Fix TDSSKiller won't work on Windows 10/11

It is extremely important to protect the system from malware and other infamous tools. Not only can they damage the system, but they can easily take control of the system in an unauthorized manner. While there are many tools to prevent malware from attacking your system, there are other programs to help you remove rootkits that can hide their presence and still attack your system. It is best to use TDSKiller to avoid such attacks. However, if you are facing issues with this security tool and are unable to properly run it on your system, we have the perfect guide for you. In our today's document, we will learn about how to fix if TDSSKiller won't start in Windows 10 11. We will also learn about what TDSKiller is and how to use TDSSKiller. So, if you've been asking yourself these questions, it's time to find out the answers to them and fix your system in order to use this wonderful tool effectively.

How to fix TDSSKiller won't start on Windows 10/11

Here we have shown ways to fix TDSSKiller not working on Windows 10/11.

What is a rootkit?

Before you know what TDSSKiller is, it is important to know about the culprit that this tool is being used for. The culprit we're talking about is the rootkit.

  • A rootkit is a computer program designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer while it actively hides its presence.
  • Previously, a rootkit was a tool that provided access to the system at the administrator level.
  • The word Rootkit is a fusion of the two words root and kit.
  • This helps a person to maintain control over the computer without the knowledge of the owner of the system.
  • The Rootkit controller can easily run files remotely as well as change system configurations.
  • It can also access log files and monitor owner usage.
  • This malicious use of the Rootkit makes the use of TDSSKiller mandatory to avoid leaking information.

What is TDSSKiller?

  • TDSSKiller is a security application created by Kaspersky Lab for scanning and removing rootkits.
  • These rootkits are known to steal data from a computer through low-level API interception.
  • TDSSKiller is available for Windows PC.
  • This rootkit protection software is genuine and reliable.
  • Windows users are advised not to remove TDSSKiller from their systems unless absolutely necessary.
  • TDSSKiller is a portable software and should be run as an administrator to use it effectively.

How to use TDSSKiller

TDSSKiller is downloaded as a standalone ZIP file or as an executable. Once downloaded, you can follow the steps given below to use TDSSKiller:

1. Launch TDSSKiller to open the welcome screen.

2. Now click "Change Settings".

3. Check the boxes "Check digital signatures of drivers" and "Detect TDLFS file system".

4. Then click OK.

5. Next, click the Start Scan button and wait for it to finish.

6. Upon completion, you will receive a report with threats or no threats found.

7. If any malicious objects are found on your computer, TDSSKiller will automatically take action against them.

8. Once TDSSKiller is done, reboot your system immediately.

Ways to Fix TDSSKiller Won't Work on Windows 10/11

While some users consider TDSSKiller to be a great protector for their PCs, others are unable to use this security tool for some reason. If you are one of them, you can try the various fixes below to resolve the issue.

Method 1: Perform a Clean Boot

The last method you can choose to stop TDSSKiller from working on Windows 10 11 is a clean boot on Windows. Performing a clean boot fixes PC problems that can occur due to corrupted drivers or program files. You can learn about how to perform a clean boot on Windows 10 with our guide and then run TDSSKiller on your system after a fresh start.

Method 2: Run TDSSKiller as Administrator

The first common way to fix the problem with TDSSKiller not working is to run the application on the system as an administrator. Learn more about how you can run this software as an administrator by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows + E keys at the same time to launch File Explorer.

2. Now open the TDSSKiller folder.

3. Then right-click TDSSKiller.exe to open its menu.

4. Finally, select "Run as administrator" from the menu.

Method 2: Run a malware scan

The next method you can use if TDSSKiller won't start on Windows 10 11 is to run a malware scan. It is highly possible that the tool is not working due to a problem caused by a malware infection. If so, it is advised to perform a full PC scan and remove malicious threats from your system. You can easily do this using the built-in Windows Defender on your Windows PC. You can also try using a third party antivirus already installed on your system. If you want to know the details of how to use the anti-malware tool, you can check out our guide "How to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware".

Method 3: Temporarily disable third-party antivirus (if applicable)

While third-party antivirus tools are extremely important in protecting your system from unknown threats and attacks, they can also prevent you from using the TDSSKiller software and prevent it from working. If so, you can disable this third-party antivirus on your PC for a while and run the TDSSKiller security tool effectively. You can read all about how to temporarily disable antivirus on Windows 10 from our guide and implement it on your PC.

Method 4: Run TDSSKiller in safe mode

If you are still unable to solve the problem that TDSSKiller won't start on Windows 10 11, you can try running the software in Safe Mode. Safe Mode helps you run the security tool without any problems or interference. You can learn how to use TDSSKiller in Safe Mode with our detailed guide How to Boot in Safe Mode on Windows 10.

Method 5: Reinstall TDSSKiller

One of the last options left to you if TDSSKiller is still not responding on your PC is to completely reinstall the software. Reinstalling the tool helps resolve the problem with corrupted software files and install missing files, if any. So, try the reinstall method by doing the following:

1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys at the same time.

2. Now type appwiz.cpl in the box and press the Enter key to open the Programs and Features window.

3. In the Programs and Features window, select TDSSKiller and click the Uninstall button.

4. Also remove the remaining TDSSKiller files from Explorer.

5. Now restart your computer.

6. Download TDSSKiller again from the Kaspersky Support page and launch it to use the application without interference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is TDSSKiller.exe?

The TDSSKiller exe answer is the TDSSKiller files that are present on your system after you download the tool.

Q2. Is a rootkit a virus?

The rootkit response is usually associated with malware such as trojans, viruses, and worms. A rootkit hides its existence and actions from users and other system processes in the same way that malware does.

Q3. Can hackers use Rootkit?

Answer Yes, hackers can use Rootkit to break into your computer and change your operating system.

Q4. What does a rootkit do?

Answer A rootkit is malicious software that can access your computer in an unauthorized manner and take over your system, files, and configurations without being detected.

Q5. Can a rootkit infect the BIOS?

Answer Yes, Rootkit is a kind of malware that can easily infect your computer's hard drive and BIOS.

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We hope our guide on how to fix TDSSKiller won't work on Windows 10 or 11 has helped answer all your doubts about TDSSKiller, how to use it, and how to fix this security tool. If our guide was helpful enough for you or you have any questions or suggestions, you can contact us by leaving your comments below.

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