers for popup, notification and security/privacy settings.

Check general notification settings.

If things does not calm down then a fresh start might be in order, indeed...
My problem seems to be solved. I installed Comodo, did a number of scans, and fiddled with Windows settings. Something seems to have blocked that junk.
 
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Hornbein said:
installed Comodo, did a number of scans
Did it actually find something?
 
Rive said:
Did it actually find something?
No. I did some special Windows Defender offline scan and couldn't tell whether it found anything or not.
 
Well, anyway: now you have the basic protection, and that seems to be adequate.

The very first thing I usually do with a fresh install is to set up an antivirus software... Just don't miss it next time.
 
  • #10
Rive said:
Well, anyway: now you have the basic protection, and that seems to be adequate.

The very first thing I usually do with a fresh install is to set up an antivirus software... Just don't miss it next time.
But isn't Windows Defender antivirus software?
 
  • #11
Hornbein said:
But isn't Windows Defender antivirus software?
Were you satisfied with it?
 
  • #12
Rive said:
Were you satisfied with it?
It worked on my other laptops for 10 years or so.
 
  • #13
It works all of my Win-cursed PCs too (mostly because it's a bother to get rid of it), but never crossed my mind to actually trust it for real...
 
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