Author: furtivex

  • How to Manage Windows Defender Exclusions

    Many newer forms of malware are adding an exclusion into Windows Defender when they initially bypass the antivirus. This is to prevent its detection and removal for when Windows Defender catches on and updates their virus signatures. It assumes the user manually added it.

    After you’ve cleaned the system from any malware, it’s a good idea to remove any exclusions you don’t recognize.

    Here’s a guide on how to manage Windows Defender exclusions:

    Click the Start button / Windows logo on your Taskbar:

    Select Settings:

    Click Privacy & security:

    Click Windows Security:

    Choose Open Windows Security:

    Choose Virus & threat protection:

    Choose Manage Settings:

    Scroll down towards the bottom of this page until you find Exclusions. Select Add or remove exclusions

    From this list, you should be able to click any entries you don’t recognize and remove them. This area, by default, is empty

    You’re done!

    -Furtivex

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    thisisu « AT » furtivex [.] net

  • How to Turn Off Windows Defender Real-Time Protection

    Here are some facts about Windows Defender with a guide on how to turn off its real-time protection

    Windows Defender is the default antivirus solution for computers running Microsoft Windows 10 and 11.

    You can’t uninstall or remove Windows Defender, but you can disable its real time protection.

    If you install additional antivirus to the computer, Windows Defender will remain dormant on the system.

    Here are the steps to toggle real-time protection:

    Click the Start button / Windows logo on your Taskbar:

    Select Settings:

    Click Privacy & security:

    Click Windows Security:

    Choose Open Windows Security:

    Choose Virus & threat protection:

    Choose Manage Settings:

    Click the bar to toggle between On and Off. Leave it in the OFF position to disable real time protection

    When you are finished cleaning your system or running the software you wish to run without interference, turn Real-time protection back ON

    Hopefully you found this guide useful!

    -Furtivex

  • How to Avoid Unwanted Pop-Ups

    If you have ever been using a browser and suddenly received a pop-up such as this one:

    Close the tab instead of clicking ‘Allow’ or ‘Block’

    If you press “Allow”, you not only add a setting to your browser that you won’t like, but you’ll start to get inundated with notifications (FakeAlerts) such as these:

    Some of these show up in your browser, and some will appear in the bottom-right corner of your screen

    It’s important to note that these are fake alerts designed to scare you into clicking “Install antivirus”, “Proceed..” etc. Essentially, they want you to visit a website of their choosing. Usually they receive some sort of payment for sending you there

    It’s important to be aware of what you click.

    If you need help with removing this type of problem, check out DoesNotBelong as it supports many browsers, except Gecko based browsers (FireFox, WaterFox, Floorp, etc…)

    If you’d like to do this yourself, open your browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, etc..) and type one of these into the address bar and then press ENTER:

    • edge://settings/content/notifications
    • chrome://settings/content/notifications
    • brave://settings/content/notifications
    • about:preferences#privacy <–Firefox users

    From this page, you should be able to immediately find the offending entry:

    Once you click Remove, the offending pop-ups should immediately disappear if they were active on your screen.

    Afterwards, consider using an adblocker and updating your hosts file. Here is mine if you are interested: Hosts_Adultxxx

    -Furtivex

  • Safe Mode & Safe Mode with Networking

    The scripts are capable of running in Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking

    You may wish to utilize this mode if you suspect the system is heavily infected and/or you’re experiencing a lot of lag/CPU spikes while in Normal Mode. It’s almost always faster to start the repair process here, but getting into Safe Mode may seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, it’s easy! Follow the steps below to enter and exit Safe Mode.

    Note: The Task Scheduler cleaning portion of the scan does not work while in this mode. This is the only downside. Task scheduler is a persistence mechanism for most modern malware. The script will still hunt for and delete all other types of traces on the system. It is recommended to rerun the scan when Normal Mode becomes tenable.

    Here are the instructions to boot your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer into Safe Mode with Networking

    Type: MSCONFIG

    Press Enter key

    The System Configuration utility appears:

    Click the Boot tab near the top

    In the Boot options area located in the bottom left of the window

    Click Safe Boot

    Click Network

    Click OK

    You’ll have the option to Restart or Exit without restart. Regardless, the next time you boot your PC, it will be in Safe Mode with Networking

    Once you are done with Safe Mode with Networking, use the MSCONFIG once again

    Uncheck Safe Boot

    Click the General tab in the top left area

    Click Normal startup

    Click OK

    Restart Now or Later

  • PrivWindoze

    Take Back Control of Windows Telemetry & Bloatware

    PrivWindoze is a free, no‑frills tool that removes hidden telemetry, Microsoft extras, and unwanted system components that slow your PC and invade your privacy.

    ⚠️ There are no options or confusing settings — just one button to clean what most users don’t even know is running in the background.


    ✅ What It Does

    PrivWindoze targets and removes:

    • Built‑in programs and services that collect data (telemetry, analytics)
    • Microsoft extras like Cortana, Edge, OneDrive, and more
    • PC vendor companion apps and junk utilities (e.g. Asus, Dell, Lenovo extras)
    • Other telemetry services (e.g. Nvidia Analytics, Microsoft Visual Studio Collector)

    It’s designed to make Windows leaner, faster, and more private.


    ⚙️ How It Works (Simple Steps)

    1. Download the PrivWindoze tool (just 3 MB)
    2. Right-click → Run as administrator (this gives it permission to remove certain components)
    3. Let it do its job — it will scan, remove, and generate a log report
    4. Review the log to see exactly what was removed


    🛑 A Few Important Notes

    • Because it removes Microsoft Edge, make sure you have a different browser installed before running PrivWindoze
    • It may trigger antivirus warnings (especially from Defender) because it makes system modifications
    • Supports Windows 10 & 11 (64‑bit)
    • You can also run it in Safe Mode if needed
    • Multiple languages supported (English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, etc.)

    🤔 Who This Is For

    PrivWindoze is ideal for people who:

    • Are concerned about Windows sending data without consent
    • Want a faster, cleaner PC without bloat or hidden services
    • Prefer simplicity — no confusing options
    • Don’t mind that it’s a powerful tool (use with caution)

    It’s not for users who want to toggle every setting individually — for that, other tools might be more appropriate.


    🚫 No Ads. No Tracking. Just Clean Windows.

    PrivWindoze is made by the same team behind DoesNotBelong. We build tools for privacy, transparency, and performance — not profit.

    The tool is completely free to use. If this tool helped your system, consider donating here to support continued development and keep it ad‑free.


    🔽 Download PrivWindoze


    📋 Log & Transparency

    A log file is generated (on your Desktop and in C:\) after the scan. It shows exactly what was removed. You can review it yourself or share with a helper if you need assistance.


    🚨 Disclaimer & Safety

    This tool makes real changes to your system. Use it at your own risk.

    While we take care to avoid breaking essential Windows features, always backup your data before running. We strongly recommend reviewing the log afterward.


    💬 Want Help?

    Visit the forums or reach out via GitHub Issues to report bugs or ask questions.


    📈 Why It’s Free

    You won’t see ads here. No tracking. No upsells.
    Privacy and control shouldn’t require a subscription.
    If you find it valuable, your donation helps keep it alive and independent.

  • DoesNotBelong

    Fix a Slow or Infected Windows PC — Quickly and Safely

    DoesNotBelong is a free, no-nonsense tool that helps clean up unwanted software, malware traces, and system junk from your Windows PC.

    🛠️ No installation needed. Just run, scan, and review the results.


    ✅ What It Does

    • Checks for suspicious programs, junk files, and background tasks
    • Automatically removes common malware leftovers
    • Generates a simple log file with everything it found
    • Respects your privacy — no data is sent anywhere

    ⚙️ Works on:

    • Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11
    • Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems
    • Best run as Administrator (right-click > Run as admin)

    🧑‍💻 Who Is It For?

    • Regular users with slow, weird, or infected PCs
    • People who got help on a forum and were told to run this tool
    • Anyone who wants a cleaner, faster computer with less hassle

    📋 What to Expect

    1. Download the tool (just 3 MB)
    2. Double-click it and accept the disclaimer
    3. It will scan your system and clean automatically
    4. A log file will be saved showing what it found

    🧑‍🔧 If you’re getting help from someone, share the log file with them.


    🚫 No Ads. No Tracking. Just Results.

    DoesNotBelong is developed by a malware analyst active in the cybersecurity community. It’s built for privacy, performance, and transparency — not profit.

    The tool is completely free to use. If it helped fix your PC or saved you time, you can support ongoing development by donating here. Your support helps keep it independent, ad-free, and trusted by the community.


    🔽 Download Now


    🛡️ Trusted by Malware Helpers Worldwide

    Used daily on trusted security forums like BleepingComputer, Malwarebytes, SafeZone, and InfoSpyware to help users clean infected PCs.


    ✳️ Bonus Tool: PrivWindoze

    Also made by us — disables Windows telemetry and privacy-invasive features. Learn more →


    🚨 Disclaimer

    This tool is powerful. While it’s built to be safe, it removes real system items. Use at your own risk.


    📸 Quick Look

    Here’s a quick look at DoesNotBelong in action — scanning, cleaning, and logging efficiently.

    Main scan screen
    🔍 Main scan screen
    Results log file

    📄 Results log file

    💬 Want Help?

    Visit the forums or reach out via GitHub Issues to report bugs or ask questions.


    📈 Why It’s Free

    Because privacy and security shouldn’t require a subscription. Your support helps — donate here, or just spread the word.