FIX: Windows Defender fails to remove Trojan threats
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Key notes
- If Windows Defender won’t delete Trojans, it’s clear that it doesn’t offer the best protection.
- Switch to third-party antivirus software that is equipped for dealing with dangerous malware.
- Another way to get rid of the Trojan is by running a virus scan with the Microsoft Safety Scanner.
- Performing a System Scan after booting the system in Safe Mode will also help.
Trojans are one of the most common malware types, which, unlike viruses, rely on you to run them on your computer, as they don’t spread on their own.
They often sneak into your device when you visit a hacked or malicious site disguised as a normal and harmless file, hidden from the basic Firewall protection.
This type of malware can use a file name similar to an existing real or legit app, so you may end up downloading one without knowing, and usually they come together with other malware.
Trojans don’t just bring along viruses and worms, among other malware, but they also use your computer for fraud, record key logs and online activity.
Plus, they also send back information such as passwords or log-in credentials to hackers to steal your data and compromise sensitive information.
While Windows Defender antivirus is preinstalled on your Windows 10 PC, it doesn’t really live up to user expectations when it comes to protecting its own OS.
Trojans advance faster than Defender’s updates, which usually leaves users stranded when it comes to removing them completely.
If you are still wondering how to remove the Trojan virus from your PC using Windows Defender, here are a few workarounds that can resolve the problem.
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What can I do if Windows Defender doesn’t remove Trojans?
1. Run a virus scan with Microsoft Safety Scanner
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool for on-demand scanning, which helps remove malware, and also works with your existing antivirus software.
However, it expires 10 days after downloading it, so to rerun a scan with the latest antimalware definitions, download and install it again.
If you run the virus scan without reinstalling Microsoft Safety Scanner, the program will be deleted, and any infected files and folders can get deleted too.
2. Change your antivirus
If that solution does not work for you, you could try using third-party software to help solve your security problems.
For this, we recommend trying ESET HOME Security Essential as it uses the latest technologies to detect not just the newest malware known in the industry but also emerging and advanced threats that can compromise your system.
Besides, it enables real-time protection to scan all your apps and programs upon launch, to ensure they are safe.
All in all, it offers full protection against the most advanced threats, and it will definitely detect trojans in your system and eliminate them at once.
ESET HOME Security Essential
This antivirus tool will never fail to protect you against harmful viruses, including malware such as Trojans!3. Perform a Clean Boot
- Log on as the administrator, and type msconfig in the search box.
- Select System Configuration.
- Find the Services tab.
- Select Hide all Microsoft services box.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Click Open Task Manager.
- Close Task manager then click OK.
- Reboot your computer.
4. Change Windows Defender Service startup to Automatic
- Right-click Start and select Run.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Right-click Windows Defender service.
- Click Properties.
- Ensure that Service Status is running.
- Make sure the Startup type is Automatic.
- Click Apply then click OK and restart your computer.
5. Clear your Temp file/Cache
- Go to Internet Explorer.
- Click Tools.
- Click Internet Options.
- Select the General tab.
- Click Browsing history.
- Select Delete.
- Uncheck Preserve favorites website data.
- Delete temporary files, delete cookies, history, passwords, etc.
To verify that your cookies have been deleted, do the following:
- Click Start and type inetcpl.cpl in the search box and press Enter.
- In the Internet Properties dialog box, go to General tab.
- Click Settings under Browsing History.
- In Temporary Internet Files and History settings, click View Files to open the folder where cookies are stored.
- In the open folder, press CTRL+A, CTRL+D, then press Enter to delete the cookies.
- Exit and restart your computer.
- Scan your computer using the antivirus software recommended in the first solution (or another antivirus tool, is available).
6. Run a full scan in Safe mode
- Click on Start and select Settings.
- Then, click Update & Security.
- Select Recovery from the left pane.
- Go to Advanced startup.
- Click on Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot from the choose an option screen, then click Advanced options.
- Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
- Once your computer restarts, a list of options will come up.
- Choose 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode.
- Run a full scan using another antivirus software.
Running a System Scan in Safe Mode is the system’s own protection method, and it will solve many of your problems. However, you might need something better when you’re dealing with Trojans.
If you are looking for a security tool that’s similar to Windows Defender, but better, you should take a look at this great list of the best the best antivirus tool with lifetime license.
Have any of these solutions helped fix Windows Defender is not removing Trojan threats? Let us know in the comments section below.
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