This article will help you to see if VulkanInfo32.exe is a known malware in disguise, and if it is, how to remove it completely from your computer. You can follow the removal instructions for the related malware given at the end of the article.
VulkanInfo32.exe is the name of an executable process. The process is connected to “Vulkan”, which is a modern cross-platform graphics and compute application interface for NVIDIA, Intel and AMD (ATI) hardware. The executable is usually harmless. However, if the file is not signed by LunarG, then it is most probably malware that got on your PC without your permission. That malware is either designed to mine cryptocurrency for somebody or do even worse things to your computer. If you have the VulkanInfo32.exe related malware, it will use a lot of your computer’s resources, including more power consumption, so you are advised to remove it.
Threat Summary
| Name | VulkanInfo32.exe |
| Type | Trojan Horse, Miner Malware |
| Short Description | The VulkanInfo32.exe is a legitimate process, which is used as a disguise by some malware, such as cryptocurrency miners, placed on your computer through a Trojan horse and without your permission. |
| Symptoms | You will see a rise in the usage of your computer’s resources like GPU and CPU while your computer will accordingly consume more electricity and may overheat. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, JavaScript |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss VulkanInfo32.exe. |
VulkanInfo32.exe – Infection
The VulkanInfo32.exe malware can spread in a few ways. Third-party installer setups could have put a Trojan horse on your computer system via bundling. These installations typically arrive with freeware and application packages. Without you knowing, additive content could be installed to your computer, which could even be a JavaScript file that downloads the actual malware. Avoiding such installations is possible if you find Custom or Advanced settings in the install setup.
VulkanInfo32.exe can also spread if you come across unknown websites through redirects and advertisements which have some sort of scripts in themselves and load them when you visit a site or click on an advert. Pop-ups, pop-unders, as well as banners could have links inside of them that can redirect you. When visiting such websites, especially with an unknown origin, they could inject the malware inside your computer device. That can happen via any browser.
VulkanInfo32.exe – Information
VulkanInfo32.exe is the name of an executable process. The process is connected to “Vulkan”, which is a modern cross-platform graphics and compute application interface for NVIDIA, Intel and AMD (ATI) hardware. The VULKAN application can be installed along with your graphics drivers without you knowing and might be called VulkanInfo.exe for 64-bit systems or VulkanInfo32.exe for 32-bit.
This is how the official Web page for the nVidia Vulkan application looks like:
The process is not integral to most graphics drivers and they should work without it. As it is not a system process either, it can be removed from the system without that causing any negative effect. However, there is malware of the cryptocurrency mining variety that names its main executable file to VulkanInfo32.exe or VulkanInfo.exe to try and trick users tha it is the harmless Vulkan API.
The malware will either have no logo or use the logo of the original Vulkan application to try and trick users into believing that it is legitimate.
Some users have indicated that if the VulkanInfo32.exe process is not digitally signed by LunarG, then it is most probably the miner malware. That malware will mine BitCoin or another cryptocurrency, while taking up lots of the graphic card (GPU) resources. That can cause lots of freezing and crashes involving the video card drivers.
The VulkanInfo32.exe malware is highly likely to make some additional components that will help it to achieve its goal to maximum effectiveness. Thus, after it being executed on the system, it may establish a remote connection to a command and control server where all other malicious files are available. There are some essential Windows folders in which the malicious files can be dropped:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
The following registry key entry might be present on your computer system:
→“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run”
The entry listed above will make the miner to launch with every restart or boot of your computer device. Below you can see some useful tips that can help you to prevent similar miner malware to install onto your PC, in the future:
- Run programs inside a sandbox environment
- Install an advanced anti-malware protection
- Update your mostly-used programs and software in general
- Update your OS with security updates
- Install an ad-blocker application
- Be wary around your e-mails and don’t open them unless you know the source
- Disable macros in Microsoft Office Applications
- Disable JavaScript
- Keep your firewall ON
VulkanInfo32.exe will probably mine cryptocurrency while trying to do it covertly by taking up only GPU resources and taking up more electric power consumption. It is highly recommend that you remove this threat, because with the VulkanInfo32.exe malware being active you will degrade your system’s lifespan. Not to mention that this might cause your computer to overheat and crash frequently.
Remove VulkanInfo32.exe Completely
To remove VulkanInfo32.exe manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial written down below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the miner malware completely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.
Preparation before removing VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.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.
VulkanInfo32.exe FAQ
What Does VulkanInfo32.exe Trojan Do?
The VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.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 VulkanInfo32.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.