{"id":380376,"date":"2026-02-11T02:55:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T02:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=380376"},"modified":"2026-02-11T02:55:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T02:55:20","slug":"microsoft-anti-xploit-guard-update-email-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/microsoft-anti-xploit-guard-update-email-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Email Scam: Fake Security Update Warning Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It looks like a routine Microsoft notice: a \u201ccritical security update,\u201d a specific KB number, a file size, and a simple \u201cUpdate now\u201d button.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3569153301\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s exactly why it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A Security Update\u201d email is a phishing and malware delivery scam. It tries to rush you into downloading and running an executable such as \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe\u201d by using urgent language and the appearance of a legitimate Windows patch. Real Microsoft security updates are delivered through Windows Update or approved enterprise tools, not unsolicited emails with .exe downloads.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1618783476\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"745\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/scam-1024x745.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-380377\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/scam-1024x745.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/scam-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/scam-1536x1117.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/scam-2048x1489.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/scam-860x625.jpg 860w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad409460229\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scam Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What this scam claims to be<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message presents itself as a security alert from <strong>Microsoft<\/strong>, telling you that a \u201ccritical security update\u201d is required to protect your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most versions follow the same pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A subject line like \u201cMicrosoft security update\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An urgent heading like \u201cImportant security update required\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A claim that a tool called \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard\u201d released a patch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A patch identifier meant to look real, commonly \u201cSecurity Update KB5021234\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A big call-to-action button such as \u201cUpdate now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A \u201cmanual download\u201d option pointing to an executable file, typically \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A deadline threat, often: \u201cThis update will install automatically in 3 days if not installed manually\u201d <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The email is crafted to feel like a standard maintenance message. It is short, formatted like a product notice, and tries to sound calm while still pressuring you to act.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2775022632\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That combination is deliberate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers know that pure panic triggers suspicion. So instead, they aim for \u201cresponsible urgency,\u201d the feeling that you are simply doing a sensible security task that should not be delayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why \u201cAnti-Xploit Guard\u201d is a big red flag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important tells is the name itself.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad251808495\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Windows has legitimate exploit-mitigation and intrusion-prevention features. For example, <strong>Windows Defender Exploit Guard<\/strong> was introduced as a set of protections to reduce attack surface and harden systems against common malware and exploit techniques. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard\u201d is not a standard Microsoft product name that regular consumers install via emailed patches. The phrasing is \u201cclose enough\u201d to sound plausible, especially if you have heard terms like \u201cExploit Guard,\u201d \u201cExploit Protection,\u201d or \u201cAnti-exploit mitigation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a classic impersonation technique: use naming that resembles real security components, add a patch number, and rely on the recipient to fill in the rest.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2436919250\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The scam uses a real-looking KB number to borrow credibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The email often references \u201cKB5021234\u201d to sound like a real Microsoft update. The problem is that it is being used as theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">KB5021234 is associated with a legitimate Windows update from December 2022 for Windows 11 (OS Build 22000.1335).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That matters for two reasons:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3160332391\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>It makes the email feel authentic.<\/strong> People have seen \u201cKB\u201d numbers in update history before.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It makes quick Googling confusing.<\/strong> A user might search \u201cKB5021234\u201d and find real Microsoft pages, then assume the email must be legitimate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers love details that are \u201ctechnically true in isolation\u201d but misused in context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The file size and \u201c5 minutes\u201d promise are part of the illusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many versions include specific numbers, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cSize: 67.5 MB\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cTime required: About 5 minutes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These details are not included to help you. They are included to reduce doubt.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad776485130\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If something has a file size and an install time, it feels like a normal update process. But when you compare this to real update distribution, the story falls apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, the Microsoft Update Catalog listing for KB5021234 shows sizes far larger than 67.5 MB for common packages (hundreds of MB).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if file sizes vary by device and update type, the bigger point is this: legitimate Windows updates are delivered through Windows Update and trusted Microsoft channels, not via a random emailed executable.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad993593720\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the email is actually trying to do<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to get you to click one of two paths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The \u201cUpdate now\u201d link<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The \u201cmanual download\u201d link<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both routes lead to a malicious download. The campaign commonly pushes an executable named \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe,\u201d which is designed to look like an official patch installer. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcrisk.com\/removal-guides\/34914-microsoft-anti-xploit-guard-released-a-security-update-email-scam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PCRisk<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once executed, the malware can be used for a range of outcomes, depending on what the attacker deploys:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4097550038\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6594472392\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remote access trojans (attackers can control the device remotely)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information stealers (passwords, browser data, financial details)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cryptocurrency miners (using your system resources silently)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ransomware (locking files and demanding payment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other payloads that enable persistence and further compromise (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcrisk.com\/removal-guides\/34914-microsoft-anti-xploit-guard-released-a-security-update-email-scam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PCRisk<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every victim will see the same \u201csymptoms,\u201d which makes this scam even more dangerous. Some infections are noisy. Many are quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a typical scam email looks like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical example includes language like this (formatting varies):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subject: Microsoft security update<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important security update required<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Update your security software to protect your device<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard has released a critical security update. Install this update to keep your device protected from the latest threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Update: Anti-Xploit Guard Security Update KB5021234<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Size: 67.5 MB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Time required: About 5 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update includes important security improvements to protect against new exploits and vulnerabilities.<br \/>Update now<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manual download option:<br \/>Download update file manually<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">File: Microsoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe (Security Patch KB5021234)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft Corporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This update will install automatically in 3 days if not installed manually.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This exact structure has been documented in reporting on the campaign and matches what many victims describe receiving. <\/p><div id=\"mwtad675804153\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360583-ad_309691-placement_360774\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8849826992\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why this scam works so well<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This campaign is effective because it targets three very human instincts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) \u201cSecurity chores are normal\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People are trained to accept updates as routine. Pop-ups, restarts, patches, and \u201ccritical fixes\u201d are part of modern life. The scam rides that habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Fear of being the one who ignored a warning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad352595840\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360584-ad_309691-placement_360775\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3952847241\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message frames inaction as irresponsible: \u201cIf you do not install it, you will be exposed.\u201d That fear pushes clicking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) The illusion of precision<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A patch number, a file size, and a timer feel specific. Specific feels trustworthy. But in scams, specific is often just decoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The clearest warning signs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want the fast checklist, here it is. This email is a scam if you see any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You received a \u201cMicrosoft security update\u201d through email rather than Windows Update<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The email includes an executable download (.exe) or a link to download one<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The message uses urgency tactics: deadlines, countdowns, \u201cautomatic install in 3 days\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sender address does not match an official Microsoft domain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hovering over links shows a non-Microsoft destination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The product name is odd or unfamiliar (\u201cAnti-Xploit Guard\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The email asks you to \u201cmanually install\u201d a patch from a file attachment or download<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft\u2019s own phishing guidance is clear: if an email is suspicious or unexpected, do not open links or attachments, and verify the destination by hovering instead of clicking. (<a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/protect-yourself-from-phishing-0c7ea947-ba98-3bd9-7184-430e1f860a44?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microsoft Support<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That advice applies perfectly here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad982337745\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How The Scam Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This campaign is not complicated technically. It is effective because it is psychologically smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below is how it typically unfolds, step by step, including the small details that make it convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: The scammers pick a theme that people already trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Security updates are the perfect disguise because they meet three conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>People already expect them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>People fear missing them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>People do not fully understand how they work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most users cannot describe the difference between Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and enterprise patch management. Attackers do not need you to understand it. They only need you to feel that \u201cthis seems normal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cAnti-Xploit Guard\u201d wording is especially clever because it resembles legitimate exploit protection concepts and sounds like something advanced that you would not question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: They craft an email that looks like a routine product notice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of phishing emails fail because they are too dramatic. This one often reads like a status notification:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Short paragraphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean bullet-like lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A single clear instruction: install the update<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A backup option: manual download<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small threat: it will auto-install soon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That structure reduces resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of making you feel like you are being scammed, it makes you feel like you are simply completing a necessary task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: They inject urgency without sounding hysterical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The deadline line is one of the most manipulative parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cThis update will install automatically in 3 days if not installed manually.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That sentence pushes you into action while pretending to offer you control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It implies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The update is real<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The update is coming anyway<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manual install is \u201cfaster\u201d or \u201csafer\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You should do it now to avoid disruption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But legitimate Windows updates are not delivered this way. The \u201c3 days\u201d pressure is purely psychological.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: They offer two buttons that lead to the same bad outcome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The email commonly includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A primary button: \u201cUpdate now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A secondary link: \u201cDownload update file manually\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not generosity. It is conversion optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different users respond to different triggers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some trust buttons and click fast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Others distrust buttons but trust a \u201cmanual download\u201d that feels more technical and controlled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Either way, the goal is the same: get you to download the executable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: The malicious download is dressed up like a real installer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The file name \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe\u201d is intentionally boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of malware gets caught because the file name looks weird. This one is built to look like it belongs on a corporate network share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may arrive in different wrappers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct .exe download<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A ZIP archive containing the .exe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A disguised installer with a generic icon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A web page that looks like a download portal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The consistent point is that it wants you to run an executable that did not come from an official update channel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: The moment you run it, the scam moves from \u201cphishing\u201d to \u201cdevice compromise\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the turning point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clicking the email link is risky, but running the file is where the real damage starts. At that stage, the attacker\u2019s code is on your machine, and what happens next depends on the payload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reporting on the campaign notes that the downloaded file may deliver a range of malware types, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remote access trojans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Information stealers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cryptocurrency miners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ransomware  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That range is important. It means two victims can have two completely different experiences, even from the same email template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Common behaviors after infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is what malware commonly does after execution. You may not see all of these, but understanding them helps you respond correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establish persistence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The malware tries to survive reboots so it can keep running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can involve adding itself to startup locations, scheduled tasks, or other auto-run mechanisms. The goal is simple: stay on the system long enough to extract value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steal credentials and browser data<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Information stealers often target:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saved passwords in browsers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Autofill data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Session cookies (which can allow account access even without a password)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crypto wallet browser extensions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email logins and cloud accounts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why changing passwords only on the infected machine can be risky. You want a clean device for that step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Open a remote control channel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A remote access trojan gives an attacker a live foothold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>installing additional malware<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>searching for sensitive files<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>capturing screenshots or keystrokes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>moving laterally to other devices on the network<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trigger ransomware or extortion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some infections end with encryption or blackmail. Others quietly steal data first, then threaten exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you do not see ransom notes, you should treat any execution as serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Why the scam wants you to act fast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speed reduces verification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you pause for 2 minutes, you might:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check Windows Update and see nothing urgent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hover over the link and notice a strange domain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask your IT team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember that real updates do not arrive as emailed executables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is exactly what scammers do not want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why Microsoft\u2019s guidance focuses on slowing down: do not click unexpected links or attachments, verify destinations, and use built-in reporting features instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9: The credibility trick most people miss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The campaign\u2019s smartest move is using something real (a KB number) in a fake context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">KB5021234 is a legitimate Microsoft update identifier from December 2022.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So when a victim searches the KB number, they may find official pages and think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI found it. It exists. So this email must be real.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But legitimate updates do not require you to download \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe\u201d from an email. The KB number is being used like a costume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 10: How to verify safely, without guessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you receive this email and want to double-check your system, do it like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to <strong>Windows Update<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Check for updates<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install updates only from that interface (or approved enterprise tools)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft\u2019s Windows Update guidance shows how users should check for updates manually through Settings, not through emailed download links. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to confirm a specific KB, you can also verify through official Microsoft support pages or the Microsoft Update Catalog, but only by navigating there directly, not through an email link.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2138832313\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Remove the \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard Security Update\u201d Malware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you clicked the link or ran the downloaded file, treat this as a real device compromise, not just a \u201cspam email.\u201d The goal is to stop any active malware, remove persistence, and secure your accounts without accidentally making things worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The steps below walk you through a clean, practical removal process, including what to do first, how to scan properly, what to reset afterward, and when a full reinstall is the safest option. <\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"stepsbox\">\n<li><a href=\"#uninstall-windows\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#browser-windows\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rkill\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes\"><strong>STEP 4<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hitmanpro\"><strong>STEP 5<\/strong>: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#adwcleaner\"><strong>STEP 6<\/strong>: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#eset\"><strong>STEP 7<\/strong>: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"uninstall-windows\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows<\/h4>\n<p>First, we&#8217;ll manually check your computer for unknown or malicious programs. Adware and browser hijackers often have a working uninstall entry \u2014 removing them this way takes care of the easy part before we run the scanners.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 11<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 10<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 8<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 7<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 11\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Press <strong>Windows + I<\/strong> on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; from the menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129326\" title=\"Right-Click the Start button then select on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Open Settings\" width=\"565\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option.jpg 565w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option-300x265.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Apps &amp; Features&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings window, click &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; in the sidebar, then select &#8220;<strong>Apps &amp; Features<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129325\" title=\" Click on Apps then select Apps and Features\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Apps and Feature\" width=\"900\" height=\"493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps.jpg 900w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.<br \/>\n<strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> click &#8220;<strong>Sort by<\/strong>&#8221; and choose &#8220;<strong>Install date<\/strong>&#8220;. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.<br \/>\nWhen you find the malicious program, click the <em>three dots<\/em> next to it and select &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129347\" title=\"Uninstall malicious program from Windows 11\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Uninstall malicious program\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1-300x162.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.<br \/>\n<strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129323\" title=\"Complete the Uninstall process\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Confirm Uninstall\" width=\"800\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 10\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Press <strong>Windows + I<\/strong> on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button on the taskbar and select &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; (the gear icon).<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105474 alignnone\" title=\"Click the Start button then click on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Click the Start button then click on Settings\" width=\"700\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Windows Settings<\/em>&#8221; window, click &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8220;. The &#8220;<strong>Apps &amp; Features<\/strong>&#8221; section should open by default \u2014 if it doesn&#8217;t, select it from the list on the left.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105472 alignnone\" title=\"Windows 10: Click on Apps\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Click on Apps\" width=\"700\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.<br \/>\n<strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> click &#8220;<strong>Sort by<\/strong>&#8221; and choose &#8220;<strong>Install date<\/strong>&#8220;. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.<br \/>\nWhen you find the malicious program, click on it and select &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105475 alignnone\" title=\"Uninstall malware from Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Uninstall malware from Windows\" width=\"700\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.<br \/>\n<strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105473 alignnone\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Complete the uninstall process\" width=\"700\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 8\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps_tab\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open &#8220;Programs and Features&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button in the taskbar, then select &#8220;<strong>Programs and Features<\/strong>&#8220;. This takes you straight to the list of installed programs.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105481 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features.jpg\" alt=\"Right click on Start and select Programs and Features\" width=\"408\" height=\"452\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features.jpg 408w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features-271x300.jpg 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. <strong>Click to highlight it<\/strong>, then click the &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105480\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8.jpg\" alt=\"Select malicious program then click on Uninstall\" width=\"653\" height=\"457\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8.jpg 653w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Yes<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. <strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 7\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps_tab\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Control Panel<\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Start<\/strong>&#8221; button, then click &#8220;<strong>Control Panel<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105479 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 7 go to Control Panel\" width=\"346\" height=\"442\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel.jpg 346w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Uninstall a Program&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Control Panel<\/em>, click &#8220;<strong>Uninstall a Program<\/strong>&#8221; under the <em>Programs<\/em> category.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105478 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7.jpg\" alt=\"Select Uninstall malicious program from Control Panel\" width=\"557\" height=\"298\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7.jpg 557w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7-300x161.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 557px) 100vw, 557px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. <strong>Click to highlight it<\/strong>, then click the &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105477 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs.jpg\" alt=\"Uninstall malware from Windows 7\" width=\"614\" height=\"398\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs.jpg 614w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Yes<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. <strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Is a stubborn program refusing to uninstall? Use <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/get-revo-uninstaller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Revo Uninstaller<\/strong><\/a> to force-remove it completely, including leftover files and registry entries.<\/div>\n<p>With the malicious programs removed, you&#8217;re ready for the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"mt_blue toch4\" id=\"browser-windows\">STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/h4>\n<p>In this step, we will remove spam notifications,&nbsp; malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.<br \/>Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Chrome<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Firefox<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Microsoft Edge<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Internet Explorer<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Chrome\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.<\/p>\n\n<ol>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Chrome menu<\/p>\n<p>In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the <strong>three-dot (\u22ee) icon<\/strong> to open the menu.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344168 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg\" alt=\"Click the three-dot menu icon in Chrome\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to Settings<\/p>\n<p>From the menu, select <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344169 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Select Settings from the Chrome menu\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select &#8220;Reset settings&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the left sidebar, scroll down and click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344166 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset settings in the Chrome sidebar\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Choose &#8220;Restore settings to their original defaults&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Restore settings to their original defaults<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344171 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Choose Restore settings to their original defaults\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n \t<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the reset<\/p>\n<p>In the dialog that appears, click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and pinned tabs to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary site data \u2014 undoing the changes the malware made.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344172 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg\" alt=\"Confirm the Chrome reset\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Firefox\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Firefox menu and click &#8220;Help&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>three horizontal lines<\/strong> in the top-right corner of Firefox to open the main menu, then select &#8220;<strong>Help<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136955 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on Help\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Firefox Menu button then select Help button\" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;More troubleshooting information&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Help<\/em> menu, click &#8220;<strong>More troubleshooting information<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136954 alignnone\" title=\"Click the More Troubleshooting Information link\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg\" alt=\"Click More Troubleshooting Information\" width=\"800\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Refresh Firefox&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the &#8220;<em>Troubleshooting Information<\/em>&#8221; page, click the &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; button in the top-right area of the page.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136956 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Refresh Firefox\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the refresh<\/p>\n<p>In the confirmation window, click &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; again. This removes extensions, themes, and customized settings \u2014 the usual hiding places for browser hijackers \u2014 while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords safe.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136957 alignnone\" title=\"Click the on Refresh Firefox to confirm\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Click again on Refresh Firefox button\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Finish&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Firefox will close, reset itself to default settings, and reopen with a window listing the information that was restored. Click &#8220;<strong>Finish<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 your Firefox is now clean.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About the &#8220;Old Firefox Data&#8221; folder:<\/strong> Firefox saves a copy of your old profile on your desktop. If something you need is missing after the reset, you can recover it from this folder. Otherwise, <strong>delete the folder<\/strong> \u2014 it contains sensitive data like passwords and cookies, and may also still hold the malicious files you just removed.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Microsoft Edge\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Edge menu and click &#8220;Settings&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>three dots (&#8230;)<\/strong> in the top-right corner of Microsoft Edge to open the main menu, then click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136961 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on Settings\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Reset settings&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the left sidebar, click &#8220;<strong>Reset settings<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136962 alignnone\" title=\"Click Reset Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset Settings option\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Restore settings to their default values&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the main window, click &#8220;<strong>Restore settings to their default values<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136963 alignnone\" title=\" Click Restore settings to their default values\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg\" alt=\"Select Restore settings to their default values\" width=\"800\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm by clicking &#8220;Reset&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the confirmation dialog, click &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8220;. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and startup pages to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary data like cookies \u2014 undoing the changes the malware made.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136960 alignnone\" title=\"Click Reset to reset Microsoft Edge\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset to reset your browser\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Internet Explorer\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Internet Explorer to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Internet Options&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Open Internet Explorer, click on the <strong>gear icon<\/strong> in the upper-right part of your browser, then select &#8220;<strong>Internet Options<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select the &#8220;Advanced&#8221; tab, then click &#8220;Reset&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Internet Options<\/em>&#8221; dialog box, select the&nbsp;&#8220;<strong>Advanced<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;tab, then click&nbsp;on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Reset&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Reset Internet Explorer settings<\/em>&#8221; section, select the &#8220;<em>Delete personal settings<\/em>&#8221; checkbox, then click on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Close&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the &#8220;<strong>Close<\/strong>&#8221; button in the confirmation dialogue box.<br \/>Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h4 id=\"rkill\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 3: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs<\/h4>\n<p>Next, we&#8217;ll download and run Rkill to stop any suspicious processes running in the background. This prevents the malware from interfering with the removal tools in the following steps.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Rkill.<\/p>\n<p>You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the <em>Download Now<\/em> button labeled <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong>. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename. <\/p>\n  \n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/download\/rkill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-160643 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKill-Icon.png\" alt=\"RKILL Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure>\n<strong>RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run RKill.<\/p>\n<p>After downloading, double-click the <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong> icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the&nbsp;<em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<br \/>The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160644 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg\" alt=\"RKILL Window\" width=\"800\" height=\"438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs<\/h4>\n<p>Now we&#8217;ll install Malwarebytes and run a full scan to detect and remove infections, adware, and potentially unwanted programs from your computer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open(&#039;https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free&#039;);\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"hitmanpro\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware<\/h4>\n<p>Next, we&#8217;ll run a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro to catch Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs that may have survived the previous step.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"adwcleaner\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware<\/h4>\n<p>We&#8217;ll now use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions \u2014 the leftovers that keep hijacking your browser settings even after the malware itself is gone.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars \u2014 the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It&#8217;s a quick scan that&#8217;s well worth running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> \u2014 it&#8217;s free, portable, and requires no installation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><\/figure> <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/adwcleaner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84923 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/AdwCleaner-Icon.png\" alt=\"AdwCleaner Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> <strong>DOWNLOAD ADWCLEANER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file named &#8220;<strong>adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe<\/strong>&#8220;. There&#8217;s no installation \u2014 the program starts right away.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136932 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the AdwCleaner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Download AdwCleaner on your computer\" width=\"800\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner-300x159.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click &#8220;<strong>Yes<\/strong>&#8220;. When the license agreement appears, click <strong>I agree<\/strong> to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136935 alignnone\" title=\"Click Yes to allow AdwCleaner to run\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Windows ask if you want to run AdwCleaner\" width=\"585\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg 585w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Reset Chrome policies&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This setting removes malicious browser policies \u2014 a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can&#8217;t change them back. Click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then turn on &#8220;<strong>Reset Chrome policies<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136933 alignnone\" title=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malicious browser policies\" width=\"800\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136934 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes \u2014 it&#8217;s one of the fastest scanners around.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136931 alignnone\" title=\"AdwCleaner scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"AdwCleaner scanning for adware and other malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the malicious items at once.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136930 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x177.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Continue&#8221; to Finish the Cleanup<\/p> <p><strong>Save any open work first<\/strong> \u2014 AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you&#8217;re ready, click the &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Save your work and then click on the Continue button\" width=\"800\" height=\"477\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136929 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to remove malicious files\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files-300x179.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p> <p>AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it \u2014 your computer will be clean when you log back in.<\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"eset\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, we&#8217;ll run ESET Online Scanner as a last sweep to confirm nothing was missed. If this scan comes back clean, your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong> is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it&#8217;s thorough \u2014 if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/esetonlinescanner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo size-full wp-image-148927\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Eset-Logo.png\" alt=\"ESET logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure><strong>DOWNLOAD ESET ONLINE SCANNER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run the Installer<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click &#8220;<strong>esetonlinescanner.exe<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148926\" title=\"Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer-300x155.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click <strong>Get started<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148858\" title=\"Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>On the <em>Terms of use<\/em> screen, click <strong>Accept<\/strong>.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148863\" title=\"Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Choose your preferences for the <em>Customer Experience Improvement Program<\/em> and the <em>Detection feedback system<\/em> (either choice is fine), then click <strong>Continue<\/strong>.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148859\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Follow the on-screen prompts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start a Full Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Full Scan<\/strong> \u2014 this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148860\" title=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg\" alt=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Select <strong>Enable<\/strong> for <em>Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications<\/em> \u2014 this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click <strong>Start scan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148929\" title=\"Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it&#8217;s a full scan, this can take a while \u2014 often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148930\" title=\"Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results<\/p>\n<p>When the scan completes, the <em>Found and resolved detections<\/em> screen appears. Any threats found were <strong>automatically cleaned and quarantined<\/strong> \u2014 there&#8217;s nothing extra you need to do. Click <strong>View detailed results<\/strong> if you want to see exactly what was removed.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148933\" title=\"ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg\" alt=\"Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If ESET found nothing \u2014 congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1368544191\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you clicked the link but did not download anything, your risk is lower, but you should still take precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you downloaded the file but did not run it, treat it as a near miss and clean up carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you ran the file, assume your device could be compromised and respond immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a calm, practical step-by-step plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disconnect the affected device from the internet<br \/>Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable. This can interrupt malware communication and reduce the chance of data being sent out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not \u201ctest it again\u201d<br \/>Do not reopen the file to see what it does. Do not click the email links again. Close the email and leave it alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are on a work device, notify IT or security right away<br \/>In an organization, timing matters. A fast report can prevent spread to shared drives, inboxes, or other endpoints.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delete the downloaded file and empty your Recycle Bin<br \/>If you did not run it, deleting it helps, but do not assume that deletion alone is enough if you executed it even once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run a full security scan using a trusted tool<br \/>On Windows, start with built-in protections and a full scan. If available, run an offline scan option as well. If your security tool flags anything, follow its remediation steps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update Windows through official channels only<br \/>Go to Windows Update in Settings and install all pending updates. This helps close known vulnerabilities and ensures your system is current.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change passwords from a clean device, not the infected one<br \/>If the file was executed, assume credentials may be at risk. Use a different device you trust (or a freshly scanned one) to change:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your email password first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your Microsoft account password<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banking and payment passwords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any account that shares the same password<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible<br \/>MFA can stop attackers even if they stole a password. Prioritize email, financial accounts, and any admin accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review account security activity and logged-in sessions<br \/>Many services let you see recent logins and active sessions. Look for unfamiliar devices, locations, or times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch your financial accounts closely<br \/>If you entered credentials, monitor bank and card transactions. If you see suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check for signs of additional compromise<br \/>Be alert to:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New browser extensions you did not install<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antivirus disabled unexpectedly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strange startup programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unexpected admin prompts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performance spikes that could indicate mining<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of these prove infection, but they justify deeper checking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"12\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider a clean reinstall if you executed the file and suspect compromise<br \/>For serious infections, the most reliable fix is backing up essential files (carefully) and reinstalling the operating system, then restoring only what you need.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do this, change passwords after the reinstall, not before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"13\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Report the phishing email through your email client<br \/>Use the built-in phishing report tools if available. This helps providers block similar messages for others.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft\u2019s phishing guidance emphasizes not interacting with suspicious attachments or links and using reporting features when possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"14\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn the \u201cnever again\u201d rules that stop this scam cold<br \/>For the future, make these non-negotiable habits:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Never install \u201csecurity updates\u201d from email links<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never run an unexpected .exe you downloaded from an email<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always update via Windows Update or approved IT tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hover over links before clicking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When in doubt, navigate to the official site manually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These steps are simple, but they shut down most malware delivery attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2096128508\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A Security Update\u201d email is not a helpful warning. It is a malware delivery scheme dressed up as routine maintenance. As documented in current reporting on this specific campaign (dated February 6, 2026), the email\u2019s links lead to a malicious executable commonly presented as \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you received it, do not click. Do not download. Do not run anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check for updates the real way through Windows Update, keep your security tools active, and treat any emailed \u201cmanual patch installer\u201d as a major red flag. If you already interacted with the file, act quickly and methodically. Disconnect, scan, secure your accounts from a clean device, and escalate to IT if this happened in a workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FAQ<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard security update\u201d email real?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. It is a phishing and malware delivery message designed to look like a legitimate security alert from Microsoft. Real Windows security updates are delivered through your system\u2019s update mechanism, not as unsolicited emails with executable downloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does Microsoft ever email security updates as attachments?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legitimate update notifications do not require you to download and run a .exe from an email. Any message that includes an \u201cupdate installer\u201d attachment or a \u201cmanual download\u201d button is a major red flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is \u201cAnti-Xploit Guard\u201d? Is it a real Microsoft product?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wording is meant to sound like real exploit protection features, but the email name itself is commonly used as a lure. Scammers often pick product-sounding labels that feel plausible to non-technical users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The email mentions \u201cKB5021234.\u201d Does a real KB number mean the email is safe?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Attackers frequently reuse real-looking KB numbers to build credibility. A KB reference in an email does not prove the message is legitimate, especially when it is paired with an executable download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why does the email include file size and \u201cabout 5 minutes\u201d to install?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those details are psychological. They make the message feel routine and reduce doubt. Real updates do not require you to trust a random download link just because it includes technical-looking numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens if I click \u201cUpdate now\u201d but do not download anything?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your risk is lower, but not zero. The link may lead to a phishing page, tracking, or additional prompts to download malware. Close the page, do not enter any credentials, and run a security scan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I downloaded the file but did not run it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Delete it immediately, empty the Recycle Bin, and run a full antivirus scan. If the file never executed, you likely avoided the worst outcome, but scanning is still smart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I ran \u201cMicrosoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe\u201d?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treat the device as potentially compromised. Disconnect from the internet, run a full security scan, and change important passwords from a different, trusted device. If this is a work computer, notify IT right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What kind of malware can this scam install?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It varies by campaign, but common outcomes include credential theft, remote access, ransomware, or secondary downloads that install additional threats. The same email template can deliver different payloads over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I tell if my computer is infected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes there are no obvious signs. Possible clues include new startup items, unusual CPU usage, unknown browser extensions, security tools being disabled, or new logins to your accounts. Even without symptoms, take action if you executed the file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I check for updates the safe way?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use your system\u2019s built-in update settings. Open your Windows update settings and check for updates there. Avoid \u201cmanual patch\u201d downloads from emails, pop-ups, or unfamiliar websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I reply to the email or contact the sender?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Replying confirms your address is active and can lead to more targeted attempts. Delete the message and report it as phishing in your email provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I entered my email password on a page linked in the message. What now?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Change your email password immediately from a clean device, enable multi-factor authentication, and review recent account activity and sign-ins. Then update passwords for any accounts that reused the same password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I recover money if this led to fraud or unauthorized charges?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you gave payment details or see suspicious transactions, contact your bank or card issuer immediately and follow their fraud process. The faster you report, the better the odds of stopping or reversing charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I report this scam?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Report it in your email client as phishing, then forward it to your organization\u2019s IT or security team if you are on a work account. If you have the suspicious link or sender address, include it in the report without clicking it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the quickest red flags to remember?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cManual download\u201d language for a critical patch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any \u201csecurity update\u201d delivered by email<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any request to download or run a .exe file<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Urgent deadlines like \u201cinstalls automatically in 3 days\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buttons that lead to non-official domains<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It looks like a routine Microsoft notice: a \u201ccritical security update,\u201d a specific KB number, a file size, and a simple \u201cUpdate now\u201d button. That\u2019s exactly why it works. The \u201cMicrosoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Email Scam: Fake Security Update Warning Explained\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/microsoft-anti-xploit-guard-update-email-scam\/#more-380376\" aria-label=\"Read more about Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Email Scam: Fake Security Update Warning Explained\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":380377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-380376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380376","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=380376"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380376\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/380377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=380376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=380376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=380376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}