> *This is an attempt to ask a canonical quesiton as discussed in [this old meta post](http://meta.security.stackexchange.com/questions/2382/do-we-need-a-canonical-question-as-dupe-target-for-help-my-computer-has-a-viru). The goal is to create something helpful that can be used as a duplicate when non experts ask about virus infections.* Let's say that I have determined beyond doubt that my home PC is infected by a virus. If necesarry, you can assume that my computer runs Windows. Answers aimed at the non-technical reader are encouraged. * What do I do now? How do I get rid of the virus? * Do I really need to do a full reinstall? Can't I just run a couple of virus programs, delete some registry keys, and call it a day? * I really don't have time to deal with this right now. Is it dangerous to keep using the computer while it is infected? * I don't have backups of my family photos or my master thesis from before the infection occured. Is it safe to restore backups made after the infection occured? * Do I need to worry about peripherals getting infected? Do I need to do anything about my router or other devices on my home network?