Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free. Click here: https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/thankyou/ (accurate link as of 02/19/2019) to download.
Run the downloaded file (if it does not run automatically) to install Malwarebyates Anti-Malware. It should start running and give you a window automatically after installation.
If not, find it in the start menu and run it.
Malwarebyates Anti-Malware also appears in the “system tray” which is the extreme lower right of your screen, on the right side of the taskbar/icon bar. (This taskbar is the one which has the start menu button on its extreme left.) You can show it through there.
Click OK to get thru the trial notification (we’re going to turn that off soon).
Now there are two (2) settings to change from the defaults.
1. Turn on rootkits
Once Malwarebyates Anti-Malware is running, go into its Settings tab on the left, then the Protection and turn on Scan for rootkits.
2. Deactivate Premium Trial
Back to the Settings tab on the left, this time the Account tab on the top, and then click the Deactivate Premium Trial at the bottom.
Now you have to jump through all their hoops:
1. Confirm Yes
2. Trial Expired Popup–lower right
Now, finally, actually run the scan
You should get a nice window showing it has started. The best anti-malware scanner on the market, and it’s free! 😀
Quarantine any threats
If threats are found, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will show you a screen with them. I trust it. Just Quarantine Selected
Clean up after
After Malwarebytes Anti-Malware finishes, you can go into its system tray icon and right-click and turn off Start with Windows, and also click Quit Malwarebytes. It will probably give a security prompt–just click OK. It doesnt hurt to keep it running, but it’s not really doing anything. Just re-start it when you want to scan again (eg, weekly).