How To Remove Win 8 2013 Antivirus And Other Fake Microsoft Windows Antivirus Software (Rogue Scareware)

Windows 8 2013 Antivirus – Rogue Windows Antivirus Removal

There are a lot of new, fake, and malicious rogue Windows 8 Antivirus programs being discussed as of lately. Some of these fake Win 8 programs being discussed don’t actually exist, they are fabricated by desperate security authors in attempt to rank for a keyword not yet popular, and some are terrorizing all Windows operating systems and it’s large sample of users, not just the new Windows 8 operating system.

This article will discuss how to detect malware affecting your computer and remove rogue Antivirus programs such as fake Windows 8 Antivirus scareware (Removing the Win 8 Antivirus virus).

Remove Win 8 Antivirus

The image above is an example of a fake Windows 8 Antivirus program. The rogue antivirus interface or display you are infected with may look completely different but require the same removal steps.

What is Win 8 2013 Antivirus?

The fake Windows 8 2013 Antivirus rogue program is also known as Win 8 2013 Antivirus. Win 8 Antivirus is related to (or very similar to) a long list of generic rogue threats such as Windows 8 Defender 2013, Windows 8 Security Tool 2013, and others. Though these rogue programs such as Windows 8 Defender 2013 may infect computer systems using a different alias and Antivirus program interface, removal of such parasites is essentially identical with exceptions to exact file names.

Win 8 2013 Antivirus Infection Processes
  • The fake Win 8 Antivirus program first infects a system by using Trojans allowing it to enter and corrupt the system to accommodate the malware’s functionality.
  • The fake Win 8 Antivirus program disguises itself as a fake Windows 8 Antivirus scan, tool, and general Antivirus program.
  • The fake Win 8 Antivirus program performs scans claiming the computer is infected with malware, viruses, and/or Trojans and may also state the computer is facing a series of critical errors and driver errors.
  • The fake Win 8 Antivirus program may also prompt alert messages and notifications claiming the infected computer is being negatively affected by malware and other issues.

The purpose of the rogue Win 8 software is to scare infected users into believing their systems are in danger. In turn, Win 8 2013 Antivirus expects the infected users to purchase the extended license of the fake Windows 8 2013 Antivirus. (Hence the malware category: scareware)

Please note, this is a fake/rogue program. Paying the license fee, or paying for the program is very dangerous. It is NEVER recommended to hand over your credit card information to cyber criminals. Also, paying for the fake Windows 8 Antivirus will not remove the infection or stop any issues.

How to become infected with Win 8 2013 Antivirus

There are many ways to become infected with rogue software such as fake Windows 8 Antivirus software. In particular, Win 8 2013 Antivirus malware may have been contracted by downloading freeware and shareware, most likely associated with file sharing and video codecs or visiting websites hosing malware. Also, in many reported cases, victims stated they had previously opened suspicious emails leading for experts to believe the Win 8 2013 virus can be contracted via falling victim to common online phishing schemes.

How To Remove Win 8 2013 Antivirus – Fake Windows 2013 Antivirus

  1. Antivirus & Anti-Malware Software – Scan, detect, and remove malware
  2. System Restore – Restore computer to date and time before Win 8 Antivirus infection
  3. Uninstall/Manually Remove Fake Antivirus Software – Common guidelines
  4. Safe Mode With Networking – Troubleshoot internet access, remove malware

1. Antivirus & Anti-Malware Sofware

In order to remove Windows 8 2013 Antivirus, we recommend running a full system scan with an actual reputable Antivirus or Anti-Malware program. In this case, use Malwarebytes, the most recommended Antivirus – Anti-Malware software used to scan, detect, and remove malware including rogue software and scareware. View other Antivirus recommendations.

Remove Koda Virus

2. System Restore

Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week or during system updates, including installments of new software.

Windows Recommended Restore And Choose A Restore Point

System Restores can be used to remove entire installments without harming your computer, nor deleting any data including images and videos.

3. Uninstall/Manually Remove Windows 8 2013 Antivirus

The manual process of removing Windows 8 2013 Antivirus from your computer might be very difficult and may put your computer at risk of becoming damaged. Without outlying any Win 8 2013 Antivirus files, folders, and registries, standard instructions to remove software using Window’s Uninstaller is described below.

Uninstall Windows 8 2013 Antivirus From Control Panel

Start > Settings > Control Panel > Uninstall a Program or Add/Remove Programs. Double click infectious program to uninstall.

Delete Windows 8 2013 Antivirus Registry Entries

To access Window’s Registry Editor access Window’s Start Menu and type regedit into the search field followed by pressing Enter.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "Win 8 2013 Antivirus"

4. Safe Mode With Networking

This is great for infected users who need to access the Internet or their network during a rogue malware infection, in this case the Win 8 Antivirus. Use these steps to troubleshoot removing Win 8 2013 and other related software including Windows 8 Defender and Microsoft Essential 2013.
This mode will also bypass any issues where Antivirus or Anti Malware applications have been noneffective or malfunctioning.

The plan with this option is to enter your computer in “safe mode with networking” and install Anti-malware software (or manually detect malware, if knowledgeable . Then proceed to scan and remove malicious files.

1. Reboot your computer in “Safe Mode with Networking”. As the computer is booting (when it reaches the manufacture’s logo) tap the F8 key continuously to reach the correct menu.

On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use your keyboard to navigate to “Safe Mode with Networking” and press Enter. Shown below.

Safe mode with networking

The screen may appear black with the words “safe mode” in all four corners. Click your mouse where windows start menu is to bring up necessary browsing.

2. If you are able to, access the internet, install software such as Malwarebytes and remove Win 8 2013 Antivirus and other rogue programs that may be affecting your system.

3. If you still can’t access the Internet after restarting in safe mode, try resetting your Internet Explorer proxy settings.

There  are 2 separate options below that can be used to reset the proxy settings in the Windows‌ registry so that you can access the Internet again.

How To Reset Internet Explorer Proxy Settings
  • Option 1

In Windows 7 click the Start button . In the search box type run and in the list of results click Run.
-or-
In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.
-or-
In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg add “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings” /v ProxyEnable /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

In Windows 7 click the Start button. In the search box type run and  in the list of results click Run.
-or-
In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.
-or-
In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg delete “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings” /v ProxyServer /f

Restart Internet Explorer and then follow the steps listed previously to run the scanner

  • Option 2

Launch Internet Explorer. In Internet Explorer go to: Tools >Internet Options >Connections tab.
Click Lan Settings button and uncheck the checkbox labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN. Click OK.

LAN Tab

4. It is now recommended to download Malwarebytes (free or paid version, or other software) and run a full system scan to remove rogue software such as Win 8 2013 Antivirus affecting your system.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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