Your computer might be running crypto mining tasks. Check your system logs and resource usage to confirm.
Your computer might be running crypto mining tasks. Check your system logs and resource usage to confirm.
I handled it before with no background processes running, not even GPU-intensive tasks. It still produced the same outcome. I only realized this issue when my computer slowed down while watching YouTube videos—specifically, it struggled to play a 1080p video without buffering, not because of internet problems but due to the GPU handling an already loaded file. Once I opened Task Manager, the GPU returned to normal use and stayed that way even after closing it for about five minutes. I also noticed the GPU fan restarting when it was active again, and the temperature rose afterward.
Typically, crypto mining malware doesn't work nonstop; it activates when you're not using the system or away from your device, which can aid in avoiding detection. This behavior seems quite odd, possibly meant to assist with evasion tactics I discussed before. The random Visual Basic scripts might warrant a complete reset. I understand you ran an antivirus scan, but I’d suggest backing up files just in case you choose to perform a full clean.
I'm happy to share that after using three antivirus programs and performing a thorough scan, I eliminated the miner. The GPU and all disks are now at zero percent, the CPU is running at just two percent, and temperatures are normal. The miner was located in a folder within my Windows Temp directory along with some random executable files in C:. I also discovered a virus in one of my games, which I checked on VirusTotal—it had a rating of 60/71. I made sure to back up everything just in case. Fortunately, a system reset was avoided (at least for now).
P.S.: I only pirate because, in my area, official PS4 and Xbox games are the only options available. No one here sells official PC games or Steam gift cards. If you want to buy games, you need an international card, which I don’t have since I’m a 19-year-old student without personal income. I’ve even contacted Steam support, but they explained that gift cards are region-locked. So I can’t purchase them outside my country. Sadly, I’m not pirating out of choice—I’m just forced by my situation.