If you suddenly notice a suspicious UpdateRetreiver.exe process eating CPU, throwing intrusive pop-ups, or insisting that it must “fix” your system for a fee, there is a very high chance your machine is compromised. This executable name is heavily abused in modern rogue updater, riskware, and scareware campaigns that mix fake alerts with silent data theft. Read this article to find out exactly what the UpdateRetreiver.exe process virus is, how it typically infiltrates Windows systems, what it does in the background, and how you can remove it safely and protect your sensitive information.
What Is UpdateRetreiver.exe Process Virus?
The UpdateRetreiver.exe process virus is an unwanted or malicious Windows executable that pretends to be a legitimate updater or system maintenance component. It often introduces itself as a “critical update utility”, “system repair service”, or “PC optimizer” which claims to have discovered serious issues on your device—missing updates, registry errors, security vulnerabilities or performance problems—and then demands payment to repair them. In reality, this program behaves as scareware, riskware, and, in many cases, a loader for more dangerous malware such as password-stealers and other info-stealing modules.
Attackers intentionally use the misleading file name UpdateRetreiver.exe (note the misspelling: “Retreiver” instead of “Retriever”) to appear technical and trustworthy. In several documented campaigns, this executable has been linked to trojanized installers, malicious advertising chains, and rogue “converter” utilities. Once dropped on the system, the process may remain resident, periodically start with Windows, phone home to attacker-controlled servers, and download or execute additional payloads.
UpdateRetriever.exe Details
| Type | Fake adult website. Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Removal Time | Around 5 Minutes |
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Difference Between Legitimate and Malicious Files
The name is extra confusing because there are also legitimate components with a similar or nearly identical name used by some software vendors for update distribution. The malicious UpdateRetreiver.exe used in scareware and malware operations, however, typically appears in:
- User-writable folders such as
%LOCALAPPDATA%,%APPDATA%, or%TEMP%. - Randomly named subfolders, often related to fake “converters”, “PDF tools”, or “updaters”.
- Directories that do not match any known, trusted software vendor.
Another strong indicator is the absence of a valid digital signature or a publisher name you recognize. While not every unsigned file is malicious, an unsigned UpdateRetreiver.exe sitting in a user profile folder, combined with aggressive pop-ups that ask for money, is a serious red flag.
Why Is UpdateRetreiver.exe Considered Riskware / Scareware?
Many variants of UpdateRetreiver.exe act like traditional scareware and rogue utilities:
- They show alarming notifications about supposed system corruption, missing drivers, broken registry entries, or malware infections.
- They claim that only their “full version”, “premium repair”, or “urgent fix” can resolve these issues.
- They repeatedly nag the user, sometimes making it difficult to close windows or exit the program without paying.
However, newer campaigns go beyond simple scams. The same process can also participate in data collection, credential theft, and remote command execution. This dual behavior is why many security vendors classify UpdateRetreiver.exe not just as a potentially unwanted program, but as an active part of a broader malware toolset.
How Did I Get UpdateRetreiver.exe Process Virus?
Most users do not intentionally download a file called UpdateRetreiver.exe. Instead, the process typically appears as a side effect of installing something else. Threat actors rely heavily on social engineering and deceptive distribution techniques to make you trigger the infection yourself.
Malvertising and Fake Download Pages
A popular distribution technique involves malvertising—malicious or misleading ads which send users to fake download or update sites. These ads are often shown when you search for things such as:
- “Free PDF editor” or “Word to PDF converter”
- “Browser update” or “Flash/plug-in update”
- “Driver updater” or “PC optimizer”
Instead of a genuine installer, the user downloads a trojanized setup file. When executed, the installer may seemingly install the promised application, but in the background it silently:
- Drops
UpdateRetreiver.exeand possibly other helper binaries into a hidden or obscure folder. - Creates scheduled tasks or registry entries to launch UpdateRetreiver.exe at startup or at regular intervals.
- Initiates communication with remote servers to register the new victim and receive further instructions.
Malicious redirect mechanisms are also often involved in these attacks.
Bundled Installers, Cracks, and Pirated Software
Another frequent source of infection is bundled or pirated software. Cybercriminals often hide the UpdateRetreiver.exe component inside:
- Cracked versions of popular programs shared on torrent or warez platforms.
- Key generators, license activators, and serial “cracks”.
- Freeware installers that silently add “optional” components if you do not opt out manually.
These bundles often use software bundling tactics to disguise malicious additions.
Malicious Email Attachments and Script-Based Loaders
In more targeted attacks, this process can also arrive through email or messaging channels. Examples include:
- Archived attachments that pretend to be invoices, delivery notes, CVs, legal documents, or payment confirmations.
- Shortcut files or script-based droppers (PowerShell, batch files, VBS) that download and execute UpdateRetreiver.exe directly from a remote server.
- self-extracting archive files that plant multiple items at once, one of them being the rogue updater executable.
In these cases, opening a single malicious attachment is often enough to deploy the entire infection chain, including the UpdateRetreiver.exe module.
What Does UpdateRetreiver.exe Process Virus Do?
Once installed and running, the UpdateRetreiver.exe process virus typically combines two major categories of behavior: visible scareware activity designed to extort money, and covert background functionality focused on persistence, system profiling, and data theft.
Fake System Scans and Extortion Tactics
One of the first things users usually see is a fake “system scan” or “update check”. This scan often completes in just a few seconds and then lists a long list of supposed problems, for example:
- Dozens or hundreds of “critical registry errors”.
- Allegedly outdated or missing drivers and components.
- High-risk vulnerabilities and system instability warnings.
Nearly all detections are fabricated or deliberately exaggerated, displayed through scare-inducing banners and alerts designed to pressure victims into paying.
Persistence Mechanisms
To make sure it keeps running even after reboots or user attempts to terminate it, UpdateRetreiver.exe commonly implements persistence mechanisms such as:
- Scheduled tasks set to run at user logon, system startup, or on a timed schedule.
- Registry Run or RunOnce keys pointing to the UpdateRetreiver.exe file in your user directory.
- Startup shortcuts or helper processes that monitor and relaunch the main executable if it is killed.
Some persistence entries may target a specific registry key to ensure auto-launch.
System Profiling and Environment Checks
Many samples of UpdateRetreiver.exe also perform extensive reconnaissance on the compromised system. Typical actions include:
- Gathering basic system information: computer name, logged-in user, OS version, and hardware details.
- Querying unique identifiers and GUIDs that help fingerprint the machine.
- Checking installed software, security tools, and certain registry keys to understand how well-protected the system is.
- Reviewing internet settings, proxies, and browser configuration to plan how data can be exfiltrated.
This profiling helps attackers tailor further malicious payload deployments.
Data Theft and Communication with Remote Servers
In addition to scareware behavior, the UpdateRetreiver.exe process is often used as a loader and communication module in a larger malware toolkit. Common capabilities include:
- Establishing outbound connections to attacker-controlled command-and-control (C2) servers.
- Sending basic telemetry about the infected system (fingerprints, identifiers, configuration details).
- Retrieving and executing additional malicious components, which may be stored as encrypted blobs or downloaded modules.
Some variants even use strong encryption to protect data exfiltration and communication channels.
How to Remove UpdateRetreiver.exe Process Virus
Because the UpdateRetreiver.exe process virus can participate in both financial scams and sensitive data theft, you should treat its presence as a serious security incident. Do not ignore it or continue daily work as usual on the compromised system until it has been thoroughly cleaned.
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 UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.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.
UpdateRetriever.exe FAQ
What Does UpdateRetriever.exe Trojan Do?
The UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.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 UpdateRetriever.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.