Question Dual Boot To Check an Executable File?

[Mysteryman2]

I have a Windows 10 machine and have downloaded a .exe file that I would like to run. Windows Defender has flagged it as being a trojan virus and, although I am fairly sure it is OK, I don't want to take the risk!

Just wondering if I could create a dual boot on the PC and run the file in a separate version of W10. Would that isolate the problem if it did, indeed, turn out to be a virus or would I still be running the risk of it infecting all the PC?

Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

That will not isolate anything at all.

The entire PC and all drives are vulnerable.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Personally I would err on the side of caution and defer to what Windows Defender is telling me.

 

[Hellfire13]

If you have the Win 10 Pro version, you should have the Windows Sandbox feature by default. You can activate it and then run the file in there. Sandbox is a feature meant for running programs in isolation like in your case...
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...tion/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-overview

If you have the Home version, you can try to install Sandbox...
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials...-sandbox-feature-windows-10-home-edition.html

You can also try external Sandboxes, if the Windows Sandbox doesn't work...

Best Sandboxing Software For Windows PC [2023]

Best Sandboxing software in your PC is a new way to keep it safe from malicious threats of the outside world. The software creates a virtual space within the machine and all the unknown downloads can be done within it.

wethegeek.com

 

[kerberos_20]

you could try it in virtual machine, it will be isolated there

 

[Grobe]

You can also upload any exe file to virustotal.com to get an assessment from several anti virus and anti malware software vendors.

 

[USAFRet]

you could try it in virtual machine, it will be isolated there

Not necessarily.
Some viruses can detect if it is being run in a VM, and shut itself down. Just to trick you into thinking it is safe.

 

[LORYT699]

I have a Windows 10 machine and have downloaded a .exe file that I would like to run. Windows Defender has flagged it as being a trojan virus and, although I am fairly sure it is OK, I don't want to take the risk!

Just wondering if I could create a dual boot on the PC and run the file in a separate version of W10. Would that isolate the problem if it did, indeed, turn out to be a virus or would I still be running the risk of it infecting all the PC?

Thanks

as said from the others, a virtual machine like sandbox will isolate you from some viruses but some pass anyway.
If you want to scan it you can try a web called integer analizer, foud it from a pc security guy on you tube(he is popular but don t remember the name) or if you want to execute it just discconect ur disck and usa a garbage one if you have.
I don t wanna suggest you to buy one cause are money spent.
btw microsoft security can detect as viruses also some codes that are not actually viruses, but enyway just don t execute them

 

[alceryes]

Upload it to virustotal.com and see what 30 different AV softwares think of it.