DarkGate virus: what it is and how to remove it
DarkGate virus is an elaborate cyberthreat that was spotted by enSilo's Adi Zeligson making rounds in Spain and France. The malware targets Windows operating systems and is downloaded by users via torrent websites.
Facts checked October 7, 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.
Automatic
Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.
Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
If DarkGate virus keeps coming back after uninstalling, a scan can find what reinstalls it.
Do it yourself · free Remove DarkGate virus yourself 5 steps, about 15 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
DarkGate virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | DarkGate virus |
| Type | Loader |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| 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 3 more facts
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| First seen | 20 November 2018 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What DarkGate virus does on an infected PC
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
DarkGate - sophisticated malware campaign that mines crypto and locks up data
DarkGate virus is an elaborate cyberthreat that was spotted by enSilo's Adi Zeligson making rounds in Spain and France.
The malware targets Windows operating systems and is downloaded by users via torrent websites. The range of capabilities this malware posses is truly impressive - it can evade AV detection by using advanced obfuscation techniques, mine digital currency, steal crypto wallets, and allow the bad actors to take over the infected PC using remote control access.
Finally, DarkGate is also able to lock personal files on the targeted machine by using ransomware capabilities. According to research, the virus is closely related to a password-stealer Golroted.
According to researchers, DarkGate malware spreads with the help of .torrent files, which are often associated with pirated software and media downloads. However, the technology itself is not illegal and can be used by businesses to share large amounts of data.
DarkGate virus is known to be hidden on file-sharing torrent sites that offer free downloads of popular TV shows like Walking Dead or Game of Thrones. After execution, it runs VBScript to infect the system.
Additionally, DarkGate can also be propagated in malicious spam campaigns that urge users to download and install fake executables or open PDF files. Regardless of the infiltration method, those who got infected should not wait and remove DarkGate virus from the machine which the help of reputable security software.
DarkGate then establishes reactive communication via the Command and Control server, which is carefully obfuscated by legitimate DNS records from AWS, Akamai CDN or Amazon, which prevents reputation-based detection.
DarkGate also performs a few checks in order to avoid detection.
DarkGate virus also uses two different techniques to bypass User Account Control (UAC) to gain administrator privileges on the targeted PC. Next, malware downloads additional malicious components, which execute the following:
To conclude, DarkGate malware utilizes advanced technique to execute complex operations on the machine to bring the maximum benefit for its creators. As of now, the motive is believed to be monetary gain, although researchers do not deny other possibilities.
After the elimination, use to recover from the damage malware caused on the system.
- Allows hackers to gain a remote access;
- Steals crypto wallet credentials;
- Mines digital currency;
- Uploads ransomware payloads.
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
Beware of torrent sites and phishing emails
While the malware is exceptionally complex and advanced in its operation, the infection method used is relatively common for most virus families.
As mentioned above, it mostly users .torrent file to run malicious VBScript to infect the machine, all while not being detectable by the user.
We highly advise users to stay away from file-sharing and torrent sites, as malware can be disguised as your favorite TV show or anything else for that matter. Additionally, pirated software and media is illegal, so might get you into real trouble.
Nevertheless, many users are still undertaking such activity which makes malware's infection rate go up. Because the virus is still not detected by many AV vendors, infection is guaranteed once the malicious .torrent file is downloaded.
Another way to get infected with malware is by opening infected email attachments. Phishing emails have become one of the most prevalent virus distribution methods. Therefore, do not casually open attachments or click on links in an email from an unknown source, even if it looks legitimate.
From our report of Nov 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on DarkGate virus
- Avoids detection, mines crypto, encrypts files
- Use security software to get rid of the infection and then scan your machine with to fix the damage done by malware
- It first analyzes whether or not it landed in a sandbox environment (it is used by security experts to unpack and examine malware samples) and then scans for the most commonly used AV engines, such as Comodo, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, Avast, etc.
How to remove DarkGate virus
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: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Programs like DarkGate virus 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 2: 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 3: 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 DarkGate virus, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.Delete those folders, and check
C:\Program FilesandC:\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 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of DarkGate virus 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 5: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
DarkGate virus 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
Remove DarkGate from your computer
Experts believe that the malware will evolve and become even more sophisticated.
As of now, DarkGate virus removal might be a little bit complicated, however. Only a few AV engines recognize the threat, as it uses advanced obfuscation techniques. Therefore, if you suspect that your computer is infected, you might have to try different AV engines. Researchers from enSilo claim that the software they offer detects the virus.
Additionally, users might have to load their machines into Safe Mode with Networking in order to temporarily stop malware from functioning and then finally remove DarkGate virus. Another way that might help you to eliminate the infection is System Restore function, which we also present below. Although this method is highly unlikely to help.
[GI=method-1]To remove DarkGate virus you will have to enter Safe Mode with Networking:
[GI=method-2]You can also utilize System Restore:
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Secure your accounts after the clean-up
Assume that whatever was saved in the browsers on this PC while the PC showed darkGate virus in the list of installed apps has been copied:
- passwords
- cookies
- autofill data
Work from a clean device, or from this PC once the offline scan finds nothing.
Start with your main e-mail account, because it can reset everything else, then banking and payment, then social and gaming accounts. Change each password, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account.
The full order, including crypto wallets and card replacement, is in securing your accounts after malware.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about DarkGate virus
What is DarkGate virus and why is it on my PC?
DarkGate virus is a program that was installed on the PC, most likely together with something else you downloaded. Free software sites and many installers add extra programs on setup pages with pre-ticked boxes, so the extra install looks like your choice even though nobody read the page.
Check the install date in Settings, Apps, Installed apps: the program you installed that day is the probable carrier. If you do not need DarkGate virus, uninstall it. If it belongs to your hardware or to a program you use, search its exact name and publisher first, because drivers and their tools can have unfamiliar names.
DarkGate virus will not uninstall. What can I do?
First restart the PC and try again, because the program may have been running and locked its own files. If the uninstaller is missing or fails, start Windows in Safe Mode, where most third-party programs do not start, and remove DarkGate virus from Installed apps there.
If it still refuses, delete its startup entry and its scheduled task, restart, and try once more. A program that actively prevents removal is behaving like malware, so finish with a Microsoft Defender offline scan. Avoid third-party uninstallers offered on search ads; several of them are unwanted programs themselves.
Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of DarkGate virus?
Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see darkGate virus in the list of installed apps 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.
How do I know if my PC has DarkGate virus?
Often you do not, which is the point of a trojan. Possible signs are an antivirus alert naming DarkGate virus 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.
Which malware family is DarkGate virus?
That is not known yet. DarkGate virus has been reported by people who saw darkGate virus in the list of installed apps, but no sample has been analysed publicly, so security companies have not assigned it to a family. The name you see may be a file or program name chosen by the authors, not a family name.
This does not stop you from removing it: the startup points, the offline scan and the account steps are the same for most families of this type. If Microsoft Defender or another scanner gives the file a detection name, write it down; that name is the best clue to the family and is useful when you report the incident.
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.
Should I report DarkGate virus?
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.
Should I check my other computers too?
Yes, it takes little time and removes doubt. DarkGate virus itself usually stays on one PC, but the download that carried it may have been copied to other computers, shared drives may hold the same installer, and an attacker who had access could have tried saved passwords on other devices.
Run a full scan on every Windows PC in the home or office, check shared folders for the original download, and change Wi-Fi and router passwords if they were stored on the infected machine.
I found AnyDesk or ScreenConnect that I did not install. Is that DarkGate virus?
Not necessarily DarkGate virus, 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.
Will Fortect remove DarkGate virus?
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 DarkGate virus, 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
- enSilo: Enter the DarkGate: new cryptocurrency mining and ransomware campaign (read October 7, 2026)
- Tren Micro: GOLROTED Targets Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 7, 2026)