AutoHotkey Flagged as Virus by Antivirus

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Verify the file

   Copy steps
   1. 01Download AutoHotkey only from autohotkey.com
   2. 02Upload the file to VirusTotal or Jotti and read the engines that flag it
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Report the false positive

   Copy steps
   1. 01Submit the file to Microsoft or your antivirus vendor as a false positive
   2. 02Wait for updated definitions (reportedly often within a day for Microsoft)
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Exclude your own file

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
   2. 02Under Exclusions add the specific file or folder
   3. 03Do not disable Defender entirely
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Avoid triggers when compiling

   Copy steps
   1. 01Do not compress the exe with UPX or MPRESS
   2. 02Try the 64-bit base binary on 64-bit PCs
   3. 03Share the .ahk source instead if recipients can install AHK
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Defender or another antivirus quarantines AutoHotkey, Ahk2Exe or a compiled .exe, naming a trojan or generic detection.

Why it happens

• C-01Heuristics flag input-automation behaviour
• C-02AHK is also used in malware, so reputation is poor
• C-03Compressed (UPX/MPRESS) compiled scripts are flagged more
• C-04Fresh unsigned exes with no reputation

// this guide also covers

• autohotkey virus
• autohotkey trojan
• ahk2exe false positive
• autohotkey defender

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Other AutoHotkey errors

• AutoHotkey v1 Script Not Working in v2
• AutoHotkey Error: This Line Does Not Contain a Recognized Action
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working in Admin Windows
• AutoHotkey Anti-Cheat Errors and Bans in Games
• AutoHotkey Send and Click Not Working in Games
• AutoHotkey Modifier Key Stuck (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win)
• AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working on Non-English Keyboard Layouts
• AutoHotkey Script Slow or Laggy Under High CPU