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What is WSDScan.sys? A Virus or Malware and Uninstall

On your computer, you may find that a file called WSDScan.sys keeps popping up in your Task Manager. This can be quite annoying because this file can slow down your computer by using 100% of your processor’s time and memory resources, slowing the speed of your system to a crawl. In this article, we will go over what WSDScan.sys is, why it slows down your computer, and how to remove it and prevent it from happening again in the future.

What is WSDScan.sys?

WSDScan.sys is a Windows security file that is used to identify malicious files that are running on your computer. This scan can be accessed by pressing the Windows logo key + R, typing MSConfig into the run dialogue box, clicking the Startup tab in System Configuration Utility, checking the box next to Windows Security, then clicking OK. It will provide you with information about the process you have selected (WSDScan.sys).  

Is WSDScan.sys a Virus or Malware?

WSDScan.sys is not a virus or malware, but it can cause some issues with your computer if you don’t know what it is and how to remove it. The file, which has been around since at least 2001 according to some reports, monitors the Windows System Directory for changes in the contents of files that are critical to system stability. 

If a change is detected, then an alert message will be sent to the Windows event log for troubleshooting purposes. It’s important to note that while this is a legitimate function, it may also create problems when using certain programs or installing certain drivers. 

And unfortunately, many people have found out too late because they’re unaware of this file and what it does until they’ve tried uninstalling one program after another without success until finally stumbling upon the answer: their issue was caused by WSDScan.sys! Sometimes the best thing to do is just leave it alone, although there are ways to disable it like running services.MSC and finding Windows System Directory Watcher. 

Just right-click on it and select Properties followed by clicking on Startup type where you’ll see two options: Disabled or Automatic (delayed). Selecting Disabled will stop the service from starting up automatically while choosing Automatic (delayed) means it won’t start up again until the next boot. 

You’ll want to reboot your computer before trying anything else so that WSDScan.sys isn’t interfering with other processes in case you choose to disable it; otherwise, selecting Disabled might take effect sooner rather than later. Remember, you should only use these methods as a last resort, as disabling or deleting this process could cause more harm than good. But thankfully there are plenty of easy fixes available online if all you need is a few pointers to fix any pesky WSDScan.sys errors on your own and get back to business as usual.

How To Uninstall WSDScan.sys

If you are seeing the WSDScan.sys in your processes, it’s possible that you have a virus on your computer which needs to be removed. If you are unable to find the file anywhere on your computer, then you may need to contact IT support for assistance in order to remove the virus from your device. If you want to try removing the virus by yourself, please follow these steps: 

  1. Search for processes with names like WSD Scan and end them 
  2. Empty recycle bin/remove files associated with WSD Scan 
  3. Use antivirus software to scan for viruses (AVG has a free version) 
  4. Update the operating system as necessary  9. Reboot devices as needed, as well as delete any files remaining in the empty recycle bin or folders. Once completed, confirm if there is still an issue with your computer.

How To Protect Your Computer From Viruses and Malware

To keep your computer safe from viruses, malware, and other security threats, it’s important to install antivirus software on your device. There are a number of free options available through the internet that you can use to protect your devices.

 Keeping antivirus software up-to-date will ensure that it’s able to detect new threats in order to keep you safe online. The best way to find out if your antivirus software has been compromised is by checking the company website for updates. 

If there are any updates available, download them and install them right away. If no updates have been made recently, make sure to update your software at least once a month. It’s also a good idea to check the company website every so often to see if they’ve released an update since the last time you checked. 

It is also recommended that before updating, it would be prudent to back up your data just in case something goes wrong during installation. Once installed, always run an anti-virus scan using your preferred antivirus software as soon as possible. 

Be aware of how much data you’re uploading, downloading, or sending over email and social media channels. When shopping online, avoid clicking on links in emails that seem suspicious. 

Additionally, be wary of what information you give out when signing up for accounts online – avoid providing personal information whenever possible, and don’t provide sensitive information such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers without reading reviews about the site first. And finally, report anything suspicious!

How Can I Detect a Virus on My Computer?

The best way to detect a virus on your computer would be to: 

  • Run antivirus software that’s up-to-date, such as Microsoft Security Essentials or Avast! Antivirus. Install the latest updates for both the operating system (Windows) and browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox). If you’re running an older version of Windows (XP or Vista), install Service Pack 3 and Internet Explorer 8. If you’re running Windows 7, install all available updates. 
  • Install third-party security software like Norton AntiVirus 2012 or Spybot Search & Destroy to supplement your existing antivirus program in protecting against malware and viruses. 

Check out some common symptoms of virus infection in this blog post, so you can better identify them when they happen. Keep in mind that these programs will not find any threats if your computer has not been scanned before, so it is always important to have current anti-virus protection installed before scanning. 

Most computer viruses come from email attachments, websites, and USB drives. Make sure to scan external drives with built-in malware protection before transferring files back and forth between computers. Viruses are constantly changing, but there are two types that seem to be the most prevalent today; Rootkits and Trojans.

Conclusion

This concludes what we know about the WSDScan.sys file, a virus or malware, and how to uninstall it if it has been found on your computer system. 

If you have any questions about this then please post them in the comments section below and we will do our best to help you out!

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Michelle Paulsen

Michelle, a former author for renowned tech publications TechCrunch and The Verge, has established herself as a prominent figure in technology journalism. With her deep industry knowledge and experience, she excels at breaking down complex tech topics into engaging, reader-friendly articles. Known for her sharp analysis and compelling storytelling, Michelle has a proven track record of enlightening readers about the latest tech trends and innovations.

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