rusty_halo

Sadly, no. You have to install specific programs to find and remove adware and spyware; Microsoft doesn't do it automatically.

AdAware really is a good one to try, and octopedingenue also recommends Spybot Search & Destroy. Both of these programs offer free versions.

These programs will scan your computer and tell you what spyware you have. You'll be shocked; it's often stuff that you had no idea about. Removing these programs makes your computer safer and can also help it run significantly faster.