What is Loader.exe?
Task Manager is showing a process called Loader.exe consuming an alarming amount of CPU, your antivirus flagged the file, or your system has become noticeably sluggish and overheated for no obvious reason. Read this article right now, then follow the removal guide at the bottom — this is not a safe process to leave running.
Loader.exe is a generic executable name used legitimately by a number of real programs, including IconLover by Aha-Soft and certain game launchers. The danger is that malware authors deliberately use the same name to disguise malicious processes as something harmless. When the Loader.exe process running on a system is not associated with a program the user actually installed — or is running from a location other than that program’s expected folder — it is almost certainly malicious. Malwarebytes classifies Trojan.Loader as a small executable that contacts a remote command-and-control server and downloads and runs further malicious scripts using PowerShell. Separate analysis of the coin-miner variant confirms that Loader.exe has been documented as a Trojan coin miner that uses the infected device’s CPU and GPU to mine cryptocurrency for the attacker’s wallet without authorization, causing hardware temperatures to run dangerously high for extended periods and potentially shortening the life of the components.
Loader.exe Short Overview
| Type | Trojan / coin miner malware using a legitimate-sounding executable name to disguise itself. Documented variants contact remote command-and-control servers for payload delivery, disable security software, and mine cryptocurrency using the victim’s hardware without authorization. |
| Symptoms | Extremely high CPU and GPU usage with no demanding application open. Fan running continuously at full speed even at idle. Noticeable system slowdowns and application crashes. Microsoft Defender unexpectedly disabled. A Loader.exe process visible in Task Manager running from an unexpected file path outside a known program’s install directory. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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How Did I Get the Loader.exe Virus?
Malicious Loader.exe variants arrive through the same routes used by most Trojans and coin miners. Here is how they typically reach a device:
- Cracked or pirated software downloads — Gridinsoft’s analysis found that pirated game cracks and hacked versions of paid applications are among the most common carriers, with the malicious Loader.exe bundled into the package alongside the content actually being downloaded.
- Malicious advertising banners — Around 30% of coin miners spread through malvertising, where clicking an ad on a lower-quality site triggers a silent download of the Loader.exe payload through a malicious advertising network.
- Files dropped by other malware — Malwarebytes confirms that Trojan.Loader can arrive as a secondary payload dropped by an infection already present on the system rather than being downloaded directly by the user.
- Visiting compromised or malicious sites — Drive-by downloads from pages serving exploit code can deliver a Loader.exe variant without any user interaction beyond visiting the page on an unpatched browser.
What Does the Loader.exe Virus Do?
Depending on the specific variant flagged, Loader.exe causes one or more of the following types of harm simultaneously. Here is the full picture:
- Downloads and executes further malicious payloads — The Trojan.Loader variant documented by Malwarebytes connects to a remote server and runs additional PowerShell scripts, effectively giving the attacker an ongoing foothold to push any further malware they choose onto the infected machine.
- Mines cryptocurrency using the victim’s hardware — The coin-miner variant silently devotes the device’s CPU and GPU to mining Monero or other proof-of-work coins for the attacker’s wallet. The most visible effects are constant high CPU readings, a fan running at full speed even while the system is idle, noticeably higher electricity consumption, and hardware temperatures that can degrade the life of the components over time.
- Disables security components to avoid detection — Gridinsoft’s analysis found that Loader.exe variants disable Microsoft Defender real-time protection and modify the HOSTS file to prevent the infected system from connecting to security update servers or analysis platforms.
- Conducts espionage through keylogging — The HowToRemove.guide analysis confirmed that Loader.exe variants in the backdoor/RAT category can use keylogging to monitor all keystrokes, capture screen images, and collect stored browser credentials for transmission to the attacker.
What Should You Do?
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check the file path of any running Loader.exe process by adding the Image Path Name column — if the path is not the known install directory of a program you installed, treat it as malicious. Do not attempt to simply delete the executable and move on; Loader.exe variants typically install persistence mechanisms including scheduled tasks and registry startup entries that will re-run the file or download a new copy if the original is just deleted. Disconnect from the network if the device is actively being used, boot into Safe Mode to prevent the malicious process from blocking removal, and run a full scan with a dedicated anti-malware tool. Change passwords for any accounts that were accessed from the device once it is confirmed clean. Follow the complete removal guide below this article for the full step-by-step cleanup process on all Windows versions.
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 Loader.exe.
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 Loader.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Loader.exe 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 Loader.exe 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 Loader.exe 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.
Loader.exe FAQ
What Does Loader.exe Trojan Do?
The Loader.exe 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 Loader.exe, 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 Loader.exe 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 Loader.exe 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 Loader.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Loader.exe 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 Loader.exe?
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 Loader.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.