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Installing Antivirus Software on an Infected Computer

This Tutorial addresses:
  • Computers
  • Antivirus
  • Software
Most of the times installing an antivirus software on an infected computer is as seamless as installing it on an uninfected and clean PC, as long as the virus has not damaged the Windows system files that the operating system uses while installing any application.

Once you are able to install a good antivirus program on your PC, you can use the application to start scanning the hard drive for the infected and culprit files, and delete them when prompted.

Note: Since home PCs are unlikely to be infected by extremely harmful viruses as compared to the computers used in offices, any free antivirus program can be used for home computers. On the other hand, in offices, it is strongly suggested to use any paid antivirus application that also has some other sophisticated features to protect the computer from other attacks as well.

Here is how you can install an antivirus program on an already infected PC:

  1. Turn on Windows PC.
  2. Open your favorite web browser.
  3. In the search bar, search and download any antivirus application of your choice. (E.g. AVAST in this demonstration.)
    Note: there are many other antivirus programs available in the market for example Avira, AVG, COMODO etc. and you can pick any one from them as per your choice. You can also use paid antiviruses like Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (AVP), Norton Power Eraser, Microsoft Safety Scanner, McAfee Stinger, etc.
  4. Once you have downloaded the desired antivirus, locate and double-click its installer .EXE file to launch the setup. (E.g. avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe in this demonstration)

  5. On the next interface, click the Regular installation button.

  6. Click Continue to proceed with the installation process with the default settings.

  7. On the Installing the product interface, wait till the installation process completes successfully.

  8. Once done, click Done and restart Windows to finalize the settings.


  • Note: If the Windows system files are corrupted and you are unable to install the antivirus program on an infected PC, restoring Windows back to a restore point can resolve the issue. Sometimes, even restarting Windows in safe mode can also allow you to install the programs which is not generally possible when an infected Windows is started in normal mode.
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