Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow – How to Remove It [Solved]

What is Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow?

Microsoft Defender flagged Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow and the alert may point to a PowerShell context, the detection keeps returning on every boot, or you want to understand what this threat does and how to fully remove it. Read this guide carefully before taking any manual action.

Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow is a Microsoft Defender detection for a PowerShell-based Trojan family with multiple confirmed variants documented by Microsoft Security Intelligence – including Powdow!MTB, Powdow.DA!MTB, Powdow.DAA!MTB, Powdow.HBS!MTB, Powdow.MBB!MTB, and Powdow.HNBX!MTB – published between 2020 and 2025. Microsoft’s threat description for the DAA!MTB variant specifically states it enters devices through phishing emails using social engineering to trick users into opening infected attachments, then runs PowerShell scripts that exploit system weaknesses to gain access and control. It downloads additional malicious files, and mimics legitimate system processes to avoid detection. All PowDow variants are described by Microsoft as capable of performing a number of actions of a malicious actor’s choice. The detection frequently appears in a PowerShell AMSI context, and users on Microsoft Q&A forums report the alert returns on every reboot – a documented sign that a scheduled task or other persistence mechanism is relaunching a malicious PowerShell script after each restart.

How Did I Get Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow?

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments – Microsoft Security Intelligence confirms phishing as the primary delivery route: a convincingly formatted email presents a document or attachment that, when opened, executes a PowerShell script exploiting system weaknesses.
• A malicious script delivered through social engineering – The PowDow family specifically uses social engineering tactics to trick users into running the initial script – fake invoice documents, shipping notifications, or Office files with macros that launch PowerShell payloads.
• Software bundling with unofficial free downloads – A free program from a third-party site installs a PowDow component as a bundled addition through software bundling, with the PowerShell execution happening silently during or after setup.
• Cracked software or pirated application installers – Cracked application packages and key generators execute embedded PowerShell scripts during setup to install the PowDow payload alongside the cracked software.

What Does Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow Do?

• Runs PowerShell scripts that exploit system weaknesses – Microsoft specifically documents this: PowDow executes PowerShell commands to exploit weaknesses in the system, gaining deeper access and control than a standard executable Trojan. PowerShell is a trusted Windows component, making the commands harder to block.
• Downloads additional malicious files and programs – Microsoft confirms the Trojan downloads additional malicious components after establishing access, expanding the infection chain beyond the initial PowerShell script.
• Mimics legitimate system processes to evade detection – Microsoft specifically notes PowDow disguises itself as legitimate system processes, making manual identification in Task Manager significantly harder without specialized tools.
• Persists through scheduled tasks calling PowerShell on every boot – Community reports on Microsoft Q&A confirm the alert returns on every reboot. The persistence mechanism is a scheduled task or startup registry entry that relaunches the malicious PowerShell command, which is why the Defender alert appears repeatedly at startup even after apparent removal.
• Performs attacker-chosen actions on the device – All PowDow variants are documented by Microsoft as capable of performing a number of actions of a malicious actor’s choice, potentially including credential theft, remote access, and further malware installation.

How to Remove Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow [Solved]

• Do not delete PowerShell itself – The alert targets a malicious script being run through PowerShell, not the PowerShell executable. Removing PowerShell would break core Windows functions.
• Open Task Scheduler immediately – Open taskschd.msc from Run and look for any task with a PowerShell command in its Action tab, especially one containing obfuscated text, Base64-encoded strings, a web request (Invoke-WebRequest or IWR), or a download command. Delete the malicious task – this is almost always the source of the recurring alert.
• Check registry startup keys – Open Registry Editor and check HKCU and HKLM under Software, Microsoft, Windows, CurrentVersion, Run for any entry launching PowerShell with suspicious arguments. Delete any entry not associated with a recognized, deliberately installed application.
• Run a Microsoft Defender Offline Scan – Open Windows Security, then Virus and Threat Protection, then Scan Options, then Microsoft Defender Offline Scan. This runs before Windows loads and can catch components that hide from standard scans.
• Update Defender definitions and run a full scan – Microsoft confirms that updating definitions and running a full scan addresses remnant files and system changes left after initial detection.
• Run a second-opinion scan – Use SpyHunter or Malwarebytes to catch any additional downloaded components that the scheduled task may have already deployed before removal.

Follow the complete removal guide below this article for the full step-by-step process.

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:PowerShell/PowDow.

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:PowerShell/PowDow with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

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3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

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4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow 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:PowerShell/PowDow there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

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1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

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3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it. 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:PowerShell/PowDow 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:PowerShell/PowDow FAQ

What Does Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow Trojan Do?

The Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow 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:PowerShell/PowDow, 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:PowerShell/PowDow 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:PowerShell/PowDow 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:PowerShell/PowDow Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Trojan:PowerShell/PowDow 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:PowerShell/PowDow?

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:PowerShell/PowDow threat is backed with VirusTotal.

To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.