What Is Winword.exe?
Winword.exe is a type of spyware Windows process, pretending to be Microsoft Word that is advanced and made to gather information, stay hidden, and avoid being detected. It’s equipped with several methods that let it perform harmful tasks on an infected computer, focusing mostly on stealing data, staying active, and avoiding being analyzed.
It’s important to remove Winword.exe right away using a powerful anti-malware tool. The longer it stays on the system, the more at risk the computer is from other harmful actions.
Winword.exe Summary
| Name | Winword.exe |
| Type | Fake process, Trojan Horse / Malware |
| Symptoms | Fake Microsoft Word process. Your computer could become very slow and even freeze from time to time; excessive CPU usage is also possible. |
| Distribution Technique | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may promote it. |
| Detection Tool |
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Winword.exe Capabilities
Based on our research, which includes data from Hybrid Analysis, Winword.exe has these characteristics.
Spyware Behavior
- Injection Method. Winword.exe contains a string that may be used for code injection into other processes. This allows the spyware to run malicious code within the context of trusted applications, making it harder to detect.
- Data Exfiltration. The spyware uses HTTP POST requests to send stolen information to a remote web server. This could include personal information, credentials, or system data harvested from the infected machine.
Persistence Mechanisms
- Remote Process Interaction. To maintain persistence, Winword.exe writes data into a remote process, which can allow it to relaunch or execute commands at a later time, even after the system reboots.
- System Reconnaissance. It performs extensive system queries, including:
- Kernel Debugger Information. This could indicate attempts to detect if the system is running in a virtualized or debugging environment.
- Process Information. Used to map out running processes, likely to find targets for injection or to evade certain security programs.
- Internet Explorer (IE) Security Settings. The spyware checks sensitive settings in IE, possibly to manipulate browser security and steal credentials or lower defenses.
- Display Settings for File Extensions. It queries settings related to file extensions, which could be part of a strategy to manipulate files or hide its presence.
- Internet Cache Settings. It examines cache settings, likely to cover its tracks by deleting or hiding evidence in places like the
index.dator internet cache. - BIOS Version Reading. Reading the system’s or video BIOS version allows the malware to gather more system-specific information, which can help customize the attack for the target environment.
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 Winword.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 Winword.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Winword.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 Winword.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 Winword.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.
Winword.exe FAQ
What Does Winword.exe Trojan Do?
The Winword.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 Winword.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 Winword.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 Winword.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 Winword.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Winword.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 Winword.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 Winword.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.