Home How To Removal Guides How to Remove Svchost.exe Malware From Windows

How to Remove Svchost.exe Malware From Windows

Do you find your computer to be sluggish and low on storage? Odds are, your computer is loaded with infecting malware. Since tons of lines of code keep on executing, when we run our PCs, there can be many problems like high CPU usage, 0xc000021a error, timed-out connection error, Cortana not working, Google Chrome has stopped working, dll issues, etc. Malware or Malicious Software are programs designed by hackers to steal information or hinder the working of a device. This post will guide you to remove Remove Svchost.exe Malware.

Follow these instructions to get rid of the SvcHost.exe Trojan and other malware from your computer:

To end malicious processes, use Rkill.
Remove harmful software from Windows.
Reset browsers to their factory settings
Use Malwarebytes to get rid of unwanted programs and Trojans.

In this guide, we have tried to ease that pain by providing a list of steps to Remove Svchost.exe Malware from your PC.

Table of Contents

What is Svchost.exe, And How to Remove Svchost.exe Malware?

Svchost.exe is the public hostname for the files that run the processes of the dynamic-link libraries.

Much too technical? Here’s the layperson version – In Windows, all the core files required to run the operating system are put in the dynamic-link libraries (or .dll files) instead of executable files (or .exe files). This helps in the reduction of space required and improves performance.

But, to run these .dll files, Windows uses a .exe file called Svchost.exe.

Isn’t Svchost.exe a necessary file? Why should we remove Svchost.exe Malware? It is an essential file, and we will not remove Svchost.exe (original) from your device.

Yeah, you read it right. We will remove Remove Svchost.exe Malware, which hides behind the original file.

Various forms of malware disguise themselves as Svchost.exe, like Adware, Ransomware, Trojan Agents, etc. Due to this, we collectively refer to them as Svchost.exe Malware.

The only place Svchost.exe should be present is at – C:\Windows\System32

If you see any other instance of it, odds are this is a malicious program hiding as the host file, and you must Remove Svchost.exe Malware from that destination.

Symptoms that your PC is infected with Svchost.exe Malware

Multiple files are named Svchost.exe at random places on your computer.

Your Anti-virus Software stops or blocks a file named Svchost.exe.
Files named SVCHOST.EXE.EXE are present in your device.

A file with a random name (generally on the lines of ABChost.exe) that you cannot delete (shows an error that it is in use and cannot be deleted).
You are finding multiple processes named Svchost.exe in your Windows Task Manager.

I already have an Anti-Virus program. Do I still need to check for Svchost.exe? The short answer is – Yes!

Svchost.exe is an intelligent Malware that actively tries to hide from anti-malware software.
It employs various stealth modules to evade detection and generally only works in the background.

Therefore, many anti-virus programs cannot detect or remove this malicious host file.

What is the harm in keeping a few Svchost.exe files on my computer? It is working just fine! The damage is not of the performance but of information.

Svchost.exe Malware is a host for running multiple malicious files, which may include:

Steal your computer configuration data.
Steal security data from your device.
Download and install various Malware files and hosts.
Steal usernames and passwords, including bank and credit card details.
Upload the data to the author of this malicious program.

Therefore, removing Svchost.exe Malware from your Windows as soon as possible is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Svchost.exe Malware

We have split the process to remove Svchost.exe into two categories – Removal of tidbits (From Steps 1-5) and Complete Wash (5-10).

Step 1: Cleanse Shortcuts of Web Browsers

Right-click on the shortcut of your web browsers. Check the “Target” section.
If there is a file name like Svchost.exe or SVCHOST.EXE.EXE – remove the Svchost.exe address keeping the original target address the same.

Step 2: Removing Unknown Programs

Search through all the installed programs and delete all the unknown software installed.

Step 3: Disable your Anti Virus Program.

To complete the Complete Wash step and altogether remove Svchost.exe, a few programs will be used which might be hindered by the installed anti-virus software. Disable till the process is complete.

Step 4: Remove Unknown Extensions

Extensions can also cause this kind of damage hence look for the removal of all the attachments unknown to you.

Step 5: Update your Java and Adobe services.

Check if you do not have any outdated Java & Adobe services on your system. Either remove them or update the services.

Step 6: Download and run Rkill.exe

Rkill is the silver bullet to completely halt all the malicious processes running at the time on your computer. It is a simple open and close application that automatically kills all the malicious tasks running in the background.

Alternatively, you can open the Windows Task Manager and manually kill all the tasks named Svchost.exe. However, the sheer number of processes and the possible presence of other malicious schemes makes it faster and more convenient to use Rkill.

Step 7: Download and run ESET Poweliks Cleaner

It is a powerful cleaner to remove the Trojan. ESET Poweliks that might be present in your device and hinder the removal of Svchost.exe.

Run the cleaner, and it will begin searching for the virus. If detected, press “Y” on your keyboard, and it will be removed.

Step 8: Install and run Malwarebytes on your computer

Malwarebytes is a powerful anti-malware solution that automatically detects and removes most malicious software that might have infected your device. Install the software and run the scanner.

The scanning might take a few minutes. After the process, Malwarebytes will show a list of all the malicious applications on your device.

Click on “Quarantine Selected” to remove all the malware detected by Malwarebytes.

Step 9: Download and run TDSSKiller.

TDSSKiller is a simple and fast program that removes harmful Rootkit Malware from your device.

Run the exe. (executable) file, and it will scan and remove Rootkit and other possible malware from your device.

Step 10: Enable your Anti-virus Program and restart your computer.

Since all the steps are complete, don’t forget to enable your Anti-Virus Program again and restart your PC.

FAQs

What are the signs of svchost.exe malware infection?

Signs of svchost.exe malware infection may include system slowdowns, excessive CPU or memory usage by svchost.exe, unexpected error messages, or suspicious network activity. If you notice these symptoms, promptly scanning your system for malware is essential.

Is svchost.exe always malware?

No, svchost.exe is a legitimate Windows process responsible for running services on your computer. However, malware can disguise itself as svchost.exe to avoid detection. Determining whether the svchost.exe on your system is legitimate or malicious is crucial.

How can I distinguish between legitimate svchost.exe and malware?

To distinguish between legitimate svchost.exe and malware, check its file location. The legitimate svchost.exe is in the C:WindowsSystem32 folder, while malware may be found elsewhere. Additionally, monitor system behavior and scan with antivirus software to identify any abnormal activity.

Can svchost.exe malware be harmful to my system?

Yes, svchost.exe malware can be harmful to your system. It can lead to system instability, compromise your privacy, and allow unauthorized access to your computer. Prompt removal is essential to mitigate potential risks and protect your system.

How can I prevent svchost.exe malware infections?

To prevent svchost.exe malware infections, employ the following measures: 1) Keep your operating system and antivirus software current. 2) Be cautious when downloading files or visiting suspicious websites. 3) Enable a firewall and practice safe browsing habits. 4) Regularly scan your system for malware.

What should I do if my antivirus doesn't remove svchost.exe malware?

If your antivirus software fails to remove svchost.exe malware, try the following steps: 1) Update your antivirus software to the latest version. 2) Boot your computer into Safe Mode and perform a scan. 3) Utilize specialized malware removal tools recommended by reputable security sources. 4) Seek assistance from professional computer security services.

Conclusion

If you carefully follow all the steps from our guide, you can Remove Svchost.exe Malware and other malicious Malware or viruses. You can delete the applications installed during the stages or keep them for added security – All up to you!

And we hope this helps!