Somehow downloaded Trojan:Win32/Malgent without opening it. Should I be worried now?

Question

Somehow downloaded Trojan:Win32/Malgent without opening it. Should I be worried now?

ernest schneider 25

I saw a download in progress and didn't download anything on purpose. I did not open the file. I immediately ran a security scan with Microsoft Defender and saw or Trojan:Win32/Malgent. I removed it Immediately. Completed a full scan with Defender and Microsoft Safety Scanner. Shows clean. Should I be worried now?

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Answer accepted by question author

David-M 126.5K Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Since the file was never opened or executed, and both Microsoft Defender and the Microsoft Safety Scanner now report the system as clean, there is no reason to worry.

The automatic download you observed was likely a "drive-by download" triggered by a malicious advertisement or redirect on a website, which does not mean your PC was infected. A Trojan typically requires execution to cause harm. The system remains secure because no execution occurred, meaning the malware never had the chance to run or modify system files. Furthermore, Microsoft Defender detected it and removed the threat immediately, and subsequent full scans have confirmed that no remnants or secondary infections are present. As a precaution, you can clear your browser's cache to completely remove any temporary scripts or files stored during the automatic download.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

ernest schneider 25 Reputation points

2026-07-03T20:57:34.7666667+00:00

Thanks. Kind of what I was hoping to hear. I did remove temp files, browser history and cache and deleted the file from my recycle bin too.

Computer has a touchscreen as well as keyboard. I accidentally touch ads when typing so I'll disable that. Again thanks for your answer.

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ernest schneider 25 Reputation points

2026-07-03T20:57:34.7666667+00:00

Thanks. Kind of what I was hoping to hear. I did remove temp files, browser history and cache and deleted the file from my recycle bin too.

Computer has a touchscreen as well as keyboard. I accidentally touch ads when typing so I'll disable that. Again thanks for your answer.

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