HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is a detection for a malicious program or file that was designed to bypass a restriction on the commercial software and computer programs. This threat can be identified and removed by legitimate antivirus software as Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Other security products are also capable of detecting this threat, but they may assign a different name other than HackTool:Win32/ProductKey.
Summary
This particular detection covers the group of malicious files like cracking applications, keyword generators, or any kinds of hacking tools that were designed to circumvent the restrictions being applied on the commercial software and programs. Therefore, if HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is detected on the computer, we highly recommend an immediate cleanup to remove this virus. Neglecting its presence on the computer could be the basis for further issues.
How to remove HackTool:Win32/ProductKey?
Below are the recommended security software that can be run on the computer to find and delete any malicious files belonging to HackTool:Win32/ProductKey.
- Combo Cleaner for Windows
This software combines both antivirus and system optimization features. The special method it uses to combat computer viruses and maintaining the health of the system is the selling point of this program. - Windows Defender/Windows Security (Windows 8 and 10/11)
This built-in security software for Windows provides the latest antivirus protection. Because the program is integrated in the system, it runs immediately and begins protecting the computer the moment that Windows starts. - Microsoft Security Essentials (Windows 7 and Vista)
Users of Microsoft Windows Vista or older versions can freely scan the computer for viruses and malware using this efficient security application.
The virus scan should be run in full mode. This is the best method to detect HackTool:Win32/ProductKey or any relevant viruses from the computer. We also suggest running a full scan after disabling the System Restore to avoid reinstating the virus just in case that this feature is compromised.
Procedures
The instructions for removing HackTool:Win32/ProductKey will require the computer to restart and run in Safe Mode; as such, you may not be able to access this guide during the process. We recommend Printing this procedure or viewing this page on another device.
1. Before running any virus scan, please make sure to disable System Restore on your Windows system.
2. Next, we need to start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking. This will prevent the malicious code from running.
3. After booting up the computer in Safe Mode with Networking, please download and scan the computer with the recommended anti-virus program as stated above.
4. There is no harm in checking the computer with multiple virus scanners to ensure that HackTool:Win32/ProductKey is completely eliminated.
For more help
HackTool:Win32/ProductKey belongs to a group of malicious programs and huge amount of this threat are already in the wild. To find a specific variants and relevant removal guide, please see our list of HackTool threats.
You may also submit a comment below or start a discussion topic on our Adware, Malware, and Virus Problems Community Page.
Version Name | Alert Level | Date Added |
HackTool:Win64/ProductKey.G | Severe | Aug. 22, 2022 |
This malware just showed up on my Defender scan of a “new”/refurbished laptop I received yesterday (HackTool:Win32/ProductKey Affected items: file: C:\files\produkey-x64-produkey-x64\ProduKey.exe). Before doing anything further, I searched for how to remove this malware and found your page. I am not able to run Windows Defender in Safe Mode (Windows 10). When I open Windows Security in Safe Mode, I get “Security at a glance”, “See what’s happening with the security and health of your device and take any actions needed” but then there’s just a blank white page and no scan options. As well, my Network is not enabled in Safe Mode so I am unable to download anything in Safe Mode. How do I enable Windows Defender in Safe Mode? What are next steps for removing this malware that has been quarantined?
@K, It could be that your laptop is running pirated software. If you cannot download WD, your OS might not support it. I suggest downloading/installing Malwarebytes. Then, reboot in SafeMode and scan your computer.
If the identified file is not that important, you might just delete it, and your problems will be gone.