FIX: Windows Defender fails to remove Trojan threats

by Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Windows & Software Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he... read more
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  • 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.
Fix Windows Defender not removing Trojan
ESET Antivirus comes with all the security tools that you may ever need to protect your data and privacy, including:

  • Anti-theft support
  • Webcam protection
  • Intuitive setup and UI
  • Multi-platform support
  • Banking-level encryption
  • Low system requirements
  • Advanced anti-malware protection

An antivirus program needs to be fast, efficient, and cost-effective, and this one has them all.

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.

What can I do if Windows Defender doesn’t remove Trojans?

  1. Change your antivirus
  2. Run a virus scan with Microsoft Safety Scanner
  3. Perform a Clean Boot
  4. Change Windows Defender Service startup to Automatic
  5. Clear your Temp file/cache
  6. Run a full scan in Safe mode

1. Change your antivirus

The first thing that you should do when you know that Windows Defender won’t remove a threat, is to install another antivirus.

Our recommendation at this point is to install a third-party antivirus tool due to the easy set-up and rapid detection rate.

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The software 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.

The Ransomware Protection feature blocks any type of exploit before it gets a chance to run on your device.

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.

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2. 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.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

  1. Log on as the administrator, and type msconfig in the search box.
  2. Select System Configuration.
  3. Find the Services tab.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  4. Select Hide all Microsoft services box.Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  5. Click Disable all.
  6. Go to Startup tab.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  7. Click Open Task Manager.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  8. Close Task manager then click OK.
  9. Reboot your computer.

4. Change Windows Defender Service startup to Automatic

  1. Right-click Start and select Run.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Right-click Windows Defender service.Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  4. Click Properties.
  5. Ensure that Service Status is running.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  6. Make sure the Startup type is Automatic.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  7. Click Apply then click OK and restart your computer.

5. Clear your Temp file/Cache

  1. Go to Internet Explorer.
  2. Click Tools.Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  3. Click Internet Options.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  4. Select the General tab.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  5. Click Browsing history.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  6. Select Delete.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  7. Uncheck Preserve favorites website data.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  8. Delete temporary files, delete cookies, history, passwords, etc.

To verify that your cookies have been deleted, do the following:

  1. Click Start and type inetcpl.cpl in the search box and press Enter.
  2. In the Internet Properties dialog box, go to General tab.
  3. Click Settings under Browsing History.
    Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  4. In Temporary Internet Files and History settings, click View Files to open the folder where cookies are stored.
  5. In the open folder, press CTRL+A, CTRL+D, then press Enter to delete the cookies.
  6. Exit and restart your computer.
  7. 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

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Then, click Update & Security.Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  3. Select Recovery from the left pane.Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  4. Go to Advanced startup.
  5. Click on Restart now.
  6. Select Troubleshoot from the choose an option screen, then click Advanced options.Windows Defender is not removing Trojan
  7. Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
  8. Once your computer restarts, a list of options will come up.
  9. Choose 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode.
  10. 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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