Can you get a virus from opening an email and not clicking on anything and not downloading an attachment?

Hi Hypno. I'm Greg, an eleven years awarded MVP, Volunteer Moderator, and Independent Advisor here to help you until this is resolved.

No. Not unless you open an attachment that downloads itself can an infection launch itself on your device. It must have been something else that was downloaded.

For this reason, I'd right click any attachments or downloads to scan with your anti-virus to be safest.

I would also install free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ which is by far the best on-demand scanner to do these right click scans, and periodically scan your entire system. Enable root-kit scans in Scan Settings, disable the real time trial in Account Settings. There is no need to buy it unless you get regularly infected. Safe browsing can prevent this.

I hope this helps. Based on what you report back I can answer any questions and may have other steps to perform. If you'll wait to rate whether my post was helpful, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

It would have to be a download of some sort. A website is not normally able to download to your PC without your initiating this. In very rare cases a malicious web page can trick one into downloading but this is heavily protected against by the browsers.

Windows 10 has Smart Screen Filter that provides extra protection against accidental web downloads. See how it works here and make sure it's enabled:

https://www.howtogeek.com/123938/htg-explains-h...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5593-turn-o...

I got the same thing lately in email. No, it cannot get out of the Mail app if you don't download anything.

Usually major companies like that don't push adware or malware anyway, beyond tracking cookies if you sign into their website (which help recognize you when you return) which you can control in your browser settings.

If you think you've been infected with low-grade adware then install AdwCleaner from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle... and run a full scan.

No, it cannot get out of the Mail app if you don't download anything.

Are you sure? Because I got a virus just by clicking on a website a while ago.

Hi Hypno. I'm Greg, an eleven years awarded MVP, Volunteer Moderator, and Independent Advisor here to help you until this is resolved.

No. Not unless you open an attachment that downloads itself can an infection launch itself on your device. It must have been something else that was downloaded.

For this reason, I'd right click any attachments or downloads to scan with your anti-virus to be safest.

I would also install free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ which is by far the best on-demand scanner to do these right click scans, and periodically scan your entire system. Enable root-kit scans in Scan Settings, disable the real time trial in Account Settings. There is no need to buy it unless you get regularly infected. Safe browsing can prevent this.

I hope this helps. Based on what you report back I can answer any questions and may have other steps to perform. If you'll wait to rate whether my post was helpful, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

I'm talking about something like this loading: