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How to Remove SvcHost.exe Virus in Windows 10

Computer viruses are programs that can replicate themselves and potentially harm a computer. Oftentimes, they can disguise themselves as important system processes. The SvcHost.exe virus is an example of this type of virus. 

These viruses can sometimes prevent themselves from getting detected by security software. Let us first discuss how you can distinguish between viruses and original system processes. 

About SvcHost.exe Virus 

SvcHost.exe is a legitimate Windows process that helps to host DLL services for other software. It is an important service that runs as soon as the computer boots up. 

On the other hand, a SvcHost.exe virus is a harmful program that replicates the original system process. 

You can easily distinguish between the original system process and the fake ones by locating their destination folder. The original SvcHost.exe will be located in the system32 folder under the Windows folder. 

All the other fake SvcHost.exe virus will be located in other folders except the system32 folder. 

Why is SvcHost.exe Virus Dangerous? 

The SvcHost.exe virus is primarily a trojan horse virus. However, it can also download and install other malware on the system. 

They will duplicate themselves across the system and run in the background. Some of these may actively use your CPU’s power for mining purposes. 

As a result, your CPU could lose its longevity and get easily heated over time. Your computer will also run very slowly. It might edit or delete system settings and folders. 

How does SvcHost.exe Virus Work?

The SvcHost.exe virus will work in the following steps. However, their true purpose may depend on the attacker. He may exploit the malware according to his wishes. 

  • The attacker will get notified once the SvcHost.exe virus is installed in your system. 
  • Next, the virus will receive commands or a line of codes to run inside the system. 
  • This will enable the attacker to gain control of your system. 
  • He can send additional malware in your system if he wants to. 
  • He can also upload or download files from your system. 

How to Find the SvcHost.exe Virus in Windows 10?  

How to Find the SvcHost.exe Virus in Windows 10

You can easily locate the SvcHost.exe virus by following these simple steps. 

  1. Press Ctrl, Shift and Delete button on your keyboard at the same time. Open the Task Manager from the list of options. 
  2. Head over to the Processes tab. There, you will see more than one SvcHost.exe processes running. 
  3. Sometimes, SvcHost could be misspelled like SvcHot or ScvHose. The SvcHost.exe virus may run duplicates under the same name. 
  4. Right-click on the process and select “Open File Location”. 
  5. The SvcHost.exe is original if it is in the System32 folder. The viruses will be located in folders other than system32. 

How to Remove SvcHost.exe Virus in Windows 10 

There are a number of ways you can remove the SvcHost.exe Virus in Windows 10. The virus can be removed using any one of the solutions mentioned below. 

Solution 1 – Run a System Scan 

Run a System Scan 

Installing licensed antivirus software is very important. You should avoid using free antivirus software as they provide very little protection. 

Open your antivirus software and run a full system scan on your computer. It will automatically detect and quarantine the virus. 

Solution 2 – Run Windows Defender 

Run Windows Defender 

Microsoft has introduced a special Windows Defender from Windows 7 and onwards. You can use it to run a system scan and remove any virus from your PC. 

Follow these steps to run Windows Defender. 

  1. Click on the Start button and type ‘defender’ in the search box. Click on Windows Defender. 
  2. Select Yes if you’re prompted to turn it on. 
  3. Follow the instructions and scan your system. 
  4. The viruses will be detected and removed from your system. 

Solution 3 – Disable the Running Virus Service 

Disable the Running Virus Service 

Another solution is to simply disable the fake system services. This will stop them from running in the background and utilizing your CPU. 

You can do this by following the given instructions. 

  1. Press the Ctrl, Shift and Delete buttons together to open the Task Manager. 
  2. Find the SvcHost.exe viruses and Right-click on them. Select ‘Go to Service’. 
  3. Right-click on the highlighted service and just choose ‘Stop’. 
  4. You will see an option to ‘Open Services’ at the bottom. Click on it. 
  5. Navigate to the fake service and choose Properties after right-clicking on it. 
  6. Click on Change startup type and choose disable. 
  7. Click Ok and Restart. 

Solution 4 – Manually Delete Viruses with Command Prompt 

Manually Delete Viruses with Command Prompt 
If you are unhappy with disabling the virus, you can delete it using Command Prompt. Follow these instructions to learn
how to remove SvcHost.exe virus using cmd

  1. Click on the Start button and type ‘cmd’ in the search bar. 
  2. Right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ and select “Run as Administrator”. 
  3. Locate all the SvcHost.exe virus and make a note of its file destination. 
  4. Type ‘cd C:\_______’ where you have to enter the full destination of the file. For eg. – If the virus is in the system’s driver folder, your command will be ‘cd C:\Windows\system\drivers’. Press Enter. 
  5. Next, type ‘attrib -h -r -s svchost.exe’ and press Enter. Do this for all the file names of the viruses. 
  6. After the above commands, type ‘del svchost.exe’ to delete it. Delete the other SvcHost.exe viruses in the same way. 
  7. Close cmd.
  8. Restart your computer. 

How to Protect your PC from SvcHost.exe Virus? 

You must’ve easily removed the SvcHost.exe virus from your system by now. You can follow these precautions to prevent yourself from getting infected again. 

  • Do not download software from third-party websites. Try to download only from official websites. 
  • Update your Windows and antivirus software periodically. 
  • Run an AdBlocker extension on your browser. Use the antivirus’ extension if available. 

Conclusion 

Although all viruses are dangerous, the SvcHost.exe virus is easier to remove. Simply running an antivirus scan can find and delete it from your system. Always download from official websites and do not visit harmful web pages.