Trojan.Tasker represents a category of malware defined by its use of Windows Task Scheduler as a primary persistence mechanism. Most users attempting to remove this threat encounter an immediate problem: they terminate the malicious process in Task Manager, or even delete the associated files, only to find the threat returns at a predictable interval. That return is caused by a scheduled task the trojan creates during installation – a persistent Windows task that relaunches the malicious executable at set times, on specific events, or on every system startup. Effective removal requires finding and deleting the scheduled task itself, not just the process it runs.
Trojan.Tasker is a trojan classified for its exploitation of the Windows Task Scheduler service as a persistence and relaunch mechanism. While most malware uses registry startup keys or Windows services for persistence, Trojan.Tasker specifically targets the Task Scheduler because scheduled tasks are less commonly checked during manual removal attempts, more flexible in their trigger conditions, and capable of running with elevated privileges depending on how the task was created. This makes Task Scheduler-based persistence particularly resilient against users who only look in the most obvious persistence locations.
| Name | Trojan.Tasker |
| Threat Type | Trojan / Scheduled Task Abuser / Persistence Malware |
| Symptoms | Antivirus detection for Trojan.Tasker; unfamiliar scheduled tasks appearing in Windows Task Scheduler; malicious processes launching at specific intervals without user action; browser redirects or unwanted downloads triggered by scheduled task execution; persistent behavior that returns after apparent removal because the scheduled task relaunches the threat |
| Removal Time | Around 15 Minutes |
| Removal Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware
* Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy, and more details about Free Remover. |
How Did I Get Trojan.Tasker?
Trojans that abuse Task Scheduler reach systems through the standard trojan distribution channels:
- Pirated software and crack tools – keygens, activators, and cracked application packages downloaded from torrent sites and warez platforms are among the most consistent delivery mechanisms for this type of trojan.
- Malicious email attachments – document files with embedded macros or executable attachments disguised as business correspondence, shipping notices, or urgent financial documents.
- Fake utility downloads – system optimizers, driver updaters, media players, and similar tools promoted on deceptive sites that deliver the trojan in place of any functional software.
- Compromised download links shared through social media, messaging platforms, or gaming communities that appear to lead to legitimate files but deliver the trojan on execution.
- Drive-by downloads from compromised websites that exploit unpatched browser or plugin vulnerabilities to execute the trojan without requiring the user to open a file.
What Does Trojan.Tasker Do?
Trojan.Tasker carries out its operations through scheduled task infrastructure:
- Creates one or more Windows scheduled tasks during or immediately after initial execution, registering tasks that trigger on system startup, user logon, specific time intervals, or system events to ensure the malicious payload relaunches persistently.
- Uses scheduled task privileges to run with elevated rights when the task is configured to execute with highest available privileges, allowing the trojan to operate with greater system access than standard user processes.
- Downloads and executes additional payloads through the scheduled task mechanism, with new payloads retrieved from remote servers at regular intervals specified in the task configuration.
- Survives standard removal attempts – users who delete malicious files or kill the process find the threat returns at the next scheduled trigger time because the task registration in Task Scheduler remains intact.
- May disguise the scheduled task with names resembling legitimate Windows maintenance tasks, system update processes, or application maintenance routines to avoid detection during manual inspection.
- Can deliver varied payloads over time – adware injection, credential stealing, coin mining, ransomware, or remote access tools – depending on what the operator’s infrastructure delivers at each scheduled execution.
How to Remove Trojan.Tasker?
Removal must address the scheduled task registration – without this step, the trojan will return:
- Open Task Scheduler by pressing Win + R, typing taskschd.msc, and pressing Enter. Expand Task Scheduler Library in the left pane and examine all tasks, paying particular attention to recently created tasks or those with unusual names, non-standard file path locations in their Actions tab, or run times set to system startup or logon triggers.
- Delete any suspicious scheduled tasks found in Task Scheduler – right-click the task and select Delete. Note the file path referenced in the task’s Actions tab before deleting so you can remove the associated file afterward.
- Boot into Safe Mode with Networking – restart, hold Shift and click Restart, navigate to Troubleshoot – Advanced Options – Startup Settings, press 5. In Safe Mode, the scheduled task cannot relaunch the trojan during cleanup.
- Run a full system scan with SpyHunter in Safe Mode to identify and remove all trojan components, secondary payloads, and any additional scheduled tasks created by the malware.
- Delete the malicious files at the paths identified in the task’s Action settings – these may be in %AppData%, %Temp%, or other non-standard locations.
- Restart normally and reopen Task Scheduler to confirm the malicious tasks have not been recreated.
- Run a second scan after the normal restart to verify complete removal.
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.Tasker.
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.Tasker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Trojan.Tasker 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.Tasker 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.Tasker 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.Tasker FAQ
What Does Trojan.Tasker Trojan Do?
The Trojan.Tasker 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.Tasker, 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.Tasker 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.Tasker 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.Tasker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Trojan.Tasker 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.Tasker?
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.Tasker threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.