Trojan BtcMine: what it is and how to remove it
Trojan BtcMine is a coin mining malware that infiltrates machines through unsafe sites, contaminated email attachments, and also can spread as fake VLC player updates. The malicious software is designed to mine digital currency, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Monero, Ethereum and others.
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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Trojan BtcMine: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Trojan BtcMine |
| 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 | 3 August 2018 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What Trojan BtcMine does on an infected PC
From our report of Aug 2018 · not reviewed since
Trojan BtcMine - malware that illegally uses victims' computers to mine crypto
Trojan BtcMine is a coin mining malware that infiltrates machines through unsafe sites, contaminated email attachments, and also can spread as fake VLC player updates.
The malicious software is designed to mine digital currency, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Monero, Ethereum and others. Unfortunately, the profits of mining do not go to the users, but hackers instead. Victims, however, have to deal with increased electricity bills, degrading PC performance and overheating hardware. Additionally, Trojan BtcMine can serve as a backdoor to other serious infections, such as ransomware.
Digital currency mining malware is on the rise, as cybercriminals inject malicious payload into thousands of computers which then are converted into a chain that mines crypto into a single wallet. Therefore, the more machines are infected, the more profit is generated. Unfortunately, infected users suffer the most, as their PCs become almost unusable. Thus, victims are inclined to search for Trojan BtcMine removal methods.
Security researchers predict that crypto-miners such as Trojan.BtcMine will dominate over ransomware infections, as it is more profitable for bad actors(we also have seen several ransomware shifting to crypto mining business model in the past, such as XiaoBa ransomware) . Is it better for the user? Not really, because several coin miners also include file-locking function, as well as engage in other malicious acts, like stealing banking credentials.
Additionally, detection of malware might be complicated, as it uses several obfuscation techniques to remain unnoticed by security software. Therefore, Trojan.BtcMine virus appearance on the PC is not a good news for anybody, especially due to the fact that it can evolve in the future.
The trouble with Trojan BtcMine is that it might be difficult to identify - just like many other trojans. Malware's purpose is to run on the machine silently and achieve the goals set by hackers. Thus, by the time victims realize that they are infected, the damage can be already done. Nevertheless, users are most likely to recognize Trojan.BtcMine presence by the following symptoms:
Nevertheless, all of these symptoms can be confused with wear and tear symptoms, and some users might not understand what is happening to their PCs. That is one of the main reasons to have a trusted security software installed on each of the computers. Not only it can secure your computer form the future infections, but it will also take care of Trojan BtcMine removal.
- Increased CPU and GPU usage;
- Hardware overheating;
- System slowdowns and shutdowns;
- Crashing software;
- Stuttering video games or HD media;
- Unknown executable ran in the Task manager.
From our report of Aug 2018 · not reviewed since
Beware of fraudulent messages and malicious sites
Unfortunately, not many computer users take cybersecurity seriously.
Most of victims never expect to fine malware on their computers, as they have no idea how it gets inside. Therefore, it is essential to know crypto-mining virus distribution methods and do everything to avoid the threat.
It is an essential step to provide the best care for your PC possible, merely because anti-virus program can prevent most of the infections from entering the machines entirely. To ensure full protection, you would have to pay for a decent software, however.
Aside from anti-malware, there are several other "don'ts" on the internet, including:
- Don not open attachments included in spam emails - the documents might be malicious, even if they look legitimate;
- Do not click on hyperlinks inside phishing emails - they lead to malware;
- Do not delay software and OS update installation - they contain important vulnerability fixes;
- Do not update your software from third-parties. Use trusted sources instead;
- Avoid questionable websites, such as porn, file-sharing, and similar.
From our report of Aug 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Trojan BtcMine
- Mines digital currency for cybercriminals
- Increased CPU/GPU usage, crashing programs, increased electricity bill, etc.
- Malicious websites, phishing emails, fake updates
How to remove Trojan BtcMine
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 Trojan BtcMine 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 Trojan BtcMine, 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 Trojan BtcMine 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
Trojan BtcMine 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 Aug 2018 · not reviewed since
Eliminate Trojan BtcMine from your computer using security tools
While CPU usage can be checked via the Task Manager, such action is impossible for the GPU.
Users might have to use special software or check by entering BIOS. Nevertheless, it is crucial not to ignore signs of infection and remove Trojan BtcMine virus before it can cause any further damage to the infected machine.
For full Trojan.BtcMine removal. you should use trusted security software. You can use pr - these tools guarantee safe elimination. Additionally, the altered Registry entries can be fixed automatically as well. What is more, trojans can inject other malware easily.
Thus, only security software will be capable of finding all infections at once. Manual Trojan BtcMine elimination should not be attempted, as it is a complicated procedure which should only be practiced by IT professionals.
[GI=method-1]In case the virus is tampering with security software, enter Safe Mode with Networking and perform the scan from there:
[GI=method-2]To disable Trojan BtcMine malware, use System Restore:
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Accounts come next
Because the PC showed trojan BtcMine in the list of installed apps, a sign of a program that could read browser data, the clean-up is only half of the work.
The other half happens in your online accounts.
Change passwords from a clean device, beginning with e-mail; sign out of all sessions; check forwarding rules and recovery phone numbers; and turn on two-step verification with an authenticator app or a passkey. Ask your bank to replace cards saved in the browser.
Why the order matters and what to check in each account: secure 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 Trojan BtcMine
Can I safely uninstall Trojan BtcMine?
If you did not install Trojan BtcMine yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows. Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name.
Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
Trojan BtcMine 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 Trojan BtcMine 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.
How do I know if my PC has Trojan BtcMine?
Often you do not, which is the point of a trojan. Possible signs are an antivirus alert naming Trojan BtcMine 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.
How dangerous is Trojan BtcMine?
Treat it as serious until proven otherwise. The visible sign is trojan BtcMine in the list of installed apps, 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.
Do I need to reinstall Windows to get rid of Trojan BtcMine?
Usually not. A thorough clean-up is enough when the offline scan finds nothing afterwards and you do not see trojan BtcMine 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.
Should I report Trojan BtcMine?
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.
I found AnyDesk or ScreenConnect that I did not install. Is that Trojan BtcMine?
Not necessarily Trojan BtcMine, 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.
Why can't I find Trojan BtcMine 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 Trojan BtcMine 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, trojan BtcMine in the list of installed apps, 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.
Should I check my other computers too?
Yes, it takes little time and removes doubt. Trojan BtcMine 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.
Will Fortect remove Trojan BtcMine?
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 Trojan BtcMine, 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
- Info Security: Cryptominers Replace Ransomware as No. 1 Threat (read October 6, 2026)
- 2-spyware: XiaoBa ransomware shifts into becoming a cryptominer (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)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 6, 2026)