PowerShell is a ransomware-type virus that can enter an Operating System through a malicious file attached to a spam email message. The attachment is a ‘.js’ file that is known as a PowerShell script.
When PowerShell enters your PC, it modifies and corrupts various data using encryption algorithms. Unlike other ransomware, PowerShell doesn’t rename or appends the extension to the encrypted name of a file.
If your PC is infected by this ransomware, then an HTML file will be automatically placed on your desktop. The HTML file contains a message that will encourage you to visit a Tor website. If you mistakenly visit the recommended website, then you will be trapped by cybercriminals.
If you have found an HTML file, then your PC seems to be affected by PowerShell. In such a situation, you must do something to remove the ransomware from your PC. Here, it has been clearly explained how to eliminate this malicious program from your PC.
How Can PowerShell.exe Virus Affect your Computer?
Cybercriminals create emails and add malicious attachments to them. These malicious attachments might contain third-party software download sources, fake software updaters, and trojans.
Unofficial software download sources present malicious executables as legitimate software. Thus, you trust the source and download the software on your PC. As a result, PowerShell enters your PC via the downloaded software and opens the door for cybercriminals.
PowerShell affects the outdated Operating System installed on your PC and exploits it. Thus, you experience that your PC is suddenly running sluggishly and the applications aren’t responding.
If the ransomware encrypts the Master Boot Record of a drive, then your PC won’t boot up in a live OS environment. Since the cybercriminals can access your files, they might steal your confidential information as well.
Thus, it is necessary to take instant actions for making your PC ransomware free.
PowerShell.exe Virus Removal Methods:
We have tried to discuss the PowerShell.exe removal process in two simple methods:
Method 1: Using Safe Mode with Networking
We have discussed this method separately for widely used Windows Operating Systems.
Windows 7
- First, start your PC in Safe Mode, then go to the Start menu and click the arrow next to the ‘Shut down’ option.
- Select ‘Restart’ from the popup menu and click ‘OK’ on the confirmation dialog box.
- As the system restarts, press the F8 key repeatedly until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears on the computer’s screen.
- Select ‘Safe Mode with Networking’ from the Windows Advanced Options menu.
Windows 8
- Start your PC and click the Start menu.
- Type ‘Advanced’ in the Windows search bar and press ‘Enter.’
- Select ‘Settings’ from the search results and you will find the ‘General PC Settings’ window.
- Click the arrow next to Advanced Startup Options and select ‘Advanced Startup’ from the submenu.
- As the computer restarts into the ‘Advanced Startup Options Menu,’ tap on the ‘Troubleshoot’ button.
- Then click ‘Advanced Options’ to access the ‘Advanced Options’ screen.
- Go to ‘Startup Settings’ and tap the ‘Restart’ button to restart the system into the ‘Startup Settings’ screen.
- In the last step, press F5 on the keyboard to boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking.
Windows 10
- Go to the Start menu and click the ‘Power’ icon.
- Hold down ‘Shift’ on the keyboard and click ‘Restart’ on the popup menu.
- As the computer displays the ‘Choose an Option’ window, click ‘Troubleshoot.’
- Choose ‘Advanced Options’ and select ‘Startup Settings’ from the drop-down menu.
- Tap the ‘Restart’ button and press F5 to restart the system in Safe mode with Networking.
Method 2: Using a System Restore
- Start the Windows and keep on pressing the F8 key until you find the Windows Advanced Menu Options.
- Choose ‘Safe Mode with Command Prompt’ from the list of options available on the computer’s screen.
- Hit the ‘Enter’ key to load the Command Prompt Mode and enter ‘cd restore’ into the elevated Command Prompt.
- Now type ‘rstrui.exe’ in the command line and press ‘Enter’ to execute it.
- Tap ‘Next’ as the new window appears and then select one of the available restore points.
- You can also create a restore point prior to the PowerShell ransomware affecting your PC.
- Press the ‘Next’ button and click ‘OK’ on the opened window.
- After restoring your PC, check whether the system is working correctly or not.
- If you still experience any unwanted issues, then use software to remove the traces of ransomware left behind.
[Note: You can perform a system restore only when the System Restore function is active on your PC.]
Method 3: Using a Ransomware Removal Tool
- Search the internet for PowerShell.exe or a ransomware removal tool.
- Now go through the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use before downloading a particular software on your PC.
- After completing the download, navigate to the folder containing the downloading file.
- Then double click on that file in order to install the software.
- Finally, run the software so that it can scan your PC and remove the ransomware therein.
If the manual removal methods for PowerShell seem complicated, then hire a person with advanced computer skills.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How to Protect a Computer from Ransomware Infection?
In order to protect your PV from ransomware like PowerShell, you have to browse the internet carefully. It is better not to open files entering the Spam folder of your email account. Even if you have opened such an email, don’t download the attachments.
If you are asked to download software from unofficial sources, avoid it. Try to have the latest versions of applications installed on your PC. But, don’t update the applications with any third-party tool. Make sure that your PC has a legitimate security software.
- Is PowerShell.exe a Virus?
No PowerShelll.exe is not a virus, in fact, it is ransomware that can get into your PC through tye attachments of Spam emails. It works more or less the same as other ransomware. It can have adverse effects on your PC and thus, it is essential to remove it with instant measures.
