Troubleshooting Undetected Viruses on Your Windows 10 Laptop

If you’ve noticed your Windows 10 laptop heating up, losing disk space rapidly, and experiencing sluggish performance, you might be dealing with a hidden issue, potentially a virus or malware. Such symptoms can be worrying, especially if you haven’t installed any dubious software recently. Here’s a guide on how to address this issue effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms

For over a month, you may have observed your laptop’s elevated temperature, combined with an alarming rate of disk space depletion—losing approximately 2GB daily. Performance lags are often accompanied by these signs, leading to the suspicion of a malicious software infection.

Initial Steps Taken

In response to these issues, you’ve already taken commendable steps:

1. Malware Scanning: You ran two comprehensive scans using Malwarebytes, alongside one full scan with Windows Defender. This proactive approach is essential in identifying potential threats.
2. Safe Mode Scanning Attempts: You attempted to run a scan in Safe Mode, a common recommendation for tackling persistent malware. However, you encountered a limitation as Windows Defender fails to activate in this mode.

Next Steps for Diagnosis and Cleaning

Here’s a detailed action plan on how to proceed:

1. Update Antivirus Software: Ensure that your antivirus software is up-to-date. Sometimes, malware can evade detection if the software is not current.

2. Use Alternative Scanning Tools: Consider utilizing additional specialized malware removal tools. Options such as HitmanPro or Emsisoft Emergency Kit can complement your existing scanners and might detect what others have missed.

3. Perform a System Restore: If your laptop has a restore point from before the issues began, consider rolling back your system. This can sometimes resolve problems stemming from recent changes.

4. Check for Unusual Programs: Manually inspect your installed programs and remove anything that appears suspicious, especially software you don’t remember installing.

5. Disk Cleanup: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to free up space. Although this won’t remove a virus, it can help manage space while you troubleshoot.

6. Monitor Network Activity: Tools like GlassWire can help monitor your network connections for unusual activity, which may be indicative of a hidden infection.

7. Seek Professional Help: If you feel overwhelmed or if the issue persists, consulting a professional technician may be the most efficient route.

Conclusion

Dealing with a