HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS is a term or name for the detection of malicious tools that can be used to unlawfully register commercial copies of Microsoft software products. Security experts warned that using this program to “crack” or patch Microsoft software might lead to the hazardous infection of malware. If HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS is detected on the computer, it simply means that the hack tool was run on the computer to illegally run a commercial Microsoft product.
How does it infect the computer?
There are hundreds of suspicious websites offering free downloads of various tools that Microsoft security products may identify as HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS. Be careful with these programs, as security experts have warned that most malware is distributed globally with this tool.
How does this malware operate?
The moment that this virus runs on the computer, it will drop certain files to activate Microsoft products, specifically MS Office. Aside from that, the Trojan will also place several files and tasks to run malicious code each time Windows starts. In particular, HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS is a program or utility that hackers use to carry out various tasks related to unauthorized access, exploitation, or manipulation of computer systems.
Symptoms
During execution of the hack tool, it will display the following message:
- AutoKMS 2.4.3.0 Ran At.
- Attempting To Activate Microsoft Office
- Attempting to Activate OfficeProPlus-KMS_Client
- Product activation was successful
Hence, there will be no visible symptoms of its discrete operation, where it can allow a remote attacker to see and execute files on the infected computer.
| Avast | Win32:PUP-gen [PUP] |
|---|---|
| Emsisoft | Application.Hacktool.WL (B) |
| ESET-NOD32 | A Variant Of MSIL/HackKMS.I Potentially Unsafe |
| Fortinet | Adware/HackKMS |
| Malwarebytes | Generic.Malware.AI.DDS |
| McAfee | Crack-KMS |
| Sophos | KMS Activator (PUA) |
| Symantec | ML.Attribute.HighConfidence |
| TrendMicro | HKTL_AUTOKMS |
| Webroot | W32.Hack.Tool |
How to Remove HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS
To totally remove HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.
Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program
Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of computer virus like HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS, including all harmful objects from the computer.
To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the computer virus and malicious items linked to it.
Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS
The steps below will guide you to manually remove HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.
The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Boookmark or Print this page.Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.
1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.
2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.
3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.
5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.
Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.Step 2 : Run Sophos Home Virus Scanner
To remove HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS hidden files, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering harmful files associated to HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS.
1. Please click on the link below to download the program.
2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.
3. Install by double-clicking on the file.
4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.
5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.
6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.
7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.
8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS components.
9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.
10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS.
11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS, as well as associated malware and viruses.
After executing the above instructions, HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.
Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps
Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.
Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:
Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:
1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security
2. Click Open to run the program.
3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.
5. Next, please select Full Scan button.
6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS. The process may take a while to complete.
7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.
For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.System Compatibility Notice
We ensured that our method to get rid of HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.
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