RKill

Overview

Rkill is a malware removal utility developed by BleepingComputer. It is designed to terminate known malware processes that prevent security software from running, allowing users to perform malware scans and removal without interference. Rkill does not delete files but stops malicious processes and resets registry settings to help traditional antivirus programs clean infections more effectively.

Features

• Terminates active malware processes.
• Disables malicious registry modifications.
• Prevents malware from blocking security tools.
• Generates a detailed log of terminated processes.
• Portable and does not require installation.

Compatibility

Rkill is compatible with:

• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• Windows 11

Usage

1. Download Rkill from the official BleepingComputer website.
2. Run the executable as an administrator.
3. Allow the tool to terminate malware processes.
4. Review the generated log file for details on stopped threats.
5. Immediately run a full system scan with an antivirus or anti-malware tool.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• ✔ Effectively stops malware from blocking security programs.
• ✔ Portable and does not require installation.
• ✔ Free and frequently updated.

Cons

• ✘ Does not remove malware—only stops active processes.
• ✘ Requires additional antivirus or malware removal tools.
• ✘ Some security software may flag it as a false positive.

Alternative Software

• Malwarebytes – A malware removal tool with real-time protection.
• HitmanPro – A cloud-based malware scanner.
• RogueKiller – A malware detection and removal tool with advanced process termination.

Developer

• Company: BleepingComputer
• Status: Actively maintained and regularly updated.

External Links

• Rkill Official Download Page
• BleepingComputer Security Forums