What is Trojan:HTML/Redirector?
So your antivirus just flagged something called Trojan:HTML/Redirector and now you’re not sure what to do — don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Read this article right now to understand exactly what this threat is and what it’s doing on your system, then scroll down to the removal guide at the bottom and follow it immediately.
Trojan:HTML/Redirector is a detection name used by Microsoft Defender and other security tools to identify a dangerous type of JavaScript-based computer virus embedded inside HTML web pages. It comes in many variants — including .BB, .BL, .CF, .DW, and .MKK!MTB — but they all do essentially the same thing: hijack your browser and silently force it to load websites you never intended to visit. This is not a false positive. If your security software detected this, something is genuinely wrong and needs to be dealt with right away. The malicious obfuscator techniques used by this trojan are specifically designed to hide the script from analysis and evade detection for as long as possible.
Trojan:HTML/Redirector Short Overview
| Type | A JavaScript-based Trojan / Browser Redirector. |
| Symptoms | Your browser gets forcefully redirected to malicious or unknown websites without your consent. Unwanted pop-ups and banners appear during browsing. The system may exhibit slow performance due to background malicious activity. Additional malware may be silently downloaded onto the system. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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How Did I Get Trojan:HTML/Redirector?
This trojan doesn’t just appear out of thin air — it got onto your system through one of a few well-known attack routes. Here’s how it typically spreads:
- Compromised or malicious websites — The most common route. The malicious JavaScript is injected directly into hacked legitimate websites or hosted on purpose-built malicious pages. Simply visiting one of these pages is enough to trigger the script — you don’t even need to click anything. This is a classic malicious redirect attack.
- Malspam email campaigns — Attackers also craft HTML-based email messages containing the redirector script. Opening one of these malspam emails — especially if it contains a malicious attachment — can execute the JavaScript payload directly on your machine.
- Phishing pages — Fake login pages and deceptive sites used in phishing campaigns are frequently injected with redirector scripts that fire off silently while you’re busy trying to “log in.”
- Software bundling — In some cases, the trojan arrives bundled inside freeware or PUPs distributed via software bundling, dropping infected HTML files onto the local system drive.
What Does Trojan:HTML/Redirector Do?
Once this trojan is active — whether it’s sitting in a cached web page, an HTML file on your system, or embedded in a compromised site you visited — it gets to work immediately. And it’s more dangerous than a simple annoyance. Here’s what it actually does:
- Forced browser redirects — The core function of this threat is to redirect your browser to external websites without your consent. These can be chained — one redirect leads to another, and another, and so on — often landing you on pages loaded with additional malware.
- Malicious payload delivery — The sites you get redirected to may silently attempt to download a malicious payload onto your PC by exploiting browser or software vulnerabilities — sometimes without you clicking a single thing.
- Adware and pop-up injection — Some variants of this threat also open unsolicited pop-ups and trigger adware-style behavior, flooding your browser with banners and unwanted ads.
- Data tracking and collection — The redirected pages frequently use trackers and perform data collection in the background, harvesting your browsing data and potentially more sensitive information for use in fraud or targeted attacks.
- C&C communication — More advanced variants may attempt to contact a remote C&C server to receive further instructions, download additional threats, or register your machine as part of a botnet.
The browser hijacker-like behavior of Trojan:HTML/Redirector also means it can quietly tamper with your default search engine and expose your system to spyware-type threats through the pages it redirects you to. This is not something you want sitting on your machine.
What Should You Do?
If Trojan:HTML/Redirector has been detected on your system, you need to act right now — not later. Manual removal of this threat is not recommended because of how deeply it can embed itself and how many variants exist. The removal guide below this article walks you through the full cleanup process using trusted tools that can find and eliminate this threat completely. Follow it now and don’t skip any steps.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing Trojan:HTML/Redirector.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Trojan:HTML/Redirector with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Trojan:HTML/Redirector on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Trojan:HTML/Redirector there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by Trojan:HTML/Redirector on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Trojan:HTML/Redirector FAQ
What Does Trojan:HTML/Redirector Trojan Do?
The Trojan:HTML/Redirector Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Trojan:HTML/Redirector, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Trojan:HTML/Redirector Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can Trojan:HTML/Redirector Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Trojan:HTML/Redirector Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Trojan:HTML/Redirector how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Trojan:HTML/Redirector?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Trojan:HTML/Redirector threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.