26 Feb 10 Reasons Why Internet Won’t Work After Removing Malware

Dealing with malware can be a frustrating experience. Not only can it slow down your computer, but it can also disrupt your internet connection, leaving you wondering why your internet won’t work even after cleaning up the malicious software. If you’ve recently removed malware from your system and are still facing connectivity issues, there are several potential reasons why your internet won’t work as expected. In this article, we’ll explore 10 common reasons why internet won’t work after removing malware along with troubleshooting tips to help you get back online.

1. Corrupted Network Settings

The malware might have altered your network settings. Malicious software can change key settings like IP addresses, DNS servers, or proxy configurations, causing disruptions to your internet connection. Even after removing the malware, these altered settings can persist and prevent your internet from functioning properly. 

Fix: Reset your network settings to restore default configurations. You can do this by going to your network settings in the Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) and selecting “Reset Network Settings.”

2. Faulty or Outdated Drivers

Malware can also damage essential network drivers or prevent them from functioning correctly. Outdated or corrupted drivers can interfere with your computer’s ability to communicate with your router, leading to an unstable or nonexistent internet connection.

Fix: Update your network drivers to the latest version. You can do this through Device Manager on Windows or System Preferences on Mac. Installing the most recent drivers often resolves internet connectivity issues caused by malware.

3. DNS Settings Still Pointing to Infected Servers

Malware often manipulates DNS settings to redirect internet traffic to malicious servers. Even after removing the malware, your DNS settings may still point to those infected servers, preventing your browser from connecting to legitimate websites. This is why you might find that your internet won’t work, despite everything else seemingly normal.

Fix: Change your DNS settings to a trustworthy DNS server, like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4). This change ensures your traffic is routed through secure servers, improving your internet connection.

4. Malware-Related Firewall or Security Restrictions

Some malware installs its own firewall rules or modifies existing firewall settings, restricting internet access. These restrictions can block legitimate internet traffic even after the malware is removed.

Fix: Check your firewall settings to ensure that necessary ports and protocols are open. Disable any firewall settings set by the malware, or consider using a trusted antivirus solution to manage your firewall settings.

5. IP Address Conflicts or Static IP Settings

If malware alters your IP address settings or sets a static IP that conflicts with your router, your device may struggle to connect to the internet. IP address conflicts often prevent proper communication between your computer and the router, causing connectivity issues.

Fix: Set your IP address to “Obtain Automatically” in your network settings. This allows your router to assign an IP address dynamically, ensuring compatibility and smoother internet access.

6. Malware-Injected Browser Settings

Malware can also inject settings into your web browser, redirecting searches, altering homepage URLs, or inserting unwanted plugins. These changes can severely affect how your browser interacts with the internet.

Fix: Reset your browser settings to default. Most browsers have options to restore them, and removing browser extensions or plugins associated with malware can also help resolve the issue.

7. Incorrect Proxy Settings

Malware often sets up proxy configurations, routing your internet traffic through unauthorized servers. Even after removing the malware, your device might still be using these proxy settings, causing your internet to behave erratically or not work at all.

Fix: Go to your network settings and turn off any proxy settings. This ensures your connection bypasses unwanted proxies and improves your internet connectivity.

8. Network Adapter Issues

Sometimes, malware can disable or corrupt your network adapter, which is essential for connecting your computer to the internet. If the malware alters the network adapter’s configuration, your internet won’t work properly.

Fix: Ensure your network adapter is enabled and functioning correctly. You can do this by checking the device manager (Windows) or system settings (Mac) and making sure the network adapter is active.

9. Malware-Related Browser Redirects and Pop-ups

One common sign of malware is persistent redirects or pop-ups when browsing the web. Even after removing the malicious software, these unwanted behaviors can persist, making it difficult for your browser to connect to legitimate websites.

Fix: Use a reliable antivirus program to perform a full system scan, paying special attention to browser extensions or add-ons that could be causing redirects. Also, clear your browser cache to remove any lingering malware-related content.

10. Router or Modem Issues

In some cases, malware might have affected your router or modem, especially if they were exposed to malware-infected devices on your network. Even after removing malware from your computer, if the router or modem has been compromised, your internet won’t work as expected.

Fix: Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging them for about 10 seconds and then plugging them back in. This resets the devices, clearing any corrupted configurations or malware remnants.

Conclusion

Dealing with malware and its aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when you’re left wondering why your internet won’t work. From corrupted network settings to damaged drivers and proxy configurations, there are several reasons behind the issue. By addressing these common causes—like resetting network settings, updating drivers, and removing malware-related browser settings—you’ll increase the likelihood of restoring your internet connectivity. If you’ve followed these steps and are still facing connectivity problems, consider reaching out to your internet service provider (ISP) for further assistance. 

Sometimes, malware can interfere with router or modem settings, making it difficult to connect to the internet. Even after removing the malware from your computer, if the router or modem has been compromised, your internet won’t work as expected. Power cycling your router and modem can help reset these devices and clear any corrupted configurations or malware remnants. If this doesn’t solve the issue, your ISP may need to help troubleshoot deeper network settings or hardware issues.

By systematically checking these common causes—like DNS settings, proxy configurations, and driver updates—you can improve your chances of resolving the issue and restoring your internet connectivity. If your internet still won’t work after following these steps, professional support from your ISP can provide additional guidance to get your connection back on track.

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About Bytagig

Bytagig is dedicated to providing reliable, full-scale cyber security and IT support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in a variety of industries. Bytagig works both remotely with on-site support in Portland, San Diego, and Boston. Acting as internal IT staff, Bytagig handles employee desktop setup and support, comprehensive IT systems analysis, IT project management, website design, and more.