Malware & Virus Cleaning Tools
AdwCleaner: is a tool that deletes Adware/Toolbar/PUP/Hijacker. It works with a Search and a Deletion Mode.
ESET Online Scanner: A Standalone Virus Removal Utility to clean your computer from threats.
Malwarebytes: A Free reliable virus scan & malware removal tool. How to install and use Malwarebytes.
RKill: is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
TDSSKiller Anti-rootkit utility: a powerful utility designed by Kaspersky Labs, that can remove hidden malware programs. You can download it from MajorGeeks.Com or from Techspot.com
System Optimization
System Utilities
Autoruns: A tool to see and manage all programs that are configured to run at boot or system logon. These programs and drivers include ones in your startup folder, services, scheduled tasks, Registry keys.
Other
Antivirus Removal Utilities: A detailed list of tools & utilities to completely uninstall and remove any Antivirus program from your computer.
Geek Uninstaller: A powerful FREE utility for completely uninstalling programs and removing all their leftovers from your computer.
Microsoft Fixit Uninstall/Install: Fix problems with programs that can't be installed or uninstalled.
Laptops Recovery Instructions & Keys: Recovery Keys and Instructions to restore your laptop to factory state (settings).
How to Enter in BIOS/UEFI Setup on all PCs: Instructions on how to get into the BIOS settings and change the boot order on laptops and desktops of all brands.
How to Update BIOS Firmware Safely with Windows 11/10: Instructions on how to update your computer BIOS safely, especially if you're using Windows 11/10.
Microsoft Show/Hide Updates Troubleshooter: A Microsoft tool to prevent the installation of a problematic Windows update.
Hardware
BatteryInfoView: A small utility that displays useful information and the health status of your laptop's battery.
Crucial® System Scanner: A useful tool to find the size, speed and type of RAM installed to help you upgrade your computer.
Power Supply Calculator: A useful tool to select a suitable power supply unit (PSU) for your system.
Videos
wintips.org videos: Our YouTube channel with detailed videos about Windows tips & How tos.
February 4, 2026 @ 3:58 pm
This is such a solid, bookmark-worthy list. I’ve been using Malwarebytes for years, but I honestly think Autoruns is the unsung hero here. It gives you so much control over what’s actually happening under the hood, especially with startup processes that standard task managers miss.
I actually found it indispensable last weekend while trying to save an older desktop. The onboard LAN was dead, so I installed a simple 1-port network interface card just to get it back online. The system kept trying to load the old proprietary drivers at boot, which was causing conflicts with the new card. Autoruns made it super easy to hunt down those leftover entries and disable them without needing to wipe the whole drive.
Has anyone here had luck using the "Microsoft Show/Hide Updates Troubleshooter" recently? I feel like Windows is getting more aggressive about overwriting custom hardware drivers with generic ones lately.
October 18, 2022 @ 5:17 pm
I am very impressed with your post because is very beneficial to me and provides new knowledge to me.
August 22, 2017 @ 6:21 pm
really i got a clear understanding and my problem also get solved by your answers. Thank you so much..keep going on…all the best!
July 9, 2015 @ 5:02 pm
I need some help i have server 2012 while login to server my desktop icons are not showing what to do I think it is virus how to remove
July 9, 2015 @ 6:32 pm
@manohar: try to: Right-click on desktop and then choose View > Show Desktop icons. If you still have problems try this virus removal guide.
May 27, 2015 @ 3:25 pm
Thanks your video for anti malware addware cleaning help me alot. am tottly tense when i saw irelevent adds on every where the they did not do work to me any more thanks for wintips.org :-)
February 1, 2015 @ 6:55 pm
I currently have the cleaned drives from my cryptowall affected computer on my computer and have a new drive with a new OS running the system. Can you tell me what tools there are for decryption and if there's anyone that has gotten the key successfully and restored their files???? I am waiting for some brain to come up with a decryption algorithm so I can get to my files again……. PLMK if that happens, thanks. DLC