A hidden keylogger on a computer is a dangerous software that records every keyboard button pressed by the user. It can send your banking information, passwords, OTPs, emails, social media accounts, and personal data to hackers. The biggest problem is that many keyloggers can bypass antivirus software and remain hidden in the background of your system.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss the 9 best ways to identify and completely remove any hidden keylogger from your PC.
1. Identify Unknown Processes through Windows Task Manager
Keyloggers often run in the background and appear as normal programs.
Steps:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Go to the Processes Tab
3. Check for processes with unknown names or high memory consumption
4. Right-click on it and check the Open File Location
If the file is in Temp, AppData, or a suspicious folder, it could be a keylogger.
2. Run a Full System Scan with Antivirus (Not a Quick Scan)
A full scan or deep scan is best for detecting hidden spyware and keyloggers.
Windows Defender
Quick Heal
Avast
Kaspersky
Bitdefender
Malwarebytes
Features that easily catch keyloggers:
Real-Time Protection
Rootkit Detection
Spyware Removal
Boot Time Scan
3. Use Anti-Malware and Anti-Keylogger Software
Antivirus software cannot detect every keylogger because many keyloggers use AES encryption or DLL injection. Therefore, extra anti-malware is necessary.
Best Anti-Keylogger Tools
| Software | Advantage |
| ——————— | ——————————- |
| Malwarebytes | Advanced Malware Detection |
| SpyShelter | Real-Time Keylogging Protection |
| Zemana Anti-Keylogger | Encrypted Keystroke |
| HitmanPro | Cloud-based Rootkit Removal |
These tools easily remove hidden, injected, and stealth mode keyloggers.
4. Check Startup Apps and Background Services
Keyloggers start automatically as soon as the system boots up.
Steps:
Open Run: Win + R
Type: msconfig
Open the Startup or Services tab
Disable unknown software
Also in Windows 10/11:
Task Manager → Startup
If an app with a strange name has a High Startup Impact, it might be suspicious.
5. Check Browser Extensions and Add-ons
Many keyloggers install themselves directly as extensions that steal:
Form Filling Data
Online Banking Information
Password Autofill
Check:
Chrome: chrome://extensions
Edge: edge://extensions
Firefox: about:addons
Immediately remove third-party extensions, unverified extensions, or those with an unknown publisher.
6. Delete Temporary Files and Logs
Keyloggers save all the stolen information in logs, which are stored in hidden folders on the computer.
Important Cleanup Commands:
%temp%
temp
prefetch
recent
Tools like CCleaner or Advanced System Care also remove logs and hidden scripts.
7. Check Network Activity and Suspicious Remote Connections
Keyloggers send the stolen data to hackers. This can be identified through network monitoring.
Steps:
Run Cmd
Type: `netstat -ano`
If a connection to a strange, unknown remote IP address is visible, the system may be compromised.
Best Network Protection Tools:
GlassWire Firewall
Comodo Firewall
TinyWall
These tools prevent unknown programs from accessing the internet.
8. Boot into Safe Mode and Delete the Keylogger
In Safe Mode, only system-required files run, not malware.
Boot to Safe Mode:
Settings → System → Recovery → Restart → Troubleshoot
In Safe Mode:
Uninstall suspicious programs
Run an antivirus scan
Delete temporary logs
Removing the keylogger in Safe Mode is 90% effective.
9. Format / Reset System (When nothing else works)
If the keylogger is:
Installed at the root level
Located in the boot sector
Firmware-based
Then formatting is the only solution.
Two Ways:
Reset Windows (Keep Files)
Fresh Installation (Best & Cleanest)
Formatting completely removes the keylogger because it overwrites the boot record.
Best Security Tips to Prevent Future Attacks
Download all software from official websites
Never open unknown email attachments
Avoid free software cracks/patches
Use a VPN and a paid antivirus
Keep two-factor authentication enabled
Change your password every 45 days
Keep clipboard and keylogger protection enabled
Can a keylogger be installed on a mobile phone?
Yes, mobile keyloggers:
Can be installed on Android via APK files
Can be installed on iPhones via jailbreak tools
and can record calls, messages, WhatsApp, etc.
Conclusion
Hidden keyloggers are a major security threat, but if you regularly:
Perform antivirus scans, using anti-malware tools, monitor startup programs, and practice secure browsing, and you can protect your computer and sensitive data. By properly using the 9 methods mentioned above, you can detect and permanently remove any keylogger.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Hidden Keylogger Removal in Hindi
Can a keylogger be installed on a system without being detected?
Yes, a keylogger can be installed on your PC without any warning, especially when you use cracked software, free tools, or unknown email attachments.
How can a keylogger be detected?
You can identify hidden keyloggers by checking the Task Manager, performing a deep antivirus scan, monitoring network activity, and checking startup programs.
Can antivirus alone remove a keylogger?
Not always. Many advanced keyloggers use encryption and rootkit techniques, so you should also use anti-malware or anti-keylogger tools.
Does formatting completely remove a keylogger?
Yes, formatting or a fresh installation removes the keylogger 100%, especially if it’s hidden in the boot sector or deep system layers.
What kind of data does a keylogger steal?
A keylogger can steal the following information:
Passwords
OTP
Banking Details
Social Media Login
Email Communication
Personal Chats
Can a keylogger be present on a mobile phone?
Yes, a keylogger can also be installed on a mobile phone through spy APKs or jailbreak tools and can record calls, messages, and location details.
What is the best way to protect against keyloggers?
Download software from official sources, avoid cracked versions, use paid antivirus software, and perform scans regularly.

