Why does Command Prompt flash several times when my PC starts?

Whether malware is likely depends on what you’ve installed and clicked recently. If you regularly download unknown software or open suspicious links, take the warning more seriously and perform an offline or full security scan. If the computer is otherwise behaving normally, a legitimate updater or startup script is a more likely explanation.

A single brief Command Prompt window can be harmless, but several appearing every boot is worth investigating. Check Task Manager’s Startup section and look for unfamiliar programs, then run a full scan with your installed security software. You can also review recently installed applications and scheduled tasks if the behavior continues.

The FPS drops may be unrelated, since graphics drivers, background programs, overheating, or power settings can all affect performance. Still, check what launches at startup and scan the computer rather than assuming either malware or hardware updates are responsible.

This can be caused by apps or scripts configured to run during startup, and it isn’t automatically a sign of a virus. Open your system’s Startup Apps settings and temporarily disable nonessential entries, leaving your security software enabled. Restart afterward to see whether the Command Prompt flashes stop.