Facebook video virus: what it is and how to remove it
Facebook video virus represents a variety of malware that can be acquired by clicking a fake video link on this popular social media platform. This campaign is related to Facebook virus and can also be used as means to make users disclose their login details or other sensitive information.
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.
An automatic scan can look at ace_engine.exe and the other programs installed around the same time.
Do it yourself · free Remove Facebook video virus yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
Facebook video 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 | Facebook video virus |
| Type | Loader |
| Symptoms | An unknown process in Task Manager |
| 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 4 more facts
| Evidence | 10 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| File names | ace_engine.exe |
| First seen | 17 February 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What Facebook video virus does on an infected PC
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Facebook video virus - a scam campaign tricking users into installing malware or questionable applications
Facebook video virus represents a variety of malware that can be acquired by clicking a fake video link on this popular social media platform.
This campaign is related to Facebook virus and can also be used as means to make users disclose their login details or other sensitive information. Beware that there are numerous Facebook scams that can lead to identity theft or loss of huge amounts of money.
Facebook video virus is a term used to describe a wide group of cyber infections spreading on the world's largest social network. Various variations of the malware are known for several years. However, in 2021, researchers reported about increased activity of:
Despite several differences, all version of this cyber threat spread as a fake video link via Messenger or on the News Feed. Once clicked, it redirects to a malicious site where victims are asked to install a specific plugin which leads to the hijacked account and continues sending the same message automatically on behalf of the victim.
This cyber threat is one of the versions of the Facebook virus and is closely related to Facebook Messenger virus because malicious video links are usually being spread via this communication app. However, Facebook video virus might post obfuscated links on the News Feed too.
Typically, the malicious link is followed by a short message that includes these words:
Cybercriminals usually use spoofed links that trick users that received link are from YouTube or other popular websites. However, after being clicked, this link redirects its victim to a malicious website seeking to infect a device.
Usually, this site asks to install some Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox extension or update. Once they do that, the virus hijacks the Facebook account and spreads the same malicious message to the victim's friend list.
Users are warned to be careful with received messages and do not open any malicious link. However, if you already did it, you should remove Facebook video virus ASAP. No matter that malware spreads on a social network, once you clicked the link or installed a particular plugin, malicious components might be installed on your device.
Facebook video virus might affect all devices that run on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems. Thus, if you have clicked on a malicious link and installed some component, make sure you do not open your Facebook account using another device. If you did so, please check it with anti-malware software as well.
- Private video Facebook virus
- Exclusive video Facebook virus
- Special Video Facebook virus
- My video
- My first video
- Private video
- Exclusive video
- Special video
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
2019. The resurface of "Special" and "Exclusive" video viruses
First detected in August 2017, Facebook's special video virus came back in June 2019.
This version of the virus spreads and acts similarly to other cyber threats that belong to this category. Users either receive a message from their Facebook contacts or get tagged in a post that includes a link to a "Special" or "Exclusive" video. Some variations of this hoax include the victim's name and emoji.
Originally, the virus mostly attacks users in English; however, the Special Video Facebook virus "speaks" to the users via their local languages. Active distribution campaigns were reported in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, , and other European countries. When users click on the affected link, they are redirected to a malicious link, which might redirect to different websites based on the victim's location, browser, operating system, or other details.
Mozilla Firefox users on both Mac and Windows operating systems are redirected to a website that asks to install Flash Player. However, instead of installing the program, users install adware or even malware on the PC.
Safari users might be redirected to the malicious website that asks to download the Flash Media Player download site. If Mac users click the "Install" button, they download the .dmg file directly to their computer, which is nothing else but adware.
Meanwhile, Chrome users are redirected to a fake YouTube website that requires installing a malicious extension called "GitHub Real Names," "Dictionario," and others. According to the recent data, this extension works as adware and tries to collect users' Facebook account information. When users install this malicious add-on, the virus hacks the account spread the same video message to the contact list.
Researchers reported that the Exclusive Video Facebook virus is actively spreading in Argentina. The virus posts a compromised video link on Facebook News Feed on behalf of the hacked account and tags a dozen of people in the post.
The malicious link has the title "Exclusive Video" or "Special Video" and the picture of the victim. The link behind the post seems to redirect to storage.googleapis.com or a similar site, but in reality, it tricks users into visiting a compromised site.
It looks similar to YouTube but asks to install Google Chrome extension in order to see the video. However, instead of installing a needed plugin, people download data-stealing malware that also floods the affected browser with ads.
Therefore, it's crucial to get rid of the Facebook video virus immediately and change your passwords. We have provided instructions on how to uninstall malicious Chrome or Firefox extensions at the end of the article. It is reported that these nasty extensions cannot be deleted that easily.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Some versions of the Facebook video virus lead to the fake Ace Stream Web extension
One of the firsts versions of the Facebook video virus spread on the News Feed (former Timeline).
It automatically shares new posts that are titled "My private video," "My first video," or "Private video." Virus tags about 20 friends in the post, attempting to draw other Facebook users' attention.
Although some researchers claim that all you need to do is remove suspicious browser extensions from the web browser, such an explanation is not precise enough. In fact, we have discovered that Facebook video malware shuts down the open browser tabs and opens a new window when the victim attempts to open "Extensions" settings.
Obviously, this virus tries to prevent the user from deleting the malicious browser extension. We have discovered that the browser extension related to this virus was Ace Stream Web Extension. However, before you can remove this extension, you must find and eliminate components related to this extension from your computer system.
The computer that we have tested had an ace_engine.exe process running on it, which appeared to be responsible for the browser's malfunction when trying to access the "Extensions" panel. However, that is not the end; we have also discovered that there was Ace Stream Media 3.1.0 installed on the system, which was also related to Facebook video virus.
After uninstalling this program and ending the ace_engine.exe process, you can finally access browser settings and delete Ace Stream Web Extension from the Extensions section. We must say that this virus can be related to other programs and browser extensions since the official version of Ace Stream is not a malicious program.
Cybercriminals often tend to corrupt legitimate programs by adding malicious components to them and spread them on the Internet. We also recommend you review and delete all suspicious FB applications that you have recently given permission to access your Facebook account.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Spoofed links are actively used to generate Facebook users' clicks
In October 2017, security researcher Barak Tawily discovered a flaw that allows attackers to spoof links.
Facebook always scans the shared link and looks for the Open Graph meta tags that allow showing the title of the link, description, image, and URL. For this reason, Facebook checks "og:url," "og:image," and "og:title" tags and displays previously mentioned entries.
The problem might occur when attackers decide to replace one of these components even though pages do not have an editing feature since July 2017, when it was banned to reduce the amount of fake news and scams. However, the detected flaw still allows modifications.
The issue is that Facebook does not check if the link in the "og:url" tag actually redirects to the particular website. Therefore, scammers can enter whatever domain they want and hide it under YouTube's or other popular video streaming website's name.
It didn't take long for the social media giant to disable this feature. However, cybercriminals are continuously working on new techniques to bypass Facebook's security and spread malicious content. Therefore, it's important to be cautious when using this social network and does not rush clicking any links.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Facebook video virus
- Might hack the Facebook account, steal credentials or identity, install malware on the computer or smartphone
- Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android
- Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari
- Malicious links sent via Messenger or posted on the News Feed, fake browser extensions
How to check the PC for Facebook video virus
- File:
ace_engine.exe
How to remove Facebook video 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: Check where ace_engine.exe runs from and stop it
ace_engine.exeis the part you can see, and its location tells you whether it belongs there. Right-click it on the Processes page of Task Manager and choose Open file location, then right-click the file > Properties > Digital Signatures to see who signed it.An unsigned file, or one in a user folder such as
%AppData%, is the one to remove: end the task, then delete the file.Note the folder name, because the same folder usually holds its other files. This is 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
Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu and click Task Scheduler Library. Select each task you do not recognise and read the Actions tab:
- a task that starts a file in
%AppData%or%Temp% - runs
powershellwith a long encoded line - opens a web address belongs to Facebook video virus or a similar program
Right-click such a task and choose Delete, and check the subfolders too. Leave tasks from Microsoft, your PC's maker and programs you use. Task Scheduler is 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
- a task that starts a file in
Step 3: Remove it from startup
Whatever Facebook video virus installed usually starts with Windows.
Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to Startup apps in Windows 11 or the Startup tab in Windows 10, and disable what you do not know, starting with entries that have an empty Publisher column.
Open file location on the right-click menu shows the file, which helps you decide and tells you what to delete later. Disabling is safe: if something you need stops working, switch it back on.
Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 4: Delete the folders left behind
What the uninstaller leaves behind is usually in the user folders. Open File Explorer, switch on View > Show > Hidden items (in Windows 10 View > Hidden items), and go through
%LocalAppData%,%AppData%, %ProgramData% and the two Program Files folders.Sort by Date modified and delete folders that appeared together with the problem and belong to no program you use. Folders with random names that hold
.exe,.dll, .js or .ps1 files are the strongest sign.Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
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
Assume that the passwords saved in this PC's browsers, and the accounts that were open in them, are known to the attacker. From a phone or a clean computer, change the e-mail password first, then banking, shopping, social and gaming accounts.
Use each service's option to sign out of all other sessions, because stolen cookies keep a session open even after a password change. Turn on two-step verification on each account. Wait with the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC until the scans are 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.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Uninstall from Android
Uninstall unwanted programs from Android device:
- Go to Settings -> Apps/Applications.
- Expand the full list of the installed apps.
- Scroll through the list and tap on a suspicious application once.
- Tap on it and select Uninstall.
- If the Uninstall option is unavailable, the app may require additional permissions to be revoked first.
- Reboot the device.
Clear storage and cache for Google Chrome or other apps::
- Go to Settings > Apps/Applications.
- Expand the full list of the installed apps.
- Tap on Chrome and select Storage & cache.
- Clear storage and clear cache of the app.
If you are seeing ads on top of other apps but are not sure what is causing it, perform the following steps:
- Go to Apps/Applications.
- Select Special App access.
- Tap on Display over other apps.
- Eliminate apps with these access rights enabled.
Repair damaged system components
Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
By employing , you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.
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.
Scan your system with anti-malware
If you are a victim of ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for its removal. Some ransomware can self-destruct after the file encryption process is finished. Even in such cases, malware might leave various data-stealing modules or could operate in conjunction with other malicious programs on your device.
or can detect and eliminate all ransomware-related files, additional modules, along with other viruses that could be hiding on your system. The security software is really easy to use and does not require any prior IT knowledge to succeed in the malware removal process.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Tips to avoid Facebook video virus
The virus spreads so quickly because the majority of Facebook users fail to identify these posts and messages as deceptive and malicious content.
You should never click on posts or links that your friends send to you if you have even the slightest suspicion that your friend would not share such content on Facebook.
Unfortunately, many computer users click on such content exactly because they cannot believe that their friend has shared such a post. Unfortunately, clicking on these malicious video links downloads malware into the computer that takes control over the victim's Facebook account.
- To avoid Facebook video virus infiltration, you should not click on suspicious posts or links sent by your friends. If such content raises your suspicion, ask your friend whether he/she shared it by their choice.
- Another thing you should know is that videos shared on this social network (no matter if they are uploaded directly to the site or if they are shared via YouTube) play after you click on them. If, after clicking on a video, you are redirected to some suspicious website that asks you to provide permission to access your Facebook timeline or to download an application to your computer, most likely that Facebook post contained a malicious link.
- You may also install a virus along with other free programs. We strongly recommend avoiding downloading software from questionable file-sharing websites because you risk downloading a bundled software. Bundled software is basically a pack of programs, including one main program and several optional downloads that can be installed alongside the main program. These optional downloads usually appear to be dangerous applications, so it is advisable to opt them out. You can do that via Advanced/Custom installation settings.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Facebook video virus removal guide
To remove the Facebook video virus completely, you have to employ professional security software, such as .
Malware might install or trick you into installing malicious files, browser extensions, or fake plugins to the computer and web browsers. Manual detection and elimination of these components might be complicated because the virus might block access to browser extensions or reinstall itself once you access your Facebook account. Nonetheless, if you would like to proceed with manual elimination, we provide all the relevant details below.
However, if you are still willing to remove the virus manually, you have to delete all suspicious components from the computer and web browsers. You should also reset the browsers in order to make sure that all malicious components were uninstalled entirely and then restore files affected by the virus to fix virus damage. This can be done with .
After Facebook video virus removal, you must reset the Facebook password. Besides, you should also change the passwords of other accounts. The malware is capable of tracking user's login data, so cybercriminals may have gotten access to other accounts as well.
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Your passwords after Facebook video virus
Removing Facebook video virus does not undo what it may already have sent out while the PC showed an unfamiliar process called ace_engine.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 Facebook video virus
Is ace_engine.exe a virus?
The name ace_engine.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.
Can I end ace_engine.exe in Task Manager?
Ending an unknown process is safe in the sense that Windows will warn you before you close anything critical, and a restart brings back whatever Windows needs. Ending ace_engine.exe will not remove it, though: if a task or startup entry launches it, it returns at the next sign-in.
Use ending the process as a test. If something important stops working, it belonged to a program you use. If nothing changes and it comes back by itself, find and disable its starter, delete the file and scan the PC.
Can I just delete ace_engine.exe?
Deleting ace_engine.exe by hand rarely removes Facebook video virus. While the trojan runs, Windows may refuse to delete the file, and if you succeed, a scheduled task, a service or a second copy may bring it back at the next restart.
The file can also be only one part of the infection: loaders and remote access tools often install other programs. Use the Microsoft Defender offline scan, which removes the file together with its startup entries before Windows loads, and then check startup items and scheduled tasks as described in the plan.
Should I reset my PC because of Facebook video virus?
Only if the signs point to deeper access. Reset when you see an unfamiliar process called ace_engine.exe in Task Manager again after removal, when Windows Security cannot start or update, when remote access tools you did not install keep appearing, or when you simply cannot trust the PC any more.
Otherwise, the plan in this guide plus an offline scan is enough. If you do reset, choose Remove everything and Cloud download for a fresh copy of Windows, restore only documents and photos, and reinstall programs from their official sites. Change important passwords from the clean system afterwards.
Can a normal remote support program be a backdoor?
Yes. Tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer and ScreenConnect are legitimate, but whoever controls the account behind them controls the PC. Scammers install them during fake support calls, and some trojan campaigns install them silently because antivirus programs do not flag a genuine, signed product.
If you find one you did not set up, uninstall it, check Startup apps for related entries and change passwords from another device. If money or accounts were involved, call your bank and report the incident.
What are the signs of a trojan infection?
Most trojans try to leave no visible signs, so look for side effects. Common ones:
- Windows Security turned off or unable to update
- new entries in Startup apps or Task Scheduler
- programs in Installed apps you did not install
- browser settings that changed by themselves
- unusual network activity while the PC is idle
- password-reset or login-alert e-mails you did not trigger
None of these proves an infection on its own. Together with an antivirus alert naming Facebook video virus, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Why didn't my antivirus stop Facebook video virus?
New trojan builds are packed and changed often so that signatures do not match, and some are signed with stolen or bought certificates. Many arrive inside password-protected archives, which scanners cannot open until you extract them.
Some downloads also tell the user to turn off the antivirus "because it gives false alarms", a common line in cracked software instructions. Keep real-time protection on, never disable it for an installer, and run the offline scan whenever you suspect something slipped through.
Can Facebook video virus spread to other devices on my network?
Most trojans aimed at home users stay on the PC they infected, but an attacker with remote access can look at the network, open shared folders and try passwords on other devices. Loaders sometimes deliver worms or ransomware that do spread.
Disconnect the PC while cleaning, run a full scan on other Windows PCs, change the router's admin password and the Wi-Fi password if they were saved on the infected PC, and update the router's firmware. If other PCs show the same detection, treat them as infected too.
Is a trojan infection worth reporting to the police?
If there was harm, yes. Unauthorised payments, accounts used for fraud, blackmail or a remote session during a scam call all belong in a report, and banks often ask for its reference number before they refund anything.
If antivirus caught Facebook video virus before it ran and nothing was misused, there is nothing to report. Keep the evidence anyway:
- protection history
- the original download
- the dates
Businesses may also have to notify a data protection authority if personal data could have been accessed.
Will Fortect remove Facebook video 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 Facebook video 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
- Virusai: Facebook video virusas. Kaip pašalinti? (Pašalinimo instrukcijos) (read October 7, 2026)
- Securelist: New multi platform malware/adware spreading via Facebook Messenger (read October 7, 2026)
- The Hacker News: Wait, Do You Really Think That's A YouTube URL? Spoofing Links On Facebook (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)