How to remove XMRIG virus

What is XMRIG Virus

XMRIG is a legitimate, open-source software designed for mining cryptocurrencies like Monero or Bitcoin. However, it is often abused by cybercriminals who infect computers with cryptojackers and use their resources to mine cryptocurrency without the user’s consent. This malicious use of XMRig is often referred to as the XMRig Virus or XMRig Malware. The XMRig Virus is designed to use a significant portion of a computer’s CPU resources for cryptocurrency mining, which can lead to noticeable symptoms. These include: slower computer performance, as the virus uses up to 70% of the CPU’s resources, the computer running hot over long periods, which can reduce the CPU’s lifespan, presence of unfamiliar programs like Wise or the Winserv.exe file, high CPU utilization visible in the task manager. Remember, the best defense against the XMRig Virus and similar threats is prevention. Regularly update your software, be cautious of the programs you download and install, and use a reliable security solution to protect your computer.

How XMRIG Virus infected your system

The XMRig Virus can infiltrate a computer system in various ways. One common method is through “bundling”, a deceptive marketing method where the virus is packaged with other software, often without the user’s knowledge. It can also be disguised as an Adobe Flash Player update, tricking users into installing it. Another common infection method is through pirated software. For instance, the XMRig Virus has been found attached to pirated copies of creative applications like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop. In some cases, the XMRig Virus has been found running on workstations in large organizations, such as a European international airport, suggesting that it can also infiltrate through network breaches.

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

Remove XMRIG Virus manually

Manual removal of XMRIG Virus 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 XMRIG 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 XMRIG Virus using Autoruns

XMRIG Virus 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 XMRIG Virus

XMRIG Virus files and folders


{randomname}.exe


XMRIG Virus registry keys


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Aliases of XMRIG Virus

How to protect from threats, like XMRIG Virus, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove XMRIG Virus. However, if you got infected with XMRIG Virus with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from XMRIG Virus 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: