How to Remove Autorun Virus and Protect Your Computer

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What Is the Autorun Virus?

Autorun Virus is a common type of malware that spreads via removable drives (USB flash drives, external hard drives) and internal disk partitions. It automatically executes upon inserting an infected drive, making it a serious digital security threat. This guide will explain how to remove the Autorun virus, prevent future infections, and secure your device.

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Signs of Autorun Virus Infection

🛑 Common Symptoms:
✅ Slow computer performance.
✅ Strange files or folders appearing on your drives.
✅ Restricted access to certain files.
✅ Unwanted programs opening automatically.
✅ Disabled system functions like Task Manager or Registry Editor.

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How to Remove the Autorun Virus

1. Disable Autorun in Windows

Prevent the virus from executing automatically when inserting infected drives.

✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2️⃣ Navigate to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > AutoPlay Policies

3️⃣ Select Turn off AutoPlay and enable it.

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2. Use Antivirus Software

A reliable antivirus program can detect and remove Autorun malware.

✅ Recommended Steps:
✔ Install Kaspersky, Bitdefender, or Malwarebytes.
✔ Update your antivirus database to detect the latest threats.
✔ Perform a full system scan, focusing on removable drives.

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3. Remove Autorun Virus Manually Using Command Prompt

If antivirus software fails, you can delete the virus manually.

✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + R → cmd → Enter).
2️⃣ To show hidden infected files, type:

attrib -h -r -s autorun.inf
del autorun.inf

3️⃣ Repeat for all infected drives (C:, D:, etc.).
4️⃣ Manually delete suspicious .exe or .vbs files you did not create.

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4. Repair System Files (Optional)

If the virus has caused system damage, fix corrupted files.

✅ Steps:
1️⃣ Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2️⃣ Run the following command:

sfc /scannow

👉 Windows will scan and repair corrupted system files.

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How to Prevent Autorun Virus Infections?

🔹 1. Disable Autorun Permanently

Follow the steps in Section 1 to prevent automatic execution of removable drives.

🔹 2. Use a Trusted Security Program

Install an antivirus that automatically scans USB drives upon insertion.

🔹 3. Avoid Opening USB Drives Directly

Instead of double-clicking a USB drive, right-click and select Open to prevent auto-execution.

🔹 4. Scan USB Drives Before Use

Always scan removable devices with an antivirus before accessing them.

🔹 5. Keep Your System Updated

Regularly update Windows and drivers to patch security vulnerabilities exploited by malware.

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Best Tools to Remove Autorun Virus

🔹 USB Disk Security – Specialized in protecting USB drives.
🔹 Malwarebytes Anti-Malware – Detects and removes advanced malware.
🔹 Panda USB Vaccine – Prevents autorun.inf from executing automatically.