Strange Sounds or Voices From Your Laptop?

Unexplained audio from an idle laptop can be a sign of malware or a compromised app. Here's how to investigate and secure your machine.

2 min read · 5 steps · Checked March 2026

1. Step 1. Open Task Manager and look for unfamiliar processes

   Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager. Click "More details" if you see a compact view. Look through the list of running processes for anything unfamiliar — especially programs using high CPU or network activity that you did not open yourself.

   Warning

   Do not end processes called "System," "Windows Explorer," or anything associated with your antivirus software — ending these can cause your computer to freeze.

2. Step 2. Temporarily turn off Wi-Fi to test

   Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and click "Disconnect" or turn off Wi-Fi. Wait 60 seconds and listen. If the sounds stop, the source is network-based — a browser tab, a streaming app, or malware communicating online.

3. Step 3. Run a full scan with Malwarebytes

   Download the free version of Malwarebytes from malwarebytes.com. Install it and run a full scan. Malwarebytes is excellent at finding malware that Windows Defender misses. If it finds anything, follow its prompts to quarantine and remove the threats.

   Quick Tip

   Malwarebytes Free is genuinely free with no subscription required for manual scans. You do not need to pay for the premium version to run a one-time scan.

4. Step 4. Run Windows Defender as well

   Open the Start menu, search for "Windows Security," and open it. Click "Virus & threat protection" → "Quick scan" or "Full scan." Windows Defender and Malwarebytes catch different threats, so running both is more thorough.

5. Step 5. If the problem persists, reset Windows

   If sounds continue after removing any found threats, consider a Windows reset. Go to SettingsSystemRecoveryReset this PC. Choose "Keep my files" to preserve your documents while reinstalling Windows fresh.