Fake Windows Update Virus Removal and Prevention Tips in 2024

In this post, we'll cover:

1. 1. What Is Fake Windows Update Virus?
2. 2. How Can I Tell if I Have a Fake Windows Update Virus?
3. 3. How to Remove Fake Windows Update Virus
4. 4. EaseUS Security Zone: Fully Protect Virus from Encrypting or Damaging Files

With the proliferation of computer viruses, it's more important than ever to be aware of the different types of malware and how to remove them. One particularly insidious type of virus is the fake Windows update virus. This type of malware is designed to trick users into installing it, typically by displaying a fake Windows update message. Once installed, the virus can encrypt files and demand a ransom for their decryption. In some cases, the virus steals personal info and cryptocurrency. In this article, we'll show you how to spot a fake Windows update virus and how to remove it from your PC.

Important: We'll also introduce the new "Security Zone" feature of EaseUS backup and recovery software at the bottom of the article, which is embraced by thousands of worldwide users after its release. This security zone is exclusively designed to hide everything you backed up on your computer from being found, detected, or destroyed by any type of notorious virus, ransomware, and trojan software. It's never too late to save an important backup to EaseUS Security Zone.

What Is a Fake Windows Update Virus?

Related searchings can be:

• Fake Windows update (hidden ransomware)
• Fantom ransomware
• Fake Windows 11 update delivering malware
• Fake Windows 11 upgrade installs malware and steals information

The fake Windows update virus is actually a Fantom ransomware type. It mimics a real Windows update screen with a big friendly "Download now" button for all those interested in a Windows 10 or Windows 11 upgrade. Once downloaded, the fake update installation is saved as a 1.5MB ZIP file containing "Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe". As a result, the ransomware cheated you to install a fake update on the surface, but it was encrypting your files, and tweaking Windows default antivirus software, Windows Defender, and most security products on your computer to lose efficiency.

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How Can I Tell if I Have a Fake Windows Update Virus?

There are a few tell-tale signs that can help you tell a fake Windows update virus on your PC. One of the most obvious signs is the presence of fake messages or pop-ups from Microsoft (System Tray) or other software companies (web pages). 

Another way to tell if you have a fake Windows update virus is if your files have been encrypted or corrupted. This is often done by the virus in order to extort a ransom from the user. In some cases, if your computer has been infected with a fake Windows update virus, your files/folders extension will be changed to .fantom or something like that.

Related Post: Have you noticed Windows Defender Security Warning?

How to Remove Fake Windows Update Virus

So now we know how to spot a fake Windows update, but what should you do if you come across one?

Step 1. Run a full virus scan for removal

The best thing to do is simply ignore it and move on. Don't click on the fake update or visit the website that it takes you to. If you have already clicked on the fake update, then you should run a virus scan on your computer as soon as possible. This will help to remove any malware that may have been installed as a result of clicking on the fake update.

There are many excellent anti-malware programs that can detect and remove fake Windows update viruses, including Malwarebytes, Spybot Search & Destroy, and AdwCleaner. If you don't have an anti-malware program installed on your computer, we recommend downloading one of these programs and running a scan.

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Once the scan is complete, you should see a list of any malware that was detected. Be sure to remove all of the fake Windows update virus files from your system by selecting the "Delete" or "Quarantine" option.

Step 2. Reset your browser settings

Once you noticed a fake Windows update virus infection, it's important to reset your browser settings. This will help to prevent future attacks by fake updates and other types of malware.

In Google Chrome: Open Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.

In Mozilla Firefox: Open Settings > Home > Reset Firefox.

In Microsoft Edge: Open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.

Step 3. Format your computer to remove the virus

Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no more proven ways to decrypt files locked by the fake Windows update virus. You will need to format your computer, do a clean install and recover files from backup. 

Take your computer to a repair center if you can't remove the fake update virus or cannot rescue files by yourself. You should be prepared for the high expense of a manual recovery service from virus damage.

EaseUS Security Zone: Fully Protect Virus from Encrypting or Damaging Files

It's important to be able to recognize a fake Windows update in order to protect your computer from possible harm. However, one priority of being able to quickly recover from destructive virus infection is with necessarily available backups that have been staying safe from the virus event! 

To prevent a computer virus from damaging user data through encryption and corruption, EaseUS Todo Backup can do you a favor: it allows users to create backups of important OS, files and emails in a security zone where virus/malware can never find. This is so far the most effective way to keep your data safe in case of any malware or virus attack.

How to save backups to EaseUS Security Zone for full protection:

Step 1. Select Backup Contents

On the main window, click the big question mark button to select backup contents. You can choose to back up individual files, entire disk or partition, operating system and mails. 

Step 2. Select Security Zone as Backup Destination

While selecting backup destination, you can see the Security Zone option. Click Security Zone and use it as a backup destination.

However, if you're first to use the Security Zone function, EaseUS Todo Backup will guide you to create one. Click "Create Security Zone".

Choose a partition with enough free space for your backups and then click "Continue".

You can adjust the partition size for the security zone. Click "Create" to get it done. 

Step 3. Execute the backup task

Click "Backup Now" to start the backup process. Your backups of OS, files, drives and mails in the security zone will be fully protected from being seen or destroyed by virus, ransomeware and trojan. 

FAQ on Fake Windows Update Virus

Can a virus fake a Windows update?

Yes, a virus can fake a Windows update. The most common way that viruses do this is by displaying a pop-up message that looks like a legitimate Windows update notification. When you click on the message, it will download and install the virus onto your computer. Another way that viruses can fake updates is by redirecting your web browser to a fake update page that looks identical to the real thing. If you enter your password or other sensitive information on this fake page, the virus will steal it and use it to wreak havoc on your life. So, always be careful when updating your Windows computer, and make sure that you only download updates from the official Microsoft website.

Are Windows updates malicious?

No, Windows updates are not malicious. However, as we mentioned above, viruses can fake updates in order to trick you into installing them. So, always be careful when updating your Windows computer, and make sure that you only download updates from the official Microsoft website.