Win32:KadrBot: what it is and how to remove it
Win32:KadrBot is a detection name for a potentially malicious file or program that can be found while browsing the web on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser. Ultimately, users reported that their security software flagged this several times when trying to download Windows updates or accessing random websites.
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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Win32:KadrBot: summary
| Name | Win32:KadrBot |
|---|---|
| Type | Trojan |
| Infiltration | Trojans can be installed in various ways, including drive-by downloads, email spam, via software cracks, etc. |
| Dangers | Malicious actors could download additional payloads on the infected machine, steal information, and perform other nefarious actions while controlling the device remotely |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 5 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| First seen | 14 January 2021 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
What Win32:KadrBot does on an infected PC
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Win32:KadrBot - a Trojan that negatively impacts your online security
Win32:KadrBot is a detection name for a potentially malicious file or program that can be found while browsing the web on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser. Ultimately, users reported that their security software flagged this several times when trying to download Windows updates or accessing random websites.
This detection is categorized as a Trojan by security applications, which means that malware with all types of functionalities can be behind it. For example, malicious actors can initiate automatic Win32:KadrBot virus updates, install other malicious software, or spy on your every move while using a Windows PC.
In addition, popups from antivirus could also indicate that it is a false positive due to connection integrity issues, although it is highly unlikely. Despite this, it is imperative to investigate each of the security software flagged issues immediately, especially if it returns after seemingly being removed.
Possibly the biggest question when dealing with unknown detections from anti-malware is how does this threat manage to gain access to the PC? Since Win32:KadrBot is considered a Trojan, it is likely to be disguised as a legitimate component or application. For example, users who attempt to download a pirated version of WinRar or another program might get infected with a Trojan, all while believing that the installer is secure.
Once installed, malware can initiate a variety of changes on the targeted Windows machine. These include, but are not limited to:
These modifications might cause significant deterioration of an operating system, causing crashes, errors, and similar issues - even after Win32:KadrBot removal. If that is the case for you, we highly recommend applying system fixes with a reputable repair program known as , it can fix virus damage automatically.
Once the malware is installed, it can begin the activities it was programmed to do. For example, Trojans can be used to proliferate other malicious software or steal various sensitive information, such as credit card details or account login credentials. This data can later be sold on the underground hacking forums for profit or used as a means to initiate scam and phishing campaigns against the targeted individual.
If your security software fails to detect and remove Win32:KadrBot virus on time, you might get infected with threats such as backdoors or ransomware. The latter is particularly dangerous, as it can result in a permanent personal file loss, as well as financial loss if the ransom is to be paid to cybercriminals. Best examples of such infections include Coos, Hub, or Qlkm.
In many cases, users were unable to delete the infection permanently and said that it kept coming back as soon as the PC was rebooted or at random intervals. To ensure that no malicious actions are taking place, we highly recommend you re-scan your machine with alternative security software, such as or .
There is a chance that Win32:KadrBot might also be related to a background connection that Windows tries to establish while attempting to apply the latest updates via tlu.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com or a similar URL. Some security suites are unable to verify this connection as secure, hence it is flagged as being malicious, and users see the Win32:KadrBot pop-up. In such a case, you could also apply an exclusion to your security software.
- Modification of Windows registry
- Scheduling new tasks
- Initiation of new services and processes
- Dropping of various malicious files
- Establishing persistence mechanisms, etc.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Win32:KadrBot
- Malware can cause serious issues on the machine, and even its elimination might not fix them.
How to remove Win32:KadrBot
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
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:KadrBot 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 2: Remove it from startup
Whatever Win32:KadrBot 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Prevent malware infiltration before it damages your OS
There is numerous malware in the wild, and each of the strains has its own purposes and functions.
Some malware is established for the purpose of simply sending spam to other users and infecting them as well. In the worst-case scenario, attackers might know everything about you, and you might not even know that they are watching over your every move. That is a scary thought, and you should do everything to avoid such destructive behavior enabled by malicious software.
For that, it is vital you employ adequate tools that would help you detecting threats while browsing the web or opening unverified emails.
However, security software, regardless of which one, can never protect you 100% due to simply too many various malware being out there (malicious actors constantly find new ways to evade detection). Here are some tips from industry experts that could help you achieve the highest level of security:
- Never download pirated applications or software cracks;
- Employ additional security tools: ad-blocker, firewall, web security app, etc.;
- Apply the latest security patches for your operating system and all the installed programs;
- Never reuse passwords - use strong ones;
- Backup all per important files on a regular basis.
From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since
Win32:KadrBot Trojan elimination process described
As evident, if your security software flagged a potential infection, you should not think twice and remove Win32:KadrBot from your system before it manages to cause any damage to your personal safety and computer security.
In case malware keeps coming back (it can happen when security software does not delete all the malicious components or files from the system), you should perform a repeated scan with another tool, such as or . can is used as a remediation tool to fix any underlying issues that could be caused by a virus infection.
Nonetheless, Win32:KadrBot removal should sometimes not be performed immediately. The detection might be connected to a false positive, so each of the cases should be investigated individually. In other words, it all depends on what you were doing during the time of a pop-up, what websites your visit, and what configuration you have on your system.
[GI=method-1]Use Safe Mode with Networking if you are unable to delete malware in normal mode:
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Accounts come next
Because the PC showed win32:KadrBot 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 Win32:KadrBot
Can I safely uninstall Win32:KadrBot?
If you did not install Win32:KadrBot 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.
Win32:KadrBot 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 Win32:KadrBot 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.
Should I reset my PC because of Win32:KadrBot?
Only if the signs point to deeper access. Reset when you see win32:KadrBot in the list of installed apps 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 I keep using the PC while Win32:KadrBot is on it?
Not for anything that matters. As long as the program behind win32:KadrBot in the list of installed apps 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.
Which malware family is Win32:KadrBot?
That is not known yet. Win32:KadrBot has been reported by people who saw win32:KadrBot in the list of installed apps, but no sample has been analysed publicly, so security companies have not assigned it to a family. The name you see may be a file or program name chosen by the authors, not a family name.
This does not stop you from removing it: the startup points, the offline scan and the account steps are the same for most families of this type. If Microsoft Defender or another scanner gives the file a detection name, write it down; that name is the best clue to the family and is useful when you report the incident.
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.
Can Win32:KadrBot 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 Win32:KadrBot 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.
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:KadrBot, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Will Fortect remove Win32:KadrBot?
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:KadrBot, 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
- Wikipedia: Trojan horse (computing) (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)