Codecfix: what it is and how to remove it
Codecfix is a dangerous executable that initiates virus downloads and originates from torrent sites like Pirate Bay. Once .wmv file is downloaded onto the machine, those who tried to open it received a message, informing users of an attempt to download and install Codecfix.exe file.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Codecfix: summary
| Distribution | P2p services, spam email attachments |
|---|---|
| Name | Codecfix |
| Type | Trojan |
| Purpose | Infect the device further |
| Also known as | codecfix.exe |
| Symptoms | Install highly suspicious applications without users' consent |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 6 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| File names | Codecfix.exe |
| First seen | 9 November 2018 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What Codecfix does on an infected PC
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Codecfix — malware that is usually downloaded from P2P websites
Codecfix is a dangerous executable that initiates virus downloads and originates from torrent sites like Pirate Bay.
Once .wmv file is downloaded onto the machine, those who tried to open it received a message, informing users of an attempt to download and install Codecfix.exe file. Those who agree to the installation of the suspicious executable, inject malware payload into their computers.
Users who employ reputable anti-malware tool can be protected from the intrusion. However, those who did not use comprehensive security software end up with a messed up systems - a multitude of unknown programs, including SafeFinder, are installed on the computer without users' consent.
The infected netizens also said that they were unable to uninstall the additional applications, as such function was disabled. Without a doubt Codecfix is not something that should be trusted, so read this article to find ways to eliminate the threat.
Windows Media Video (WMV) is an old type of video file that needed several codec packs to play videos properly. Therefore, files were often included with the automatic prompt to the correct codec. Having this in mind, many users might be familiar with this process and think that Codecfix.exe is a legitimate codec, which is not the case.
Users reported that fraudulent files always use small compressed files that are disguised Game of Thrones or Deadpool videos, and always seeded by as many as 5,000 seeds. This malicious Codecfix file is uploaded by a few usernames that are newly registered.
Thus, even if you try to pirate software or video (which we highly discourage), do not fall for the trick of malicious actors. Do not agree to install Codecfix malware, and simply delete the file immediately. However, if you already installed the virus, you should eliminate it using anti-malware tools and the run to repair your system.
When malicious Codecfix loads on the system it interacts with the primary disk partition and modifies system files, spawns processes and makes changes to Windows Registry, which ensures the persistence. Codecfix virus is a severe threat, but not many security tools can identify this file as malicious.
Most common symptoms of trojans like Codecfix are:
Since trojan makes additional changes on the system of your device, it becomes more challenging to remove Codecfix malware. However, you should do that as soon as possible. Employ reputable anti-malware program and then scan the device thoroughly to remove trojans or other malware.
Opt for automatic Codecfix removal as many researchers advise and scan the system entirely. You may need to enter the Safe Mode with Networking before using security software because malware often disables some of its components.
Also, remember that Codecfix virus can be designed to run background processes like cryptocurrency mining. These cyber threats are often developed with the purpose of spreading other intruders like ransomware, which could completely wipe out your personal files or result in money loss.
- pop-up alert messages;
- high usage of CPU;
- disabled antivirus;
- redirects to suspicious sites;
- changed or removed files;
- slow browser;
- enabled/disabled background processes;
- the poor overall performance of the PC.


From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Codecfix
- Use and clean the system.
- A full system scan also helps remove codecfix
How to check the PC for Codecfix
- File:
Codecfix.exe
How to remove Codecfix
A loader's job is to install other malware, so treat the PC as infected with more than one program until the scans are clean.
Step 1: Check where Codecfix.exe runs from and stop it
In Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) find
Codecfix.exeon Processes, right-click it and choose Open file location before ending anything.Windows' own files live in
C:\Windows\System32; the same name in%AppData%, %Temp% or C:\Users\Public is an impostor. If the folder is wrong, right-click the process again, choose End task and delete the file.If it starts again within seconds, a task or another process restarts it, so run the scan step in Safe Mode. Task Manager works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Close a frozen app (Task Manager, Force Quit) On uGetFix
Step 2: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Programs like Codecfix add a scheduled task so they return after an uninstall or reopen a page at every sign-in. Start Task Scheduler, open Task Scheduler Library and sort by Last Run Time to see what ran recently.
On the Actions tab, a program in a user folder, a script or a web address is a warning sign; right-click such a task and choose Delete.
Tasks with names copying Google, Edge or Windows updaters but pointing to an odd folder are typical. The tool looks the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 3: Remove it from startup
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Startup apps (Windows 11) or the Startup tab (Windows 10). Disable entries you do not recognise, especially ones with no publisher or with a name that copies a Windows component.
Right-click an entry and choose Open file location to see where it runs from: programs in
%AppData%or%Temp%deserve a closer look. Some entries are not listed there but in the registry Run keys, which the procedure below shows how to check.Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 4: Delete the folders left behind
Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.
Press Windows + R, type
%LocalAppData%and press Enter, then do the same for%AppData%and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after Codecfix, its publisher or created on the day the problem started. Delete those folders, and check C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) too.If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of Codecfix that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.

Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 6: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
Codecfix can copy saved passwords, cookies and session tokens and send them out in seconds, so cleaning the PC does not undo the theft.
Change your passwords on a device that was never infected, starting with the e-mail account, since every other reset goes through it. On each account, end all other sessions and check the recovery e-mail, phone number and forwarding rules.
Then turn on two-step verification. Sign in on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC again only after the offline scan is clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.

- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.

- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.

- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.

- Select Startup Settings.

- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.

- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.

- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.

- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.

Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.

- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.

- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Trojan infections can be prevented
Malware infection is a serious virtual safety threat and should not be taken lightly.
One of the most common malware distribution methods is Peer-to-Peer networks. A computer connected to this network becomes a separate server, as well as a client, as files can be shared easily. It goes without saying that such file-sharing practice is extremely unsafe, and downloaded files can be something completely different than expected (e.g., malware).
Because P2P offers anonymity, it became a nest for bad actors who are willing to profit or simply damage other users' computers as a prank. Therefore, using such networks is not wise, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. However, many users still choose to do so. If you are one of them, make sure you download legal content only and scan the downloaded files with anti-malware software before opening them.
Additionally, files that were initially not infected can be modified by hackers and injected with malicious payload without authors knowing about it. Therefore, choose legitimate sources online - there are plenty of free but legit video streaming services available online.
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Terminate malicious Codecfix file and restore normal PC operation
Proper Codecfix removal cannot be performed without reputable anti-malware tools.
Using software like , or can significantly improve the performance of your device and guarantee the virus elimination. A thorough system scan using one of these programs or anti-malware of your choice indicates threats and deletes them.
You should not try to remove Codecfix virus by yourself, as malicious software is complicated and only trained IT experts are capable of doing so. Simply enter Safe Mode with Networking as explained below, bring your security software up to date, perform a scan and get rid of all the malicious entries.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking, to remove codecfix entirely from the system:
[GI=method-2]Follow the guide and try System Restore feature as the method of virus termination:
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Your passwords after Codecfix
Removing Codecfix does not undo what it may already have sent out while the PC showed an unfamiliar process called Codecfix.exe in Task Manager.
Treat saved browser passwords and logged-in sessions on this PC as known to the attacker.
From another device, change the e-mail password first and end all its sessions. Then do the same for the bank, PayPal, Microsoft, Google and Apple accounts. Stolen session cookies keep working after a password change until you sign out everywhere.
Move crypto to a new wallet created on a clean device. A step-by-step order for every kind of account is in our guide to account security after an infection.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Codecfix
Is Codecfix.exe a virus?
The name Codecfix.exe is not enough to say. Malware often uses technical-sounding names, and harmless updaters often use odd ones. Check three things:
- the folder the file runs from
- the Digital Signatures tab in its properties
- the program that starts it (Startup apps, Task Scheduler or services)
A signed file from a company whose product you use is almost certainly fine. An unsigned file in a user folder that no installed program explains should be removed, and the PC scanned with Microsoft Defender in offline mode.
Codecfix.exe keeps coming back. What should I do?
A process that returns after you end it has a restart mechanism, and that is a reason to treat Codecfix.exe as unwanted. Check Settings > Apps > Startup, Task Scheduler and the Services list for entries pointing to its folder, and disable them.
Look in Installed apps for anything added the same day and uninstall it. Then delete the folder and run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which works before Windows starts and can remove files that are locked or hidden while the system is running.
How dangerous is Codecfix?
Treat it as serious until proven otherwise. The visible sign is an unfamiliar process called Codecfix.exe in Task Manager, and programs that behave this way often have more abilities than they show:
- copying passwords
- downloading other malware
- giving remote access
Its family is not known yet, so nobody can say which of these it uses. The good news is that the response is the same in every case and takes about an hour:
- cut the network
- remove the startup entry
- run an offline scan
- change passwords from a clean device
If someone had remote control, a full reset is safer.
Why can't I find Codecfix in antivirus databases?
Because it is new or because it is listed under a different name. Antivirus companies name threats after the family they belong to, and a program that appears as Codecfix on your PC may carry a generic or unrelated label in their databases.
Many new samples are first detected only by behaviour, without a family name. What you saw, an unfamiliar process called Codecfix.exe in Task Manager, is enough to act on:
- end the program
- remove its startup entry
- run a Microsoft Defender offline scan
- secure your accounts
A detection name from a scan is worth noting for later.
My antivirus was on. How did a trojan get past it?
Antivirus programs see a file only when it is written or run, and criminals test each new build against popular scanners before release. Detection catches up within hours or days, which is often after the first victims ran it.
Archives with passwords, installers that fetch the malware later, and scripts run through PowerShell make the job harder. That is why behaviour such as downloading cracks or pasting commands matters more than any setting. Keep Windows and Defender updated, and turn on Reputation-based protection in App & browser control.
Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of Codecfix?
Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see an unfamiliar process called Codecfix.exe in Task Manager again. A reset is the safer choice if an attacker had remote control, if security tools were switched off, or if detections come back after every clean-up.
Windows 11 can reset itself without a USB stick under Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Copy documents and photos out first and scan the copies. A reset does not change passwords or undo stolen data, so the account steps still apply.
I found AnyDesk or ScreenConnect that I did not install. Is that Codecfix?
Not necessarily Codecfix, but it is a warning sign. These are legitimate remote support tools, and criminals use them as ready-made backdoors, especially after tech support scams or fake invoice calls.
If you did not install it and no one you trust set it up, uninstall it, change passwords from a clean device and check your bank account. If someone connected to your PC through it, follow the steps for remote access trojans and consider a Windows reset. Installed apps sorted by date shows when it appeared.
How do I know if my PC has Codecfix?
Often you do not, which is the point of a trojan. Possible signs are an antivirus alert naming Codecfix or a generic trojan detection, unknown programs or scheduled tasks, processes with random names in Task Manager, browser extensions you did not add, security settings turned off, slower performance, or account alerts about logins from unknown places.
The reliable check is a full scan followed by Microsoft Defender's offline scan. If you recently ran a crack, a fake installer or a command a website told you to paste, scan even without symptoms.
Should I report Codecfix?
Report it if you lost money, if accounts were taken over, if you are a business, or if the trojan came through a scam call. A police or national cybercrime report gives you a reference number for your bank and insurer and helps link cases.
You do not need to report a trojan that antivirus blocked before it ran. Before reporting, write down the dates, the detection name, file names and any messages or transactions linked to the attack; screenshots of antivirus alerts are useful evidence. The country list is in the report section above.
Will Fortect remove Codecfix?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Codecfix, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Reddit: Discussion about codecfix virus (read October 6, 2026)
- Hybrid-analysis: codecfix.exe analysis (read October 6, 2026)
- ZDNet: Why cryptocurrency mining malware is the new ransomware (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)