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If you suspect a remote access trojan (RAT) on your Windows PC, disconnect it from Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth first. Then use a separate, clean device to secure your accounts. On the affected PC, update Microsoft Defender’s security intelligence and run a full scan; if malware persists or may be hiding, run Microsoft Defender Offline. Severe or unresolved infections may require restoring a trusted backup from before the infection or resetting Windows.
1. Disconnect the PC and protect your accounts
A RAT can let an attacker control a device and may expose passwords, sign-in details, or browsing history. Disconnect the suspected PC from every network: unplug Ethernet, turn off Wi-Fi, and disable Bluetooth. Microsoft’s Remcos guidance recommends disconnecting all networks.
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Do not use the potentially compromised PC to sign in to email, banking, or other important accounts. From a different device you trust, change the password for your email account first, then update passwords for other important accounts—especially those that can be used to reset other passwords. Check bank and credit-card statements for suspicious activity. Cleaning the PC cannot undo credentials or data that may already have been taken.
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If Windows is usable, start with Microsoft Defender. Update its security intelligence before scanning so it can recognize current threats. Then run a full scan, which examines files and programs. Microsoft’s unwanted-software guidance recommends using the latest intelligence and a full scan.
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Windows Security labels and layout can vary slightly by Windows version. Open Windows Security, choose Virus & threat protection, and start a full scan from the scan options. Let the scan finish, then follow Windows Security’s instructions for any detected threat.
3. Use Microsoft Defender Offline if the threat persists
Use the Offline scan if a detection keeps returning, malware may be hiding while Windows runs, or you need a scan outside the normal Windows environment. On Windows 10 version 1607 or later and Windows 11, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan now. Save open work first: the PC restarts to run the scan.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
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- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Microsoft explains that the scan runs “without loading Windows, so any persistent malware has a more difficult time hiding or defending itself.” After the PC restarts, review the result under Windows Security > Protection history. Microsoft documents bootable Defender Offline media for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1; the supported Windows 10 and 11 versions can launch it from Windows Security. See Microsoft’s Defender Offline instructions and its bootable-media guidance.
4. Avoid deleting files or registry entries based on generic RAT lists
RAT families differ, so a file path, registry key, or startup entry associated with one threat is not a universal indicator. Microsoft’s WinLNK threat page describes Safe Mode and reviewing auto-start locations for that specific threat family. Do not generalize those steps to every RAT or delete unfamiliar system files, scheduled tasks, or registry keys on suspicion alone; mistaken removal can damage Windows.
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- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
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5. Consider a second scan or a clean recovery
Microsoft Safety Scanner
As an optional second on-demand check, download and run Microsoft Safety Scanner from Microsoft. It is a manually run malware-removal tool, not ongoing real-time protection, and each download expires 10 days after download. Get a fresh copy if you need to run it later.
Restore a backup or reset Windows
If the infection is severe or cleanup does not resolve it, Microsoft’s Remcos guidance identifies restoring from a clean offline backup or performing a complete Windows reset as options. Use only a backup you trust and know predates the infection; restoring a contaminated backup can reintroduce the problem. A reset is a substantial recovery step, not the default response to every security alert. If you cannot safely carry out recovery or the compromise continues, seek help from a reputable computer repair or malware-removal professional.
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What cleanup can—and cannot—confirm
A scan can detect and remove malware, but a clean result does not establish that no information was stolen before the PC was isolated. Keep the account changes and financial monitoring separate from PC cleanup. Microsoft’s detailed removal advice is tied to named threats such as Remcos or WinLNK; there is no single file location or manual deletion procedure that applies to every RAT.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
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