How to Remove Vundo Malware From Your PC

If you’ve noticed a file, program, or process called Trojan:Win32/Vundo.gen!D in your system, this means your PC has a Trojan Horse on it that you must remove. Trojans like Vundo are very widespread and they have various vectors of distribution, though the most common one remains file bundling. In other words, this malware has probably entered your system after you’ve installed some obscure third-party app without first checking its setup options. That’s alright, I’ll help you remove Vundo, just make sure to be more careful next time.

As for the Trojan itself, like other similar threats, such as Etset and Wacatac, Vundo can perform various rogue tasks in the system, but it will most likely focus on showing you scam pop-ups or draining your system resources for crypto generation. However, it may also try to steal sensitive data such as banking details or infect you with more malware.

In any case, removing it is necessary, so that’s what we’ll be focusing on next. The guide you’ll find below includes all the necessary steps to fully get rid of this malware.

Vundo Malware Removal Guide

Lots of folks have trouble getting rid of malware like Vundo using just regular uninstall methods. If the basic stuff doesn’t do the job, you’ll have to dig deeper. Trust me, skipping those advanced removal steps is a big mistake – it might leave nasty bits of the malware secretly hanging around, causing headaches later down the line.

Quick Steps to Remove Vundo

15 mins

1

1.1
Open Settings, select Apps, and filter your installed programs by the Installation Date to identify any recently installed software.
2

1.2
Examine the list carefully for software with names like Vundo or unfamiliar applications installed around the same date.
3

1.3
Click on the suspicious program you’ve found, press Uninstall, and then follow the instructions presented to complete the removal process.
4

1.4
Launch File Explorer and navigate directly to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) directories.
5

1.5
Search these locations for folders labeled Vundo and immediately remove them if found.
6

1.6
Afterward, look for the installation directory. You’ll often find it at C:\UserNames\UserName\AppData\Local\Programs\, but it might also be elsewhere.
7

1.7
If you find the malware folder, remove it together with any leftover files that might still be in it.

After completing these initial steps, restart your computer. If Vundo persists, proceed to the advanced removal steps below.

SUMMARY:

Name	Vundo
Type	Trojan
Detection Tool	Some threats reinstall themselves if you don’t delete their core files. We recommend downloading SpyHunter to remove harmful programs for you. This may save you hours and ensure you don’t harm your system by deleting the wrong files. Download SpyHunter (Free Remover)* OFFER *Read more details in the first ad on this page, EULA, Privacy Policy, and full terms for Free Remover.

Before You Begin: Something to Keep in Mind

Heads up: some of the steps coming up might feel tricky, especially if you’re not a tech wizard. If you’re not totally confident handling this malware removal yourself, don’t worry – tools like SpyHunter 5 can handle these complicated parts for you automatically. It’s safer than accidentally messing something up trying to go manual.

How to Fully Get Rid of Vundo

If the simple approach didn’t fully wipe out malware such as Vundo, you’ll need a deeper clean-up. Malware like this loves leaving sneaky little traces hidden everywhere in your computer. If you miss even one piece, you’re pretty much inviting it back in – so tracking down every bit is absolutely essential if you want it gone for good.

1. Preparing for the Vundo Removal

15 mins

1

1.1
Open File Explorer, select the View tab at the top, click on Options (sometimes labeled Folder Options), and navigate to the View tab. Activate Show hidden files, folders, and drives, then press Apply followed by OK.
2

1.2
Obtain and install LockHunter, a free utility designed specifically for removing files that resist standard deletion methods. You’ll require this tool shortly.

We understand if you don’t want to use third-party software and we generally try to keep our guides entirely “hands-on”. However, in this case, you may need this app to eliminate some malware files which is an essential part of the removal process.

But don’t worry, LockHunter won’t ask for money, doesn’t have ads, and doesn’t even require a registration. You can download and install it in about two minutes.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Remove Vundo Processes From the Task Manager

Here’s the deal – malware often secretly runs in the background, and you won’t completely remove it unless you stop those processes first. Open up Task Manager and carefully check for anything weird-looking or suspicious. Kill those sneaky background processes now, or else they’ll just keep restarting and bringing the malware right back into your system.

2. How to Delete Vundo Processes in the Task Manager

15 mins

1

2.1
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
2

2.2
In the Processes tab, sort entries by either CPU Usage or Memory to easily identify any potentially malicious processes.
3

2.3
Carefully look for entries related to Vundo or any suspicious processes. Right-click these processes and select Open File Location to access their associated directories.
Note: Don’t expect to find a rogue process named “Vundo“. Most forms of malware will hide their processes under innocent-looking names.
4

2.4
Keep the opened folder window visible and switch back to Task Manager. Select the suspicious process once more and click End Task.
5

2.5
Return to the opened folder and promptly delete its contents.
6

2.6
Should any files refuse deletion, use LockHunter: Right-click on the persistent file, select “What’s locking this file/process?”, and use the tool to forcefully delete it.

Video walkthrough for this step:

How to Delete Persistent Files with Lock Hunter

OFFERSome threats reinstall themselves if you don’t delete their core files. We recommend downloading SpyHunter to remove harmful programs for you. This may save you hours and ensure you don’t harm your system by deleting the wrong files.

Download SpyHunter (Free Remover*)

*7-day Free Trial w/Credit card, no charge upfront or if you cancel up to 2 days before expiration; Subscription price varies per region w/ auto renewal unless you timely cancel; notification before you are billed; 30-day money-back guarantee; Read full terms and more information about free remover.

Delete Vundo Virus Files

Malware such as Vundo never sticks to just one place; instead, it scatters files all around your PC. Seriously, if you leave behind even a single file connected to this malware, it could silently reinstall itself later. The key here is patience – double-check every possible hiding spot, and don’t leave anything suspicious behind.

3. How to Get Rid of Vundo Files

15 mins

1

3.1
Inspect the following directories closely to uncover any files related to Vundo:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Vundo\bar\updater.exe
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
Also, check these system locations:
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files (x86)
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
2

3.2
Delete all files or folders related to Vundo, carefully verifying each file name to ensure you avoid deleting vital system files.
3

3.3
Next, inspect the Program Files and Program Files (x86) in your C: drive. Some malware apps will create folders there, so look for anything that looks linked to Vundo or that is otherwise unrecognized or out-of-place folders. Delete anything suspicious you may find.
4

3.4
Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp and empty its contents entirely, as these temporary files aren’t needed by your system.
It stores only temporary files, which are all okay to delete. So, to save yourself some time spent looking for malware files, just Ctrl + A to select everything, and then press Delete from your keyboard to delete all of the folder’s contents.
5

3.5
For files that continue resisting deletion, employ LockHunter to remove them permanently.

Get Rid of Vundo Scheduled Tasks

Malware like this loves creating hidden scheduled tasks, meaning it’ll automatically relaunch itself each time your computer starts up. If you ignore these sneaky tasks in Task Scheduler, Vundo will probably bounce right back as soon as you reboot. So don’t skip this step – carefully hunt down those tasks and delete them right away.

4. Eliminate Vundo Scheduled Tasks

15 mins

1

4.1
Click the Start Menu, type Task Scheduler, open the application, and navigate to the Task Scheduler Library.
2

4.2
Inspect each task separately by selecting it and reviewing the details listed under the Actions tab. If a task executes suspicious .exe files or scripts, record the file paths listed, then delete that task entirely.
3

4.3
After removing any suspicious scheduled tasks, go directly to the file paths you previously noted and delete any lingering malicious files.

Video walkthrough for this step:

Uninstall the Vundo Malware App Through the Windows Registry

Okay, things are about to get tricky – malware like this digs itself deep into your Windows Registry, making removal pretty complicated (and risky). Messing around with the registry can cause real damage if you’re not careful. Always double-check what you’re deleting – otherwise, you might accidentally cause even bigger issues than the original Vundo infection.

5. Remove Vundo Through the Registry

15 mins

1

5.1
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2

5.2
In Registry Editor, press Ctrl + F, enter Vundo into the search field, and systematically delete all registry entries that appear. Continue searching repeatedly until no additional entries are found.
3

5.3
Additionally, thoroughly check the following specific registry keys for traces of Vundo:
HKEY_USERS\Software\Vundo
HKEY_USERS\Software\Vundo
HKEY_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall{31F4B209-D4E1-41E0-A34F-35EFF7117AE8}
4

5.4
Lastly, examine these typical malware registry locations for suspicious values:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\Setup
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
5

5.5
Inspect each listed location thoroughly, review the registry values appearing in the right panel, and carefully delete only suspicious entries. Never delete entire registry keys – remove only those entries clearly tied to Vundo.

Video walkthrough for this step:

If you are logged into the Event Viewer and see a warning that Trojan:Win32/Vundo.gen!D is coming from the Anydesk.exe process, this is cause for concern. Event Viewer is typically used to remotely access your computer, but this warning appears even if you were not using it at the time this warning occurs. You might think it could be a false positive message, but this type of Trojan horse is now decades old and is like a sleeping cell that can wake up at any time to unleash its malicious functions. If you are one of the many people this is happening to right now and you have gone through the steps above, you can be 99% sure that you will get rid of the Vundo malware because you followed a real protocol to remove this Trojan and not some half-baked fix.

Complete Trojan:Win32/Vundo.gen!D Malware Removal video