pc protection

John Restivo 0 Reputation points
2026-09-20T19:03:15.9066667+00:00

What can I do to make sure my computer hasn't been hacked?

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
0 comments

4 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-09-20T19:03:31.53+00:00

    To check and improve confidence that a Windows home PC has not been hacked:

    1. Run a deep malware scan Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > select Microsoft Defender Offline scan. This restarts the PC and runs a deeper scan that can detect threats that may hide from normal scans.
    2. Make sure protection features are on Confirm that Windows Security is enabled. Also make sure Tamper Protection is turned on so unauthorized apps cannot change security settings.
    3. Install all updates Keep Windows fully updated with the latest patches through Windows Update. Security updates help close vulnerabilities that malware can use.
    4. Check browser safety protections If using Microsoft Edge, make sure SmartScreen is turned on. Be cautious with downloads and with apps that Windows SmartScreen warns are unrecognized.
    5. Review recent risky activity If suspicious links, attachments, pop-ups, or downloads were opened recently, treat that as a higher-risk sign. Avoid opening unexpected attachments or links, and only install reputable apps from reputable providers.
    6. Use only one active anti-malware product Running multiple anti-malware apps at the same time can make the system slow or unstable. If another antivirus product is installed, Microsoft Defender may turn itself off.
    7. If a scammer or unknown person had remote access Disconnect the PC from the internet immediately, back up personal files, and perform Reset this PC with the option that deletes everything. This is the strongest self-service step because remote access could have allowed software changes or installed remote-control tools. This is destructive and removes apps, settings, and local data that are not backed up.
    8. After a suspected compromise Change important passwords from a different device if possible, especially for primary email and Microsoft account.

    Good signs are: Windows Security is on, Tamper Protection is on, Windows is fully updated, and Microsoft Defender Offline finds nothing.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Ferdinand Nanalig 33,385 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-20T19:37:52.1766667+00:00

    Hi, let me help you.

    Start outside the PC. Check recent sign-in activity on your Microsoft, Google, and email accounts; look for mail forwarding rules or unfamiliar logged-in devices; and confirm nobody added a recovery email or phone number. Then log into your router and make sure the DNS servers weren't changed and that no odd port forwarding or remote management is enabled.

    On the PC, open Event Viewer's Security log and look for logon events (4624 and 4625) at times you weren't using it. Check Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sorted by install date, for remote-access tools like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Quick Assist that you didn't put there, and confirm Remote Desktop is off under Settings > System > Remote Desktop.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Bence Weiszmann 1,815 Reputation points
    2026-09-20T19:46:46.7366667+00:00

    Dear @John Restivo

    In addition to Ferdinand's suggestions, I would also recommend the following:

    1. Start with a Microsoft Defender Offline scan: Windows Security --› Virus & threat protection --› Scan options --› Microsoft Defender Offline scan --› Scan now
      1. After scan, check Protection history to see if anything was detected.
    2. You can also run the Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second on-demand scan. It can help detect and remove malware that may not have been identified by the regular Defender scan.

    I would also make sure Windows Update is up to date.

    Best regards,
    Bence

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Bulldog 4,740 Reputation points
    2026-09-20T19:56:41.0033333+00:00

    Computers today can be hacked in ways that no software is able to detect.

    If you suspect that your computer has been hacked, the only way to be 100% certain that your computer is clean is to:

    1- Erase your hard drive and reinstall your software;

    2- Create new user accounts; and

    3- Change all your passwords everywhere.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.