How to remove Csrss.exe virus

What is Csrss.exe virus

Also known as Client Service Runtime Process, Csrss.exe is a legitimate system process that is essential to Windows health. It can be found running alongside other background processes in Task Manager. The native location Csrss.exe is always rooted to C:\Windows\System32\. If you find it present in other directories, more likely it is a virus infection disguised as a legitimate process. Cybercriminals take the names of Windows processes to hide trojans or similar software. By doing so, they also obscure scanning algorithms of anti-malware software, which sometimes struggles to define it as malware. Despite this, it is quite easy to determine whether this process is malicious or not. You can find it amongst the list of background processes in Task Manager, right-click on it and choose “Open file location” to see where it is. If you suspect it is a virus indeed, make sure to follow our guidelines below. The Csrss.exe process is known to be exploited by malware developers to hide malicious software that steals personal data and triggers the installation of other programs as well. This is why it is necessary to remove it as soon as possible before it deals severe privacy damage.

How Csrss.exe virus infected your computer

In recent years, it has been normal to see such malware distributed via fake software installers/updaters, e-mail spam, trojan programs, software cracking tools, and other dubious downloads from third-party resources. Sometimes users may be tricked into downloading malware disguised as Windows updates. They may click on ads or end up being on pages that claim your PC to be outdated. Never trust third-party resources that propose you to download some fixing utility because your PC is ostensibly infected or lacks certain updates. More likely it is a trick designed to spread malicious software right to your system. Another big favorite of malware developers is e-mail spam. They use it to spread malicious software hidden inside of attachments. Many extortionists use legitimate file formats like .pdf, .exe, .docx, or .js to camouflage malware. To make users trust the attached files or links, cybercriminals make their letters look like they were sent from legitimate sources (e.g. DHL, FedEx, DPD, Banks, etc.). Therefore, due to unattentive and inexperienced behavior, most users become victims of unpleasant infections. In order to stay protected against such threats in the future, follow our tutorial below. We have prepared a list of useful tips that will help you achieve long-term protection against different kinds of malware.

1. Download Csrss.exe Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove Csrss.exe
3. Use Autoruns to remove Csrss.exe
4. Files, folders and registry keys of Csrss.exe
5. Other aliases of Csrss.exe
6. How to protect from threats, like Csrss.exe

Remove Csrss.exe virus manually

Manual removal of Csrss.exe by inexperienced users may become a difficult task because it does not create entries in Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel, does not install browser extensions, and uses random file names. However, there are pre-installed instruments in the Windows system, that allow you to detect and remove malware without using third-party applications. One of them is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It comes with Windows Update in Windows 11, 10, 8. 8.1. For older operating system you can download it here: 64-bit version | 32-bit version.

Remove Csrss.exe virus using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Type mrt in the search box near Start Menu.
2. Run mrt clicking on found item.
3. Click Next button.
4. Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
5. Click Next button.
6. Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
7. Click Finish button.

Remove Csrss.exe virus using Autoruns

Csrss.exe often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.

1. Download Autoruns using this link.
2. Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
3. In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
4. Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like: C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
5. Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
6. Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
7. To remove files themselves, click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry…. Remove files or registry keys found.

Remove files, folder and registry keys of Csrss.exe virus

Csrss.exe files and folders


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Csrss.exe registry keys

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Aliases of Csrss.exe

How to protect from threats, like Csrss.exe virus, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove Csrss.exe. However, if you got infected with Csrss.exe with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from Csrss.exe on all levels (browser, e-mail attachments, Word or Excel scripts, file system) we recommend a leading provider of internet security solutions – BitDefender. Its solutions both for home and business users proved to be one of the most advanced and effective. Choose and get your BitDefender protection via the button below: