3 Ways To Remove Shortcut Virus from Windows 10 PC 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Shortcut Virus
3. Method 1: Using Command Prompt
4. Method 2: Utilizing Antivirus Software
5. Method 3: Employing USBFix
6. Conclusion
   

Introduction

In the digital age, our Windows 10 PCs have become central to both our work and personal lives. However, along with the convenience of technology, we often encounter pesky issues like shortcut viruses that can hinder our productivity. In this article, we will explore three effective methods to remove shortcut viruses from your Windows 10 PC in 2023.

What Is a Shortcut Virus?

Before diving into the solutions, let’s first understand what a shortcut virus is. A shortcut virus is a type of malware that disguises your files and folders as shortcuts. When you try to open them, you are unknowingly executing the virus, which can lead to data loss, system instability, and privacy breaches.

Method 1: Use Command Prompt

One of the most straightforward ways to tackle a shortcut virus is by using the Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + X on your keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Navigate to the Infected Drive: Use the command cd [drive letter]:, replacing [drive letter] with the appropriate drive where the virus is located.
3. Run Commands: Enter the following commands one by one:
   • attrib -h -r -s /s /d [drive letter]:\*.*
   • del [drive letter]:\*.lnk
   • del [drive letter]:\*.vbs
4. Check the Drive: Now, check your drive for any remaining shortcut files. If any are found, delete them manually.

Method 2: Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is your go-to solution when dealing with viruses and malware. Follow these steps to remove shortcut viruses:

1. Install a Reputable Antivirus: Download and install a trusted antivirus software if you don’t already have one. Popular options include Norton, Avast, and AVG.
2. Update the Antivirus: Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date. Most antivirus programs regularly release updates to combat new threats.
3. Perform a Full System Scan: Run a full system scan on your Windows 10 PC. This scan will detect and quarantine or remove the shortcut virus.
4. Quarantine and Delete: Once the scan is complete, review the results, quarantine any infected files, and delete them.
5. Restart Your PC: Reboot your PC to complete the removal process.

Method 3: Use USBFix

USBFix is a specialized tool designed to remove shortcut viruses from external drives like USB flash drives and external hard disks. To use USBFix, follow these steps:

1. Download and Install USBFix: Visit the official USBFix website and download the application. Install it on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Run USBFix: Launch the USBFix application, and it will automatically detect external drives connected to your PC.
3. Scan and Clean: Select the drive where the shortcut virus is located, and click the “Deletion” button to initiate the scan and cleaning process.
4. Review the Report: USBFix will provide a report of the files and shortcuts removed. Verify that the virus has been successfully eliminated.
5. Restart Your PC: Restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion:

Shortcut viruses can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can swiftly remove them from your Windows 10 PC in 2023. Using the Command Prompt, trusted antivirus software, or specialized tools like USBFix, you can regain control over your files and maintain a secure and efficient computing environment.