FormBook virus: what it is and how to remove it
FormBook is a data-stealing malware that belongs to the group of form grabbing trojans. Although its developer introduced it as a legitimate Internet monitoring application, it has been sold on hacking forums and distributed as an information-stealing trojan since 2016.
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.
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FormBook 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 | FormBook 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 | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| File names | wininit.exe |
| First seen | 8 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What FormBook virus does on an infected PC
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on FormBook virus
- Makes system changes and steals sensitive data
- Malicious spam emails attachments (PDF, XSL, DOC, ZIP, etc.)
- Sluggish computer performance, sudden system shutdowns, delivery of errors
- <…> advance internet activity logging software coded in low level language ASM/C which means it does not require any dependency to work perfectly on all version of windows.
- FormBook is designed with aim to give you extensive and powerful internet monitoring experience with its ultimate stability alongside flexibility that is above the edge of all existing monitoring/spy tools.
What FormBook virus can steal or download
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
FormBook is a data-stealing malware that belongs to the group of form grabbing trojans.
Although its developer introduced it as a legitimate Internet monitoring application, it has been sold on hacking forums and distributed as an information-stealing trojan since 2016. Typically, is spreads via malicious spam emails. If a user is tricked into opening an obfuscated email attachment, the virus payload is dropped and executed on the system.
The latest FormBook related malspam campaign has been revealed in Spring 2020 by Fortinet . This time, crooks disguise under the World Health Organization (WHO) supposedly spreading information and recommendations related to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During the lifetime, a malicious program caused most of the problems for users in the United States and South Korea.
FormBook malware mostly targets businesses and organizations in aerospace, defense contraction, and manufacturing sectors. Hence, home computer users are not the main targets of malware.
The FormBook virus is known at least since 2016. A few years ago, creators of malware started advertising it in the dark web and hacking forums. The program was advertised as:
Therefore, FormBook operates not only as a data-stealing virus but malware-as-a-service too. The price for its license starts with $29 per month and ends with $299 for "Pro" version. Though, any evil-minded programmer can obtain a program and try to cause problems for computer users. Meanwhile, developers of original malware generate passive income.
As we have already mentioned, the virus spreads via malicious spam emails and enters the system when a user opens an infected file. Once inside, malware connects to Command and Control (C&C) and starts its malicious tasks.
First of all, it makes system changes and downloads all malicious components in order to perform the following operations:
The loss of sensitive information definitely has a negative impact on the company's and people's privacy and security. It's unknown how and when aggregated might be used. However, it's important to take security measures as soon as you learn about the cyber attack. It goes without saying that FormBook removal has to be your priority.
The complexity of the virus requires using reputable malware removal software to clean the device and fix its damage. We suggest victims remove FormBook with or . Additionally, after virus elimination, people must change their passwords and monitor possible suspicious activities on their accounts.
- keylogging;
- taking screenshots,
- stealing passwords saved in a web browser and email clients;
- clipboard monitoring;
- stealing forms information;
- grabbing network requests.
How FormBook virus got on your PC
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Just like many similar malicious programs, FormBook spreads via malicious emails and gets into the system when a user opens an obfuscated file.
This cyber threat was noticed spreading via archives that included a deadly exe file, such as:
However, malware payload was also noticed spreading via PDF with download links, and DOC and XLS files that contain malicious macro commands. The latter campaign was very active in 2017 and targeted computers in the U.S and South Korea.
The latest attack has been revealed in spring 2020. This time, attackers take advantage of the most escalated topic worldwide, which is a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The email pretends to be from the well-known World Health Organization (WHO). It contains a malicious Coronavirus Updates.zip or MY-HEALTH.PDF file, which is highly obfuscated with FormBoom info-stealer trojan dropper and malicious entries.
Once the attachment is opened, it drops a GuLoader malware downloader, which injects its payload into the legitimate Windows wininit.exe process and then unravels the second payload, which is the FormBook trojan.
The main tip to avoid the infiltration of data-stealing malware is not to rush opening unknown email attachments. Indeed, phishing emails might be hard to identify, but you should look up for grammar mistakes, missing credentials, or suspicious email addresses.
The golden rule is - if you did not expect to receive such an email, it was not sent to you, and there's no need to check what is hidden in the attachments. Cybersecurity specialists from Usunwirusa.pl also suggest double-checking the information about the sender, company, or provided issue online before opening the attached files.
- ZIP;
- RAR;
- ACE;
- ISOs.
How to check the PC for FormBook virus
- File:
wininit.exe
How to remove FormBook 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 wininit.exe runs from and stop it
In Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) find
wininit.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 FormBook 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 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 FormBook 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 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of FormBook 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 6: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
FormBook 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 May 2020 · not reviewed since
The correct way to eliminate FormBook malware
FormBook removal requires using professional and powerful security software.
The malware downloads numerous malicious files and can affect the legit system process. Therefore, there's no way to locate and delete these entries safely.
Tools like or can remove FormBook from the affected computer. They will explain how to disable the virus and run security software.
We want to remind that you should not forget to change your email, social network, online banking, and other account passwords.
[GI=method-1]If you cannot run security software to eliminate FormBook, follow these steps to disable it and run security software:
[GI=method-2]This method might also help to activate security software which is needed for malware removal:
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 an unfamiliar process called wininit.exe in Task Manager 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.
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online.
One of the basic means to add a layer of security - choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features.
However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful VPN - it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable.
Family photos, work documents, school projects - these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur:
- power cuts
- Blue Screen of Death errors
- hardware failures
- crypto-malware attack
- even accidental deletion
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
Questions about FormBook virus
What is wininit.exe and why is it running?
Every process is started by something:
- a program you installed
- a Windows service
- a scheduled task
- a startup entry
To learn why wininit.exe runs, find its file with Open file location in Task Manager, then look for an entry pointing to that file in Settings > Apps > Startup and in Task Scheduler.
Sort Installed apps by date to see what arrived when the process first appeared. Once you know the owner, you can decide whether to keep it, switch it off at startup or uninstall it completely.
Can I delete the wininit.exe file?
Only after you know what it belongs to. If wininit.exe is part of a program, uninstall that program through Settings instead, so its services and tasks go too. If it belongs to nothing and is unsigned, end the process, disable whatever starts it and then delete its folder.
Do not delete files from the Windows folder or files signed by Microsoft: those are part of the system, and removing them can stop Windows from starting. When in doubt, run a Microsoft Defender scan first and let it decide.
Is wininit.exe a virus?
If it sits outside the Windows and Program Files folders and your antivirus links it to FormBook virus, yes. wininit.exe is the file name used by this trojan. Some trojans borrow the names of real Windows components, so the name alone does not decide it:
- right-click the process in Task Manager
- choose Open file location
- look at the folder and the publisher under Properties > Details
A file in a user folder with no publisher is the trojan. Do not delete it by hand while it runs; use the offline scan in the plan above.
Can I keep using the PC while FormBook virus is on it?
Not for anything that matters. As long as the program behind an unfamiliar process called wininit.exe in Task Manager runs, it can see what you type and what the browser stores, and it may download more malware. Disconnect the PC from the internet while you remove it, and do your banking, e-mail and password changes from another device.
Once the offline scan finds nothing and the sign does not return after a few restarts, normal use is fine. If the scan keeps finding new items, or you cannot remove the startup entry, a reset of Windows is the safer choice.
Should I report FormBook 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.
Why can't I find FormBook virus 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 FormBook virus 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 wininit.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.
Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of FormBook virus?
Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see an unfamiliar process called wininit.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.
Should I check my other computers too?
Yes, it takes little time and removes doubt. FormBook 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 FormBook virus?
Not necessarily FormBook 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 FormBook 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 FormBook 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
- Fortinet: Deconstructing an Evasive Formbook Campaign Leveraging COVID-19 Themes (read October 7, 2026)
- Threatpost: FormBook Malware Targets US Defense Contractors, Aerospace and Manufacturing Sectors (read October 7, 2026)
- Opswat: FormBook Is the Latest Example of Malware-as-a-Service (read October 7, 2026)
- Usunwirusa: Usunwirusa (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)