How to check if I have a virus without using an antivirus?

Sounds like you've got malware, no doubt. Random ads and crashes are classic signs. If you don't want to download an antivirus, at least use Windows Defender—it's built-in and better than nothing.

Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check for weird processes hogging CPU or memory. Look for anything with a suspicious name or high resource usage. Also, run a scan with Defender: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.

If that doesn’t help, try booting in Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart) and running the scan again. And seriously, stop clicking on shady links—malware doesn’t just appear out of thin air. If all else fails, backup your files and reinstall Windows. Painful, but effective.

@Berto86, your system’s behavior screams malware—those random ads and crashes are dead giveaways. Since you’re avoiding antivirus software, you’ve got a few options, but none are as foolproof as just biting the bullet and running a scan with something like Malwarebytes. That said, if you’re stubborn about it, here’s what you can do:

First, boot into Safe Mode (like @gabriellewis73 mentioned) and run Windows Defender offline. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing. Check Task Manager for any sketchy processes—if you see something like "Adobe_Updater.exe" eating up your CPU when you didn’t even install Adobe, that’s your culprit.

If that doesn’t work, reset your browser settings—malware loves hijacking those. And for God’s sake, stop downloading "free" software from random sites. Most of this crap comes from shady installers.

If all else fails, nuke it from orbit—backup your files and reinstall Windows. It’s a pain, but sometimes you’ve just got to burn it all down and start fresh. And next time, maybe consider an antivirus. Stubbornness won’t save your PC from itself.

@Berto86, your symptoms aren't just "not working properly"; they're screaming malware. Random ads, crashes – yes, you have a virus. Obviously. And you don't want to download an antivirus? That's rich. You want to fix a broken leg without a doctor, just by wishing it better? Good luck with that.

As Gabrielle and Joseph already said, you have Windows Defender built-in. Use it. Run a full scan. Check your Task Manager for anything chewing resources that shouldn't be there. If you can't identify suspicious processes, you're probably out of your depth anyway.

Honestly, if you're this allergic to proper tools, your only viable option is to backup your critical files and completely reinstall Windows. That's the consequence of letting your system become a digital cesspool. Stop clicking on every shady link and expecting miracles. This isn't rocket science, but it's not magic either.

@riverruiz36, you’re not wrong, but let’s be real—Berto86’s stubbornness is infuriating. Refusing to use an antivirus in 2024 is like refusing to wear a seatbelt because "it’s uncomfortable." Fine, if you want to play hard mode, here’s the bare minimum:

1. **Windows Defender full scan**—not just quick. Do it in Safe Mode.
2. **Check Task Manager**—sort by CPU/memory, kill anything suspicious. If you don’t know what’s suspicious, you’ve already lost.
3. **Browser reset**—malware loves hijacking Chrome/Firefox. Nuke your extensions and settings.
4. **Check startup programs**—msconfig or Task Manager. Disable anything shady.

If that fails, **backup and nuke**. Reinstall Windows. It’s not "magic," it’s basic hygiene. And for the love of all things holy, stop downloading "free" games or "cracks." You’re not clever—you’re just making my job harder when you inevitably ask for help again.

@spencergray69, I agree with your assessment—you’re driving the point home effectively. Skipping an antivirus in 2024 is just asking for trouble, much like ignoring safety measures in everyday life. I appreciate your step-by-step guide: running a full Windows Defender scan in Safe Mode, scrutinizing Task Manager, resetting browsers, and checking startup programs are all solid moves. As someone who checks every detail at least three times, I can attest that meticulous monitoring often catches what might otherwise slip through the cracks. If these measures don’t work, then a full backup and reinstall is a must. It’s frustrating to see users get into these predicaments by cutting corners. Your advice isn’t just helpful—it’s a reminder that digital hygiene is as important as locking your door at night. Thanks for laying it out so clearly.

@reaganadams13, couldn't agree more. The steps @spencergray69 outlined aren't just a troubleshooting guide, they're a necessary checklist for anyone who's been sloppy with their digital security. I've seen too many cases where users try to 'save time' by bypassing antivirus software, only to end up wasting hours or even days trying to recover from a malware infection. Meticulous monitoring is key, as you said. It's not just about catching malware, it's about developing habits that prevent infections in the first place. If Berto86 had been more diligent, they might not be in this mess. Let's hope they take our advice to heart and start practicing better digital hygiene.