RKill

2.9.1.0 Malware process killer for Windows

Sven Sorensen

Review: Software that terminates malware processes running on a Windows PC to facilitate malware removal.

Freeware antivirus software download, reviewed by Sven Sørensen
Stop running processes that cannot be stopped via Task Manager - Screenshot of RKill
Free Software for Security Seekers - Screenshot of RKill
Time to Get Protected - Screenshot of RKill
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Disables malware processes from running, enabling clean up.

RKill is an anti-malware tool to stop malicious processes from running on a computer, detect and delete malicious software, and protect against ransomware.

Due to the utility's straightforward CLI nature, it's easy to use and highly effective, making it a must-have for anyone who wants to stay safe online.

In the event that your PC has been infected by some malware and you're having issues with your antivirus or anti-malware application removing it, it might be necessary to use a program like RKill to actually kill the process so that it may be removed.

With RKill, you are normally able to forcefully stop running processes which wouldn't be possible with Windows Task Manager. RKill may also perform some system optimizations so that your antivirus program may continue with quarantine or removal.

The main feature of RKill is its ability to detect and terminate malicious processes. It quickly scans the computer and locates malicious processes running in the background, giving users the option to terminate them and ensure their computer is safe from potential threats.

It's worth noting that when you use RKill to combat malware, it won't actually remove or otherwise quarantine the file but merely stop it if your antivirus program is unable to. It may also be helpful if whatever malware you are infected with has compromised your security software.

RKill isn't a replacement for antivirus or anti-malware, but it can be a useful tool in your arsenal against malicious software.

Features of RKill

  • Command Line Usage: Supports command line operation for automation.
  • File Scan: Scans files and folders for malicious programs.
  • Hosts File Scan: Scans the Windows Hosts file for malicious entries.
  • Logging: Logs all actions taken by RKill.
  • Malware Removal: Terminates malicious processes and removes malicious files.
  • Notifications: Notifies user when malicious processes are terminated or files are quarantined.
  • Process Scan: Scans running processes and services for malicious activity.
  • Registry Scan: Scans the Windows Registry for malicious entries.
  • Scheduled Scan: Schedules scans to run automatically.
  • Startup Scan: Scans the startup folder, Run, RunOnce and other Registry keys.
  • System Cleanup: Cleans up temporary files and other system resources.
  • System Restore: Disables Windows System Restore functionality.
  • System Scan: Scans system files for malicious programs.
  • Uninstaller: Removes RKill and related files from the system.
  • Web Protection: Blocks malicious websites and malicious downloads.

Compatibility and License

RKill is provided under a freeware license on Windows from antivirus with no restrictions on usage. Download and installation of this PC software is free and 2.9.1.0 is the latest version last time we checked.

What version of Windows can RKill run on?

RKill can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. It runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems with no dedicated 64-bit download provided.


Filed under:
  1. RKill Download
  2. Free Antivirus
RKill has been picked by our editors as very good.
RKill has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested RKill 2.9.1.0 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.