I found an unwanted program on my personal laptop after installing a Nintendo emulator. My antivirus does not detect it, and uninstalling it only removes it temporarily—the program eventually returns. I also deleted a scheduled task that seemed to be reinstalling it, but after several days it appeared again. What information or steps would help identify what is bringing it back and remove it safely?
4 Answers
A clean Windows reinstall is the most reliable option if scans cannot find the persistence mechanism or the program keeps returning. Back up only personal documents and photos—not installers or unknown executable files—then erase the system drive and reinstall Windows from official installation media.
If the emulator came from an unofficial download site, treat the system as potentially compromised. Disconnect it from the internet while investigating, remove the emulator and related software, run multiple reputable scans, and change important passwords from a different clean device if you entered them on this laptop.
It may still be malware even if it does not seem harmful. Antivirus programs can miss newer or less common threats. Try running a full scan with Malwarebytes, preferably after updating it, and also check Windows Security's offline scan option.
There is not enough information to identify the program yet. The exact name, where it was downloaded, how you uninstalled it, and when it returns would all matter. Also check Task Manager, Startup Apps, scheduled tasks, and installed programs for entries connected to it.
I'm not very experienced, so I wasn't sure what details were relevant. It came with an installation related to a Nintendo emulator, and this is my personal computer.
I meant that the unwanted program keeps reinstalling itself, not that I wanted to reinstall it. I understand now that a clean Windows reinstall may be the final way to be certain it is gone.