Skip to main content

Microsoft offers free software diagnostic, malware removal in-store

Microsoft HQ 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In case you didn’t know, if you bring your PC to a Microsoft store, you’ll be entitled to some neat diagnostic and security services that could help you save big bucks.

Microsoft’s Answer Desks, which you’ll find in the company’s retail stores, offer five free services. They’ll provide you with “extended diagnostics on any device,” though it is unclear what “extended diagnostics” means, exactly. From there, the picture gets a little clearer though.

Microsoft reps will also perform software repair or support, remove viruses and/or malware, and they’ll also offer to give your PC a tune up in order to boost its performance. It’s unclear what these tuneups will entail, so we suggest that you ask as many questions as you can think of when you bring your rig in. Virus and malware removal seems straightforward. Microsoft’s Answer Desk page also says that you can get an appraisal on store credit for your gear through the company’s Recycle for Rewards program.

On the plus side Microsoft says that they’ll perform these free services for you regardless of where you bought your computer, whether you got your PC from Microsoft, or somewhere else. Therefore, this offer isn’t something that only applies to Surface owners. 

You can also get some of these services, including a tune up and virus/malware removal online, but you’ll have to pay $99 for either of those. We suggest that you get in on the freebie if there’s a Microsoft store somewhere near you, should you be in need of any of these services.

Editors' Recommendations

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
Microsoft just gave you a new way to stay safe from viruses
A dark mystery hand typing on a laptop computer at night.

Microsoft has just taken a vital step towards better protecting your devices from malware, and it’s one that could stop viruses dead in their tracks. Interestingly, though, the Redmond giant seems to have made no mention of the change, despite its significance.

The new policy might sound minor on the surface: Microsoft’s SharePoint cloud storage service can apparently now scan files that are encrypted or password-protected. Previously, this wasn’t thought to be possible.

Read more
Is macOS more secure than Windows? This malware report has the answer
A person using a laptop with a set of code seen on the display.

It’s a long-held belief that Macs are less at risk of malware and viruses than Windows PCs, but how true is that? Well, a new report has shed some light on the situation -- and the results might surprise you.

According to threat research firm Elastic Security Labs, roughly 39% of all malware infections happen on Windows PCs. In good news for Apple fans, only 6% of breaches occurred on macOS, making Mac systems far less vulnerable than their Windows counterparts.

Read more
Microsoft just scored a big win with Apple
Apple TV preview for the Microsoft App Store.

Microsoft is gearing up to have Apple TV and Apple Music be the next applications available for download on its Microsoft Store.

The apps are currently available as preview versions, which are compatible with Windows 11, according to @ALumia_Italia (via Thurrott).

Read more