Win32:BogEnt: what it is and how to remove it
Win32:BogEnt is a heuristic detection that describes unusual behavior of particular files located on the host system. Multiple users complained that they got the pop-up claiming that malicious files were found in relevant folders, which were removed or quarantined as a consequence.
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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Win32:BogEnt: summary
| Name | Win32:BogEnt |
|---|---|
| Type | Malware |
| Infection means | You can infect your machine with malware in various ways, including downloading pirated or cracked software, not having anti-malware software installed, failing to update your operating system and the installed programs on time, opening malicious file attachments, etc. |
| Affected systems | Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 |
| Is it a false-positive? | Win32:BogEnt is a heuristic detection definition, meaning that certain behavior is analyzed in order to conclude whether the file is malicious. In some cases, a behavioral analysis might not detect files correctly and flag legitimate data as malicious. In this case, if you encountered this detection while playing Steam games, it is likely that the detection is false |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| 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 7 more facts
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown process in Task Manager |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| File names | libcef.dll |
| First seen | 2 February 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What Win32:BogEnt does on an infected PC
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Win32:BogEnt is a computer virus detection name that is based on behavioral analysis
Win32:BogEnt is a heuristic detection that describes unusual behavior of particular files located on the host system.
Multiple users complained that they got the pop-up claiming that malicious files were found in relevant folders, which were removed or quarantined as a consequence. However, many others had doubts about it, and not in vain, as, in some cases, the detection might indeed be a false-positive.
Nevertheless, users should never ignore WIN32 BogEnt or any other detections that are flagged by their AVs. The behavioral analysis looks for particular signs and symptoms of certain files or programs that are dropped on the system. Therefore, dismissing the possibility that the detection can indicate malware infection is not adequate, either.
To make sure that your machine is clean, you should scan the detected file with another security software. Once you are sure that the detection is a false-positive, you can add it to your exception list and wait for relevant anti-virus engines to update their definitions. Finally, you should not hesitate to remove Win32:BogEnt if other anti-malware tools are flagging it as malicious
The virus detection can relate to various game titles, including Company of Heroes 2, H1Z1 King of the Kill, Chuzzle Deluxe, Path of Exile, and many others, as well as flagging such files as libcef.dll, libcef.exe, bgeometry.exe, galaxy.dll, LaunchPad.libs, etc.
Therefore, if you see the detection after updating or downloading a game, it is most likely a false positive, as Steam is a secure gaming platform that makes several checks that do not allow malware to be distributed via it (however, it does not avoid issues as a platform).
Simply because Win32:BogEnt is heuristic does not mean that is can never be a real threat. Malware can be downloaded by users without them realizing it. Cybercriminals use the following methods for its distribution:
Therefore, if you engage in high-risk activities or disable your security software for some reason, there is a high probability that it is indeed malware. What it can do on your system, however, is very hard to tell, as this particular name can be attributed to various types of malware, including rootkits, Trojans, data stealers, ransomware, and others.
After malware elimination, you should also take care of your computer's health. Keep in mind that infections can alter the way Windows works negatively. As a result, you might experience lag, slowdowns, crashes, BSODs, and other symptoms, even after virus elimination. If you want to avoid these disturbances, we highly recommend remediating your system with .
- Exploits
- Fake updates
- Unprotected RDP connections
- Spam emails
- Drive-by downloads
- Software cracks, etc.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
To avoid malware from intruding your computer, make sure you practice safe browsing habits
As mentioned before, malware developers use various distribution methods in order to infect as many users as possible.
While some techniques might be more sophisticated than others, all of them work to a certain degree and, in most cases, the end-users are the vector that triggers the infection. Therefore, you should be aware that malware could infect your computer in places you least expect, although certain exposures to online threats are triggered purposely (such as downloading of software cracks despite knowing the risks).
Security experts from zondervirus.nl claim that comprehensive security solutions, along with safe online browsing practices, can make an enormous difference when it comes to computer security and online safety.
Thus, ensure you always install the latest security updates on time, equip your machine with anti-malware software, backup your files, never download software cracks/pirated programs, install ad-block and never click on suspicious email attachments or hyperlinks in spam emails. Also, you should make sure that all your accounts are protected by strong passwords that are never reused - best would be employing a password manager.
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Ways to deal with Win32:BogEnt detection
If you saw this detection on your computer, you should never ignore it.
Either you will not be able to play your favorite Steam games or malware will be performing malicious activities behind your back - and you definately do not want that. Therefore, take immediate action and do not ignore the issue. Before you remove it, however, you need to ensure that it is not a false positive.
For that, you should employ another security application and perform a full system scan - you could use , , or another anti-malware software. If it gets flagged as well, proceed with Win32:BogEnt removal as soon as you can, as malware might cause tremendous damage to the PC and your online safety.
If a secondary scan returns no detections, you should exclude the file from being scanned again and enlist it into the exception list. We include the instructions for both security applications:
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Make an exclusion Avast
- Go to Menu and select Settings
- Pick General tab on the left and click on Exceptions
- Click on Add Exception button
- You need to type in the file path of the file or select browse to specify the file in question
- Find the file and click OK
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
Make an exclusion on AVG
- Click on the menu at the top-right and pick Settings
- Next, go to General > Exceptions
- Select Add exception
- Type in the file path or find it via the Browse option and click OK
From our report of Feb 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Win32:BogEnt
- The definition is only used by Avast and AVG anti-malware software and seems to be related to video games from Steam, as well as pre-installed ones.
- If the file is malicious, you should eliminate it immediately.
- It can find and fix Windows registry, correct system settings and ensure that your device works just as well as before
- Besides, a game developer confirmed that Avast and AVG flag their game files as malicious due to the way the "hotloading" works - the feature is related to updating the game without needing to restart it.
How to check the PC for Win32:BogEnt
- File:
libcef.dll
How to remove Win32:BogEnt
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 libcef.dll runs from and stop it
libcef.dllis 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 Win32:BogEnt 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 Win32:BogEnt 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.
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.
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 libcef.dll 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.
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 Win32:BogEnt
Is libcef.dll safe?
It depends on where the file is and who signed it, not on the name. Open Task Manager, go to the Details tab, right-click libcef.dll and choose Open file location. A file inside Program Files or System32 with a valid digital signature from a known company is usually part of a legitimate program.
A file in AppData, Temp or ProgramData with no signature, especially one that restarts itself after you end it, is suspicious. If you cannot tie the process to anything you installed, uninstall recent unfamiliar programs and run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
Can I end libcef.dll 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 libcef.dll 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 libcef.dll?
Deleting libcef.dll by hand rarely removes Win32:BogEnt. 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.
Can I keep using the PC while Win32:BogEnt is on it?
Not for anything that matters. As long as the program behind an unfamiliar process called libcef.dll 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.
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.
Should I reset my PC because of Win32:BogEnt?
Only if the signs point to deeper access. Reset when you see an unfamiliar process called libcef.dll 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.
Why didn't my antivirus stop Win32:BogEnt?
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.
Which malware family is Win32:BogEnt?
That is not known yet. Win32:BogEnt has been reported by people who saw an unfamiliar process called libcef.dll in Task Manager, 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.
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 Win32:BogEnt, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Will Fortect remove Win32:BogEnt?
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 Win32:BogEnt, 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
- WhatIs: False Positive (read October 7, 2026)
- Steam: Avast! scanned my PC and then deleted the exe for this game?! (read October 7, 2026)
- PaloAlto Networks: What is an Exploit Kit? (read October 7, 2026)
- Zondervirus: Zondervirus (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)