Some Asus PCs display a Christmas banner, leading some users to mistake it for malware
In December 2024, it was reported that a Christmas banner suddenly appeared on the PCs of users using ASUS PCs and ASUS motherboards. Some users have criticized it, saying that it is 'like malware.'
Asus bombards Windows 11 with christmas.exe malware-like Christmas wreath banner
Asus holiday popup sparks malware scare among users | TechSpot
https://www.techspot.com/news/106075-asus-holiday-popup-sparks-malware-scare-among-users.html
Below is a banner celebrating Christmas from ASUS. The banner, which covers about a third of the screen, shows a Christmas wreath with lights and a red switch, as well as a message saying 'Press Esc to exit.'
In addition, when checking this banner in the task manager, it was found to be running an executable file called 'Christmas.exe.' According to overseas media Windows Latest, some users have reported that they have been hacked or infected with malware due to the popularity of Christmas-themed malware in recent years.
Additionally, Windows Latest points out that 'if this banner pops up while playing a game, it may cause the game to crash.'
One user reported about 'Christmas.exe' that 'I disconnected from the Internet and checked the location of the Christmas.exe file, and it was in the ASUS folder in program data.'
It was eventually discovered that the banner was caused by ASUS ArmouryCrate, a software that comes pre-installed on some ASUS PCs and motherboards. ASUS ArmouryCrate sometimes displays splash screens themed around seasonal events.
Therefore, there is no harm in closing or ignoring Christmas.exe. However, one user criticized the program, saying, 'Suddenly, a nameless, uninformative forced popup was introduced, and the program that appears at the forefront of the desktop is now a virus.' Another user pointed out, 'This program had no brand name, no announcements, no indication of its origin in the application name. If they're going to make me install such intrusive software, at least stop making it look like malware.'
According to foreign media Techspot, if you want to remove this banner, you will need to turn off 'Festive Effects' in the 'Aura Effects' section of ASUS ArmouryCrate.
The best option is to uninstall ASUS ArmouryCrate, or if you're using an ASUS motherboard, open the BIOS and switch 'Download & Install ARMOURY CRATE app' to 'Disabled.'
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