Windows 10: PowerShell sometimes appears on startup - then disappears Malware

Discus and support PowerShell sometimes appears on startup - then disappears Malware in AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security to solve the problem; Hello!I've downloaded an executable file a few days ago. Only after running it, did Avast flag it as a Trojan.DropperI noticed later that firefox had... Discussion in 'AntiVirus, Firewalls and System Security' started by KaiVL, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:27 AM.

  1. KAIVL
    KaiVL Win User

    PowerShell sometimes appears on startup - then disappears Malware


    Hello!I've downloaded an executable file a few days ago. Only after running it, did Avast flag it as a Trojan.DropperI noticed later that firefox had opened a website, which promptly shot me back me to Google.com. In terms of this, I think maybe my AdBlockers stopped something worse from happening.However, now I notice that every now and again when I start my computer, an empty WindowsPowerShell window opens for a second, before closing again.I've since deleted the malicious file, run virus scans with Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, and Microsoft Safety Scanner - to a result of 0 infected file

    :)
     
    KaiVL, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:27 AM
    #1
  2. PARTHU1708
    Parthu1708 Win User

    Powershell on Startup?

    Whenever I boot up Windows, the Powershell window appears for a split second and disappears (but it remains running in the background). I don't know why but I found out that I have 2 instances of Powershell appearing in my list of Startup apps, both have
    high startup impact.

    Is Powershell supposed to run on startup? What'll happen if I just disable it?
     
    Parthu1708, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:28 AM
    #2
  3. DANIEL_S95
    Daniel_S95 Win User
    Windows PowerShell icon appearing then disappearing in taskbar

    I've been having this infuriating problem for months now. Windows PowerShell will appear then quickly disappear in my taskbar a few times a day. It's just the icon, a window doesn't appear at all. What really makes it infuriating is: it'll minimise any fullscreen
    application I have open at the time.

    I've done multiple virus and malware scans but to no avail. I can provide more details if needed. Thanks.

    <Moved from Virus and Malware>
     
    Daniel_S95, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:28 AM
    #3
  4. MARK ISI
    Mark Isi Win User

    PowerShell sometimes appears on startup - then disappears Malware

    PowerShell randomly poping-up in tool bar

    Hello,

    Just to verify, do you have any scheduled tasks that uses Powershell? Scheduled tasks makes Powershell window appear periodically on your computer, therefore we suggest that you check the Task Scheduler. Here are the steps:

    • Click on Start.
    • In the search bar, type Task Scheduler and click on

      Task Scheduler       in the results.
    • Under Active Tasks, check for any tasks that use Powershell and the scheduled time.

    If the issue still persist, we suggest that you run a Windows Defender scan to see if it will pick up any malware that the first scan missed.

    Let us know the outcome.
     
    Mark Isi, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:28 AM
    #4
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PowerShell sometimes appears on startup - then disappears Malware

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