What Is Win32:BogEnt and How to Remove It

Although antivirus software is usually trouble-free, there are times when it behaves strangely. Several Windows users have reported that while installing or updating Steam games, antivirus products (especially Avast and AVG) display a “Win32:BogEnt” or “Win32:BogEnt [Susp.]” issue. This message indicates that your antivirus software has quarantined or removed a file from your computer that it believes is malicious.

The error is frequently a false-positive notice, which means the file is safe but the antivirus believes it isn’t. You should not, however, rule out the potential that the file contains a virus or other harmful software. We’ll show you how to verify the quarantined file’s authenticity and legitimacy. This will inform you whether the threat alert for “Win32:BogEnt” is genuine or a false-positive.

What Is Win32:BogEnt and How to Remove It

Note: The troubleshooting tips and solutions in this post apply to Avast and AVG antivirus software.

Use Web-Based Virus Scanners

When your antivirus program raises a “Win32:BogEnt” alert, it should show you where the alleged danger file is located on your computer. Open File Explorer, navigate to the file path, and upload the file to a virus scanning online. If you can’t find the file in its original location, it’s likely that your antivirus has moved it. Restore the file from your antivirus’s “Quarantined” or “Threat history” area.

Uploading the file to numerous virus-scanning websites and comparing the results is recommended. You have nothing to be concerned about if the scan results are negative. Otherwise, remove the file from your computer as soon as possible. After that, check your computer with the same antivirus that triggered the threat alert to make sure there are no remaining malicious files on your machine.

Try a Different Antivirus

Malware detection techniques vary amongst antiviruses. As a result, one antivirus can detect a file as a threat while another security program misses it. If your antivirus keeps alerting you about the “Win32:BogEnt” threat, try scanning the file with a different malware scanner.

If the same file is flagged as a threat by multiple security technologies, it is really a threat. In that scenario, permanently delete the file from your computer.

Scan Your PC With Windows Security

Microsoft’s built-in “Windows Security” (or Windows Defender) detects and removes malware more quickly and effectively than third-party solutions. The application has improved its effectiveness and efficiency in eradicating primary types of dangerous software from Windows computers. Antivirus software is not required for Windows 10.

If the “Win32:BogEnt” alert continues to appear in your antivirus software, do a full system scan with Windows Defender.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and select Scan options.

Select the Full Scan option and click the Scan now button.

A thorough system scan takes more than an hour and operates in the background. The longer the scan takes, the more data (files, directories, active activities & processes, etc.) you have on your computer.

If the problem remains after running the system scan, run an offline scan. Return to the Windows Security menu, select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and click Scan now (see Step #1).

A restart of your computer is required for an offline scan, which takes roughly 15-20 minutes. Before conducting the offline scan, make sure all active applications are closed and your files are saved.

If Windows Defender quarantines or deletes the file (look in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Quarantine), it’s a serious threat to your PC. If the file passes Windows Defender’s scan but your antivirus program continues to flag it as a threat, make sure your antivirus software is up to date.

Update Your Antivirus

Antivirus software that is obsolete or malfunctioning may mistakenly label legitimate files and programs as threats. Check the antivirus settings menu for any available or pending updates if other security software confirms the file’s safety but the “Win32:BogEnt” issue persists. You should also keep your antivirus’s virus definitions–signature files that aid in the detection of harmful programs updated.

For Avast and AVG, head to Settings > General > Update and click both Check for Updates buttons.

Create an Exclusion Rule on Your Antivirus

During security scans, a “Exclusion Rule” or “Exclusion List” instructs your antivirus to skip the impacted file(s). Because both AVG and Avast are run by the same company, the procedures for excluding files are comparable. They use the same security engine and have comparable user interfaces.

Launch AVG or Avast on your computer, click the hamburger menu icon, and select Settings.

Head to General > Exceptions and click the Add Exceptions button.

Enter the file path displayed in the Win32:BogEnt alert and click Add Exception.

You can also use AVG’s advanced exception tool to exclude the file from all security scans.

Return to the “Exceptions” page (see Step #2) and select Add Advanced Exception.

Go to the File/Folder section, paste the file path in the dialog box, and select Submit.

Restart Your Computer

Shutting down and restarting your computer may resolve the issue. Close all open programs, hold down the Windows key, pick the Power icon, and then Restart. Press the Windows key + X, then select Shut down or sign out, then Restart.

Uninstall The Antivirus

As previously stated, the Windows Security feature (also known as Windows Defender) offers adequate protection against typical infections. If none of the troubleshooting options work, uninstall the antivirus software from your computer.

Right-click the Start menu icon or press Windows key + X to launch the Quick Access menu.
Select Apps & Features.

Scroll through the list of applications, select the antivirus, and select the Uninstall button.

Select Uninstall again.

Windows may launch the antivirus program and urge you to confirm the uninstallation. To continue, select Uninstall.

After that, restart your computer. The software’s residual files, directories, and other relevant data will be removed as a result.

Also, while you’re uninstalling your third-party antivirus solution, turn on Windows Defender. It’s dangerous to leave your computer unsecured without a security system in place.

Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings (Virus & threat protection settings) > and toggle on Real-time protection.

Ascertain that the product incorporates the most recent security intelligence. As a result, Windows Defender will be able to protect your device from the most recent threats.

Check the “Virus & threat protection updates” area in the Windows Security app, then click Check for updates.

To summarize, Windows Defender is a comprehensive security application that provides adequate malware protection. However, if you choose to use third-party antivirus software, the troubleshooting steps outlined above should resolve the “WIn32:BogEnt” threat alert.