Virus problem

Do not run or manually delete ACE.exe; identify its location and publisher, then use Windows Security to quarantine or remove it because the filename alone does not confirm that it is malware.

1. Identify where ACE.exe came from

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. If ACE.exe is running, right-click it and select Open file location.
3. Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures and Details.
4. Record:
   • Full file path
   • Publisher
   • Product name

In Windows terminology, “ACE” normally means Access Control Entry, a permissions concept—not a standard executable named ACE.exe.^1^ However, a third-party application can legitimately use that filename, so avoid deleting it until it has been scanned.

If it belongs to a recognizable application under C:\Program Files\..., uninstall that application through Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps → application’s three-dot menu → Uninstall. For a suspicious application, Microsoft recommends cleaning detected threats before uninstalling the associated app.^2^

2. Scan and remove it with Windows Security

1. Open Start → Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & threat protection → Scan options.
3. Select Full scan → Scan now. A full scan checks every file and program.^3^
4. When complete, open Virus & threat protection → Protection history.
5. Expand the detection for ACE.exe:
   • Choose Quarantine if its identity is uncertain.
   • Choose Remove if it is confirmed as a threat.
   • Do not choose Allow on device unless the file and publisher are trusted.

Quarantine blocks the file from running; Remove deletes it. Protection History requires administrator privileges to display threat details.^4^

3. Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Run this if Defender cannot remove the file, ACE.exe returns after restarting, or suspicious behavior continues:

1. Save all open work—the computer will restart.
2. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options.
3. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) → Scan now.
4. After Windows restarts and the scan finishes, return to Windows Security → Protection history to review the result.

The offline scan runs without loading normal Windows, making it harder for persistent malware to hide or defend itself.^5^

If nothing is detected

• Verify that Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection updates → Check for updates has current definitions, then scan again.
• If the suspicious file remains undetected, submit it to Microsoft for malware analysis using the submission option documented in Microsoft’s malware troubleshooting guidance.^5^
• If malware keeps returning or has damaged Windows, back up personal documents—but not unknown executables—and use Settings → System → Recovery → Reset PC. Resetting or reinstalling is the fallback when malware has caused irreversible changes.^5^

For a more specific determination, provide the full path, publisher shown under Digital Signatures, and the exact entry displayed in Protection history—without posting account names or other personal information.

References

1. Access Control Entry - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed#summary)
3. Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support
4. Protection History in the Windows Security App | Microsoft Support
5. Troubleshoot problems with detecting and removing malware | Microsoft Support