The year is winding down. Your team is finishing projects, and your home PCs are finally getting a breather. This is the best time to tune up your computers, clean out malware and Potentially Unwanted Applications, and start January fast and safe. Here is how a professional holiday tune‐up from TechVoo protects performance, hardens security, and prevents costly surprises.

Why a professional tune‐up beats a quick antivirus scan

A basic antivirus scan catches many known threats. It does not clean up stubborn adware, scheduled tasks, rootkits, or browser hijackers that slow your machine and compromise privacy. A professional tune‐up addresses both performance and security in one appointment.

What you get with a TechVoo holiday tune‐up:

• Deep malware and PUA cleanup, including manual removal of persistence and scheduled tasks
• Startup optimization and driver review to cut boot times
• Thermal service, dust removal, and fresh thermal paste where needed to stabilize temperatures
• SSD and HDD health checks, SMART review, and firmware updates when appropriate
• Windows and macOS updates and patching, including device and security updates
• Browser hygiene, extension review, default search reset, and safe settings
• EDR or next‐gen AV recommendations that fit your environment and budget

Result, your systems start quicker, run cooler, and resist the tactics malware uses to come back.

What our malware removal workflow looks like

You may wonder if you can remove viruses from your computer yourself. For minor adware, yes, you can run reputable scanners, clear your browser, tighten settings, and remove suspicious startup entries. For persistent infections, business machines, or signs of data theft, professional help is safer and faster.

Our data‐safe workflow:

1. Intake and triage. We document symptoms, recent pop‐ups, and risky clicks, then isolate the PC from the network if needed.

2. Data safety first. We verify backups, create a restore point or image where possible, and preserve user data. If storage errors appear, we halt cleanup and address data integrity before proceeding.

3. Layered scanning. We use multiple reputable scanners, offline rescue tools, and behavioral checks to find rootkits, droppers, and persistence.

4. Manual remediation. We remove scheduled tasks, services, browser policies, rogue proxies, and Group Policy changes. We audit hosts files, DNS settings, PowerShell history, and startup items.

5. Performance service. We clean dust, refresh thermal paste if the CPU has been running hot, and correct fan curves or BIOS settings as needed. We verify SSD health, capacity headroom, and TRIM status.

6. Patch and harden. We apply OS and driver updates, enforce automatic updates, tighten browser settings, and install or validate EDR or AV. We set restore points and test reboot stability.

7. Post‐cleanup validation. We re‐scan, test browsers and apps, verify login behavior, and measure boot time and thermals.

This process removes what quick scans miss, protects your data, and leaves the system measurably faster.

Transparent local pricing and timing

How much to charge for virus removal? Pricing depends on severity, data safety steps, and whether hardware service is needed.

Typical Chicago‐area ranges:

Basic malware cleanup and browser reset, 129 to 179 when no deep persistence is present

Advanced malware removal with layered tools and manual remediation, 179 to 279

Full tune‐up with malware removal, thermal paste and dust service, SSD health check, and patching, 199 to 329

Emergency same‐day or after‐hours service, add 99 to 199 depending on timing and travel

How much does Geek Squad charge to clean a computer? Publicly, big box services can range from 149 to 249 for virus removal, with separate fees for tune‐ups or data protection. We encourage you to compare

deliverables, not just price. Look for data‐safe steps, manual remediation, and post‐cleanup hardening in any quote.

How long do PC repairs usually take? Most tune‐ups complete same day or next day. Complex infections, failing drives, or large OS updates may extend to 1 to 3 business days. Same‐day or after‐hours service makes sense when you have a pre‐January cutover, a storefront POS that cannot be down, or a small office relying on a single workstation.

DIY vs professional, when to call in help

Can you remove viruses from your computer yourself? If the machine still boots, you have a current backup, and symptoms are limited to pop‐ups or a changed homepage, try this:

• Disconnect from suspicious Wi‐Fi and back up important files
• Run Microsoft Defender Offline or a reputable rescue scanner
• Remove unrecognized startup items and scheduled tasks
• Reset browsers, clear profiles you do not use, and remove unknown extensions
• Update Windows or macOS and all browsers

Call a pro if you see frequent redirects after a reset, disabled security tools, lock screen ransomware notes, repeated re‐infection, or storage health warnings. Business systems with client data deserve professional handling to protect your obligations.

Is it safe to take a computer to a repair shop?

Yes, with the right shop and process. It is our job to protect your data, privacy, and chain of custody. TechVoo uses documented intake, minimal‐access workflows, and data‐first procedures. We will not open or copy your files unless recovery is requested. Sensitive business devices can be serviced on‐site or after‐hours to reduce risk and downtime.

Where can I take my computer to get virus removed? If you are in the Chicago suburbs, you can schedule carry‐in, on‐site, or pickup. Same day computer diagnostics in Schaumburg are available by appointment during the holiday period, and we can coordinate evening visits for offices prepping for January.

When same‐day or after‐hours service makes sense

• Retail and hospitality preparing for holiday rush or inventory counts
• Medical and dental offices with limited weekday downtime
• Small teams closing books in late December
• Agencies or manufacturers scheduling maintenance windows

After‐hours work keeps your staff productive, shortens the maintenance window, and lets us patch and reboot without interrupting billable time.

Pre‐appointment checklist

What to do before taking your PC for repair:

• Back up important files to an external drive or cloud. If you cannot, we can help.
• Note your passwords or have an admin available. We may need your login for scans and updates.
• List recent symptoms and pop‐ups. Timelines help us find persistence.
• Gather your power adapter and any special peripherals we need to test.
• If you use disk encryption, verify your recovery key is accessible.
• For Macs, sign out of Find My if we will be replacing storage.
• For businesses, identify compliance needs, admin contacts, and maintenance windows.

Our holiday tune‐up for homes and offices

Windows PCs

• Deep malware cleanup and browser hygiene
• Windows Update health repair, driver review, and optional Windows feature update validation
• Startup and services optimization
• SSD health, firmware, and capacity checks
• Thermal cleaning and paste service on performance or aging systems

macOS devices

• Malware scan and profile/policy review
• macOS updates and security patches
• Browser reset and extension audit
• Storage health review, Time Machine verification, and thermal cleaning on dust‐trapped systems

EDR and AV guidance

• Balanced recommendations for small teams and home offices
• Configuration tips that reduce noise while improving protection
• Measured approach to scripts, Office macro risk, and web filtering

Local help when you need it

Holiday downtime is perfect for SSD upgrades and fresh installs. If you plan to pair a tune‐up with storage upgrades, ask us about nvme upgrades in glendale heights to extend the life of your workstation without replacing the entire system. For quick triage, we also offer computer diagnostics in schaumburg to identify whether the slowdown is software, storage, or thermals.

If you are closer to Carol Stream, we can schedule virus removal carol stream as part of a full tune‐up, including on‐site options for offices that prefer minimal device movement.

Straight answers to common questions

• How much to charge for virus removal? Expect 129 to 279 for most cases, depending on severity. Add 99 to 199 for urgent or after‐hours service.
• Where can I take my computer to get virus removed? TechVoo serves the greater Chicago area with carry‐in, pickup, and on‐site options.
• How much does Geek Squad charge to clean a computer? Typically 149 to 249 for virus removal; verify inclusions like data‐safe workflows and post‐cleanup hardening.
• Can you remove viruses from your computer yourself? Yes for basic adware, but complex or recurrent infections call for a professional workflow.
• What to do before taking your PC for repair? Back up data, bring your charger, have passwords ready, and note symptoms and timelines.
• Is it safe to take a computer to a repair shop? With a reputable shop that follows data‐safe procedures, yes. Ask about backups, isolation, and privacy.
• How long do PC repairs usually take? Same day to 3 business days for most jobs, depending on infection severity, hardware health, and update scope.

Start January fast and secure

A thorough tune‐up now means fewer help desk tickets next month and a smoother start to the year. TechVoo is owner‐operated, responsive, and focused on keeping you up and running. Call 844.TECH.VOO to schedule a holiday tune‐up, same‐day cleanup, or after‐hours visit. We will protect your data, harden your systems, and hand back a workstation that feels new again.