Borderlands 2 Spyware – How to Remove It [Guide]

What is the Borderlands 2 Spyware Controversy?

Your antivirus flagged something related to Borderlands 2, or you’ve been hearing that the game has been turned into spyware after a recent EULA update — and now you’re not sure whether to uninstall it or if you’ve already got something on your system. Read this article carefully before doing anything, because the situation is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. The guide at the bottom will help you regardless of which scenario you’re dealing with.

The Borderlands 2 spyware controversy erupted in June 2025 when Take-Two Interactive updated the End User License Agreement (EULA) for its entire game catalog — including Borderlands 2 — expanding the data collection permissions framework to allow for broader telemetry gathering in future titles. The update triggered a wave of review bombing on Steam and widespread alarm about spyware-like behavior. To be direct: no verified evidence of root-level spyware was found in Borderlands 2 itself by security researchers. Windows Defender scans returned clean results. However, there are two very real and separate concerns that players should be aware of: a history of a trojanized BORDERLANDS2.EXE detected as Trojan.Agent/Gen-Renamer (flagged by SUPERAntiSpyware), and a separate confirmed concern about the Bifrost component — a multiplayer tool that has been documented by some users as causing unexpected system behavior.

How Did I Get the Borderlands 2 Malware Issue?

There are three distinct ways the Borderlands 2 situation can result in an actual infection on your system. Here’s how each one works:

• Downloading from unofficial sources — If you downloaded Borderlands 2 from anywhere other than Steam or official distribution channels, there’s a real risk the file was a trojanized version. The BORDERLANDS2.EXE file has a confirmed detection history as Trojan.Agent/Gen-Renamer on unofficial copies. This is a classic software bundling attack — real game files with hidden malware packed inside.
• Installing third-party mods or profile editors from unverified sources — Some third-party Borderlands 2 profile editors and mod tools distributed outside of trusted repositories like Nexus Mods have been confirmed to contain viruses. A Steam community guide specifically warns against a particular profile editor download link. Always use Nexus Mods or officially linked tools only.
• The EULA data collection concern — If you installed the legitimate Steam version and accepted the June 2025 EULA update, Take-Two’s updated terms allow for expanded data collection including telemetry, usage patterns, and hardware specs to be shared with their network — with no root-level access confirmed, but broader collection than the previous EULA permitted.

What Does the Borderlands 2 Malware Do?

The specific behavior depends entirely on which version of the problem you’re dealing with. Here’s what each scenario involves:

• Trojanized unofficial version — If you installed a malicious copy, the Trojan.Agent/Gen-Renamer component behaves like a standard backdoor trojan: it modifies registry key and registry value entries, creates persistence mechanisms, and can open connections to a remote C&C server for further instructions or data exfiltration.
• Bifrost multiplayer component concerns — Some Steam users report that the Bifrost folder used by Borderlands 2’s multiplayer infrastructure stores data in hidden AppData locations, generates unusual amounts of network traffic, and resists easy removal. While 2K Games has not officially confirmed malicious intent, users with privacy concerns should investigate this component.
• EULA-permitted data collection — Under the updated EULA, the legitimate game can collect browsing behavior, system specs, and gameplay data via embedded trackers. Users who do not accept the updated EULA can still play the game strictly in offline mode, which limits this collection.

If you installed from an unofficial source, treat your system as potentially compromised and act immediately. If you installed from Steam and your concern is solely about the EULA, the risk is primarily a privacy one rather than a security one — but it’s still worth understanding what you’ve consented to.

What Should You Do?

If your antivirus flagged a file related to Borderlands 2, run a full system scan with a second-opinion tool before assuming it’s a false positive. If you downloaded from an unofficial source, treat the system as infected and follow the removal guide below immediately. If your concern is the EULA data collection, consider playing offline mode and reviewing the guide below to remove any tracking components from your system.

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 Borderlands 2 Spyware.

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 Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware 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.

Borderlands 2 Spyware FAQ

What Does Borderlands 2 Spyware Trojan Do?

The Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware, 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Borderlands 2 Spyware 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 Borderlands 2 Spyware?

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 Borderlands 2 Spyware threat is backed with VirusTotal.

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