I clicked a bad link and now I can't get rid of a hacker

Lauren 0 Reputation points
2026-11-11T23:40:20.68+00:00

I recently clicked a bad link and I've had countless issues with my computer and I'm worried that I haven't gotten rid of it. I've had to get new credit cards, change passwords to everything, and fully wipe my PC. And still, I keep finding things they log into after I already did all of that. How can I get rid of this person?

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Jeronimo Fuerte 48,710 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-12T01:42:53.9233333+00:00

    Which accounts or services are still showing unfamiliar activity, and do their security records show successful sign-ins after your password changes, or unsuccessful attempts? Also, did you wipe the computer using Windows’ “Reset this PC” option or reinstall Windows from a USB drive, and were your passwords changed before or afterward? Please share the wording of one recent alert, or a screenshot with personal information hidden to better identify what is happening.

    One additional step is to sign out existing sessions for the affected accounts, starting with your main email account, using a device you trust. For a personal Microsoft account, follow:

    https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/manage/how-to-sign-out-of-your-microsoft-account-everywhere

    Microsoft says this can take up to 24 hours and excludes Xbox consoles. While reviewing that account’s security settings, check whether its recovery email addresses, phone numbers, and verification methods all belong to you. Unfamiliar entries would help identify another way someone might retain access.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.