What to do if your PC has a trogen

1. Isolate the machine now — cut the network and stop using it for sensitive tasks

If a Trojan is suspected, disconnect the PC from the internet and any local networks immediately to limit command‑and‑control connections and lateral movement to other devices; this simple containment step reduces the risk that the malware will steal credentials or phone home while removal is attempted ^{[5] [3]}. Avoid logging into bank or email accounts on the infected PC and do not enter passwords until the system is verified clean ^{[6] [7]}.

2. Preserve important files, but assume they may be compromised

Back up personal documents to external media only if possible to do so without running unknown programs; however, understand that files can carry malware or credentials, so treat backups as potentially tainted and scan them with multiple antivirus engines before restoring elsewhere ^{[5] [1]}. If the Trojan targeted specific data (financial files, password stores), assume those accounts were exposed and prepare to rotate credentials from a different, clean device ^[6].

3. Run layered scans — start with Windows Security, then a second vetted tool, then an offline scan

Begin with full scans using Windows Security/Defender (Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection) because it’s integrated and reliable for many detections, then run a second reputable scanner (Malwarebytes, Avast, McAfee, etc.) to pick up items one engine might miss ^{[1] [8] [9]}. If in‑OS scans don’t fully remove the threat, boot a rescue or offline scanner (Windows Defender Offline or vendor rescue media) to catch rootkits and deeply embedded components that run before Windows boots ^{[10] [1] [2]}.

4. Quarantine, remove, and verify — repeat until clean, then reassess system integrity

Quarantine detected items first, then remove them; after removal, reboot and run repeated full and offline scans until no threats are found ^{[11] [2]}. Be mindful that some Trojans install secondary malware or modify system settings; simply deleting one executable may not eliminate additional backdoors, so verification across several tools is prudent ^{[4] [5]}.

5. If removal fails or the system shows persistent signs, prepare for a clean reinstall

When scans and offline tools can’t assure a pristine state, a clean Windows reinstall (format + install) is a reliable last resort; create installation media from another trusted PC, back up necessary data first, and then perform a fresh install to eliminate stealthy persistence mechanisms ^{[10] [2]}. Document which programs and data were restored and scan everything before reconnecting to networks ^{[10] [1]}.

6. Recovery: change passwords, audit accounts, and monitor for fraud from a clean device

After the PC is clean or rebuilt, change passwords and enable MFA for email, banking, and critical services using a known‑good device because Trojans commonly harvest credentials ^{[6] [3]}. Monitor financial accounts and credit reports for unexplained activity; if the Trojan was a credential‑harvesting or banker family strain, contact banks and consider identity‑theft protections ^[6].

7. Prevent recurrence and beware of scams posing as “trojan alerts”

Strengthen defenses: keep OS and apps patched, use a modern antivirus with real‑time protection and anti‑phishing features, avoid pirated software or questionable downloads, and be skeptical of pop‑ups that demand a support phone call (those are common tech‑support scams that exploit fear of Trojans) ^{[3] [7] [5]}. Consider professional incident response if the machine belonged to a business or the infection involved sensitive corporate data ^[3].