If you think a website triggered a download, stop interacting with the page, check whether the symptoms come from a site permission or browser change, and scan the file and device with built-in security tools. A pop-up or redirect is a warning sign—not proof of infection—and no single scan can guarantee that a device is clean.
Can a website infect your device just because you visited it?
It is possible for a drive-by download to exploit a vulnerability in a browser or add-on, so that visiting a site on a vulnerable computer could lead to an infection. Microsoft described that mechanism in its 2011 Security Intelligence Report; that historical definition does not measure how common such infections are today.
Symptoms worth investigating include persistent pop-ups, unfamiliar redirects, a changed homepage or search engine, extensions that return after removal, or unexpected virus alerts. These can also have less serious explanations, so treat them as clues rather than a diagnosis. Google defines malware as “unsafe or unwanted software that can steal your info or harm your device.” (Google Account Help.)
What to do first if a page or download looks suspicious
- Stop interacting with the page. Close the tab or browser if it is showing scare messages. Do not click an urgent “update,” “scan,” or “clean” button from the page. Google recommends getting software from its official website rather than following a prompt on a suspicious page. (Google Chrome Help.)
- Do not open the downloaded file. If it is still in your downloads folder, leave it unopened while you check it with your device’s security software.
- Note what changed. Record the site involved and any new pop-ups, redirects, extensions, apps, or account alerts. This can help distinguish a site permission from a broader device problem.
Check whether pop-ups are really site notifications
Messages from one particular site may be browser notifications for which permission was granted, rather than evidence that the device is infected. In Chrome, notification permission is separate from the setting that blocks pop-ups, so disabling pop-ups may not stop notifications. Review the site’s notification permission and block it if you do not want messages from it. See Google’s Chrome instructions for managing pop-ups and permissions.
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If notifications continue after you block the site—or you also see redirects, changed settings, or unfamiliar software—continue with the checks below instead of assuming the permission was the only issue.
Review browser extensions and recently installed apps
Remove extensions you do not trust
Look through the browser’s installed extensions and remove anything you do not recognize or no longer trust. Google’s Chrome cleanup guidance covers unwanted ads, pop-ups, and malware. If an extension returns after removal, treat that as a reason to check for unwanted software on the device as well.
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Check for unfamiliar software on the device
Review recently installed apps, especially anything added around the time the symptoms began. Google provides desktop guidance for Windows and Mac and separate instructions for Chromebook in its malware and unsafe-software help. Remove only software you can identify as unwanted; if you are unsure, seek help before deleting system components.
Scan the suspicious file and the Windows device
On Windows, scan the downloaded file—or its containing folder—before opening it. In File Explorer, right-click the file or folder and choose Scan with Microsoft Defender. Microsoft explains this in its item-scanning instructions.
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If you remain concerned, update Microsoft Defender’s security intelligence and use Windows Security to run a device scan. Choose the scope according to what you need to check:
| Scan type | When it fits | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Quick scan | A first check for common areas where threats may be found. | A narrower initial check; it does not examine every location. |
| Full scan | You want a broader scan of files and running programs. | Takes longer than a quick scan. |
| Custom scan | You want to check selected files or locations. | Useful for targeting a folder or drive. |
| Microsoft Defender Offline | Concern remains and you want a scan outside the normal Windows environment. | Windows restarts to run the scan. Save open work first, then review Protection history for results. |
Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance describes these scan options. A clean result is useful information, but it is not proof that no malware is present.
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If you use Firefox
Firefox can warn about deceptive sites and block dangerous downloads when its deceptive-content and dangerous-download protections are enabled. That browser protection does not establish that a file already saved to disk is harmless. See Mozilla’s Firefox protection guidance, updated September 3, 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reset Chrome settings only if unwanted changes remain
If Chrome settings appear to have been changed by an app or extension, resetting Chrome can restore its defaults. This affects the default search engine, homepage, startup tabs, content settings, cookies and site data, extensions, and themes. Google says saved bookmarks and passwords are not deleted or changed. Afterward, enable only extensions you trust. Follow Google’s Chrome reset instructions.
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A browser reset addresses browser settings; it does not replace a device malware scan or remove the need to investigate unfamiliar apps.
Secure your accounts and know when to get help
If you entered a password or other credentials on the suspicious site, or see account activity you do not recognize, use a trusted device to review account security and change affected credentials. Google recommends running a Security Checkup in its account malware guidance. Browser cleanup alone cannot undo credential theft.
Ask a trusted technician or your device maker for help if redirects, unwanted software, or other signs persist after these checks. Google notes that persistent signs of malware may require resetting the computer or getting help from the device maker. Microsoft also provides guidance on protecting a PC from unwanted software.
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