This article has been created in order to help explain what is WINDRV.EXE and how to remove it completely from your computer system.
A new cyptocurrency miner infection using the fake process windrv.exe has been detected by security researchers to mine for various cryptocurrencies on your computer. The virus aims to use the CPU and GPU resources on the computers that have been infected by it. Then, the malware may generate cryptocurrency tokens from the cryptocurrencies BitCoin or Monero. The mining process may result in your computer slowing down in performance and even freezing at times. Sicne the windrv.exe process may break your PC if it remains for longer periods of time on it, recommendations are to remove it, preferably by using the information in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | windrv.exe Miner |
| Type | Miner Trojan Horse (CryptoCurrencies) |
| Short Description | Aims to perform mining procedure for a cryptocurrency at the expense of the victim’s computer. |
| Symptoms | High CPU and GPU usage percentage. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your PC. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss windrv.exe Miner. |
Windrv.exe Miner Malware – Distribution
The windrv.exe cryptocurrency miner may infect you in two main ways – actively or passively. If the methods used by the cyber-crooks are active, they may send you fake e-mails, that may contain files which only pretend to be legitimate. Such files may include:
- Invoice documents.
- Receipt type of files.
- Order details.
In addition to the files being directly sent to your PC via e-mail, they may also be sent via third-party links on Facebook Messenger, Viber for PC or other software. The download sites are any mainstream file sharing websites, like Dropbox, for example.
In addition to being sent to you, the infection file of the windrv.exe virus may also be uploaded on a website as a fake type of file you are looking to download and just waiting there to be activate. The most often imitated files are the follwing:
- Patches.
- Crack.
- Key generators.
- License activation programs.
Windrv.exe Miner – Activity
When this virus causes an infection on your computer, several malicious files may be downloaded via an open port from a command and control server or a distribution site, belonging to the crooks. The files ensure that the virus remains undetected while mining for cryptocurrencies and performs other unwanted activities on your computer as well. The files may be located in the following folders of your PC:
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %LocalLow%
In addition to dropping files, the windrv.exe virus may also create a scheduled task to run in the background of your computer and furthermore add registry entries in the following Windows Registry Sub-keys, which ensure it’s automatic execution on startup and allow other activities to be performed by the virus as well:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
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
When the windrv.exe virus is activated on your PC, it is only created to resemble a legitimate type of file. In fact, the malware connects you to a mining pool, whose primary purpose is to get your device to mine for the designated cryptocurrency. The more devices are connected and linked to the wallet of the hacker who is behind the windrv.exe infection, the richer he or she will become from using victims’ computing power. Here is how a mining pool to which an infected computer is connected may appear like logically:
In addition to being malicious by mining and risking your computer’s components health, the windrv.exe malware may also have Trojan capabilities. This means that not only your PCs components, but all your online accounts and other data may be in jeopardy as well. Such data may be the following:
- Your passwords.
- Keystrokes.
- Screenshot data on your activity.
- Saved logins on your web browser.
Since the windrv.exe virus may also download other malware on your computer, it is urgent that you take actions towards removing this malware immediately.
How to Delete windrv.exe Miner and Protect Your Computer
Q: How Do I Remove windrv.exe and How Do I Protect My PC and Data In the Future?
A: The first thing you should do if you believe that your PC has been infected by the windrv.exe virus is to stop it’s malicious process and see if it restarts again. If it does, then you should stop it completely by right-clicking on it and clicking on the open file location option and manually removing it immediately after stopping it as a process. Be advised that this does not solve the issue with the virus, since you should follow the removal instructions down below afterwards. It presents the possibility to delete this malware either manually or automatically from your system. Be advised that the safest and fastest method for removing the windrv.exe Trojan is by doing it automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware software, which aims to help you to automatically detect and remove the malicious files and protects your system against future threats as well, according to experts.
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 windrv.exe Miner.
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 windrv.exe Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by windrv.exe Miner 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 windrv.exe Miner 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 windrv.exe Miner 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.
windrv.exe Miner FAQ
What Does windrv.exe Miner Trojan Do?
The windrv.exe Miner 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 windrv.exe Miner, 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 windrv.exe Miner 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 factory reset.
Can windrv.exe Miner 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 windrv.exe Miner Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this windrv.exe Miner 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 windrv.exe Miner?
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 windrv.exe Miner threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.