Does Windows Defender fail to remove Trojan? Don’t be surprised! There may be a few circumstances when Windows Defender may fail to rise to your expectations. Windows Defender comes packed with the Windows 10 update and offers top-notch antimalware protection to keep your device and data safe. Although, Windows Defender is not capable of handling all kinds of viruses, malware, trojan, and other security threats. You can trust it for basic Firewall protection, but not beyond based on the antimalware capabilities it offers.
Also read: Is Windows Defender Good Enough For PC Protection In 2021
So, why would Windows Defender delete Trojans? No, of course, you cannot ignore this fact as it may sabotage your data and privacy. Right? In this post, we have listed a few other ways that you can try if Windows Defender fails to remove Trojan on your device.
What are Trojans?
So, what exactly is a Trojan? Is it a virus or malware? Before your mind fills up with a myriad of thoughts, let’s get a quick understanding of this term. A Trojan is typically a malicious piece of code that infiltrates your device to gain unauthorized access to your data. Trojans appear super legit and they are designed in a way that appears “absolutely normal”. Trojans can be disguised in any form, a harmless file that you download from the web, a fake contest banner, a phishing link, email, or a legit-looking application.
Unlike viruses and malware, Trojans completely rely upon you to run the piece of code and they don’t spread unless you execute it.
Also read: How To Enable Ransomware Protection In Windows Defender?
What to Do If Windows Defender Fails to Remove Trojans?
If Windows Defender is unable to detect or remove Trojan, here are a few alternatives that you can try.
1. Switch to a New Antivirus Software
First things first, as they say! If you’re having second thoughts on trusting Windows Defender’s capabilities to deal with security threats, then switch to third-party antivirus software. Download and install Systweak Antivirus on your Windows PC to make sure that your device and data are never at risk. Systweak Antivirus offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, trojans, spyware, adware, and other malicious threats.
Systweak Antivirus can also detect zero-day exploits and can safeguard your device from hackers or malicious pieces of code. In addition to offering round-the-clock virus and malware protection, Systweak Antivirus also improves your device’s speed and performance by removing unwanted/malicious startup items.
2. Perform a Clean Boot
Clean Boot loads the OS with a minimal set of drivers, apps, and services. By performing a clean boot on your Windows PC, you can figure out any third-party app or program with your device’s functioning. To clean boot Windows 10, follow these steps:
Launch the Start menu search box, type “Msconfig” and hit Enter. In the System Configuration window, switch to the “Services” tab.
Check on the “Hide all Microsoft services” option placed at the bottom. Tap on the “Disabled all” button.
Now, switch to the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager”.
Close the Task Manager window and then tap the OK button. Reboot your device to load your device with only essential files, drivers, and services.
Also read: How To Disable Windows Defender In Windows 10?
3. Manually Enable the Windows Defender Service
To manually enable the Windows Defender service, follow these steps:
Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Services.msc” in the textbox and hit Enter.
Scroll down through the list and look for “Windows Defender Antivirus service”. Right-click on it and select “Properties”.
Tap the “Start” button to manually enable the service. Select the Startup type value as “Automatic”.
Hit on the OK and Apply button to save the recent changes.
Close all the active windows and reboot your device.
4. Download Microsoft Safety Scanner
Developed by the Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free virus and malware scanner tool that you can use on Windows to deal with security threats. So, if Windows Defender fails to remove Trojan, you can try the Microsoft Safety Scanner to get the job done for you. It specializes in detecting trojans, unwanted programs, and other malware. Microsoft Safety Scanner is a standalone virus scanning tool that you can keep on your device along with your existing antivirus software as well.
Also read: How To Make Windows Defender More Effective
Conclusion
Here were a few ways that you can try if Windows Defender fails to remove Trojans on your PC or laptop. A Trojan typically can’t spread itself, so you can use any of the above-mentioned workarounds to deal with potentially dangerous programs.
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