I was scammed and need to know how do I uninstall Anydesk?

Question

I was scammed by a person using Anydesk and I was advised to uninstall it. Whoever did this also left a large program on my computer which probably was able to remote access my files especially when I get my government pensions. I need to know exactly how to uninstall Anydesk now, please.

Answer 1

1

Open the Settings App.

Go to Apps - Installed Apps.

At the top of the installed apps list, set the order from the drop-down menu to date installed.

Then check for any app(s) that may have been installed on the date that you were scammed on and uninstall them from there.

2

Then the best option is to perform a full scan of your system with the Microsoft Safety Scanner to ensure your PC is clear of malware.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/safety-scanner-download

Answer 2

Follow these steps to uninstall AnyDesk and other unwanted remote-access software in Windows 11, then secure the device.

1. Uninstall AnyDesk (and other suspicious apps)

Use Apps in Settings:

1. Press Windows logo key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Apps > Installed apps.
3. In the search box, type AnyDesk.
4. Select More options next to AnyDesk, then choose Uninstall and follow the prompts.
5. Repeat for any other remote-control or unknown programs that appeared around the time of the scam.

If it does not appear there, use Control Panel:

1. In the taskbar search box, type Control Panel and open it.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Find AnyDesk (and any other suspicious program), select it, then choose Uninstall or Uninstall/Change and follow the prompts.

If still not listed, use the built-in remover:

1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
2. Look for an AnyDesk folder (or the name of the large remote-access program).
3. Open the folder and double-click the Uninstall, Uninst.exe, or similar file if present, then follow the instructions.
   • Do not delete the folder manually if there is no uninstall file; that can damage Windows or other software.
4. Remove other deceptive or unknown software

In Settings > Apps > Installed apps or Control Panel > Programs and Features:

1. Carefully review the list for programs not recognized or installed.
2. Uninstall anything clearly related to the scam or that is not needed, using the same uninstall steps.
3. Scan for malware and deceptive software
4. Open Windows Security.
5. Go to Virus & threat protection.
6. Select Scan options and run a Full scan.
7. Follow any recommendations to remove or quarantine threats.

If deceptive software is suspected to remain, contact the antivirus vendor in use or use tools recommended by them to remove stubborn software.

4. If remote access was given to scammers

Because scammers had remote access:

1. Consider using Windows recovery options to reset the device if problems or suspicious behavior continue. See Recovery options in Windows from Microsoft for detailed steps.
2. Change passwords for important accounts (email, banking, government portals) from a trusted device.
3. Monitor financial accounts and report any suspicious activity to the bank or card provider.
4. Ongoing protection
5. Keep Windows Update turned on and install all security updates.
6. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, pop-ups, or emails claiming to be from Microsoft or government agencies, especially those asking to install remote-access tools or call a phone number.

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References:

• Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows
• Unexplained Windows or software behavior may be caused by deceptive software
• Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Windows app support tools
• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses