We review files commonly found on (mainly Windows) computers. Many users find these files and become concerned that they may be a virus or other forms of malware such as spyware or trojans.
We look at the following types of files:
Executable .exe Files
These executable files are working programs used by the computer to perform tasks.
They are used by the Windows operating system and any legitimate software used by users. But they are also the way used by hackers to run viruses and other malware.
Some examples:
rundll32.exe | Used To Run DLL Files | Safe?
What Is rundll32.exe? Is it safe? How to remove rundll32.exe if it’s a virus, spyware or a trojan.
unsecapp.exe | Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Infrastructure
Should you remove the unsecapp.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We take a look – see our recommendation here.
atieclxx.exe | Part of AMD External Events
Should you remove the atieclxx.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it safe? We investigate.
qtwebengineprocess.exe | Part Of QT’s Cross Platform Software Framework | Safe?
Should you remove the qtwebengineprocess.exe file from your computer? Is this file a virus, a trojan, or a type of spyware? Or could it be a legitimate file? We investigate
IAStorIcon.exe | Intel Array Storage Technology Icon Service
IAStorlcon.exe is an executable file used by Intel to manage storage devices in your computer set up. It is usually entirely safe and should not be removed.
tiworker.exe | The Windows Modules Installer Worker
tiworker.exe , also called the Windows Modules Installer Worker, is one of the system processes present in Microsoft Windows systems. This executable file is responsible for the installation of new…
mrt.exe | The Microsoft Removal Tool
Should you remove the mrt.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Conhost.Exe | Console Windows Host
Should you remove the conhost.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Gwx.exe | Part Of Microsoft’s Windows 10 Marketing
Is gwe.exe safe? Below is an explanation of exactly what gwx.exe is and does. And whether you need to remove it.
cacaoweb.exe | Adware Or Legitimate?
Should you remove the cacaoweb.exe file from your computer? And what is it? A virus, trojan, spyware, or is it a legitimate executable file? We investigate.
Appvshnotify.exe | Part Of Microsoft’s Vitualization Platform
Should you remove the appvshnotify.exe file from your computer? Is this file a trojan, virus, or spyware? Is this file legitimate? We investigate.
MsMpEng.exe | Microsoft Windows Defender Antispyware
Should you remove the MsMpEng.exe file? Is the file spyware, a virus or trojan? Or could it be a legitimate file? Stay with us as we investigate.
HxTsr.exe: Part Of Microsoft’s Operating System
Should you remove the HxTsr.exe from your computer? Is this file a virus? Trojan, Spyware, or is it a legitimate executable file? Keep reading as we investigate. What is HxTsr.exe?…
Playstv.exe: Is This Plays.TV File Safe?
Should you remove the Playstv.exe from your computer? Is this file, developed by Plays.tv, safe? We investigate. If you opened your Task Manager and decided to have a look at…
Pnkbstra.exe | The PunkBuster Service Component
Should you remove the pnkbstra.exe from your computer? And what is it? Is it a trojan, virus, spyware, or is it a legitimate file? Join us as we investigate!
Agcinvokerutility.exe | Is This Adobe File Safe?
gcinvokerutility.exe, aka the GC Invoker Utility, is a product of Adobe Systems, Inc. and if it’s in your computer system–Click here to learn more
sedlauncher.exe: What it is and How it affects Windows Update Services
SedLauncher.exe is a crucial component of Windows 10 updates, but its high CPU and RAM usage can be taxing. Click here to learn more about this .exe file.
Aswidsagenta.exe | Part Of AVAST’s Identity Protection
The aswidsagenta.exe file is part of the Identity ProtectionEelement offered by Avast. If you are one of the many users of the Avast Complex protection system, you know that one…
svchost.exe | Service Host
Service Host, like the name suggests, hosts Microsoft services and will load all the DLLs files of program by itself. Click here to learn more
acmon.exe | What Is This ASUS File? Is It Safe?
The acmon.exe file is a software component of ASUS Splendid Video by ATK (ASUSTeK Computer Inc.). It is usually entirely safe and should not be removed.
RAVBg64.exe | The Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
The RAVBg64.exe file runs the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver which works your computer’s speakers and headphones. It is usually entirely safe and should not be removed. You opened your…
compattelrunner.exe | Compatibility Appraiser Telemetry Runner
Should you remove the compattelrunner.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Instup.exe | Is This AVAST File Safe?
Should you remove the instup.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We take a look – see our recommendation here.
GSvr.exe | Motherboard Operating Software
Should you remove the GSvr.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Guides & Reviews
We also have guides on everything to do with the cybersecurity world, including:
Best Malware Removal Tools Reviews
The Best Malware Removal Tools. Reviews of the top 5 tools to remove trojans, spyware , viruses and other malware from your computer.
How to Show Hidden Files In Windows 10
Learn how to show hidden files in Windows 10. As great as Windows is, it doesn’t always make it easy for you to find your files, especially hidden files. We…
Best Online File Scanners
What is the best online scanner? Reviews of software built to ensure the Microsoft Office and zipped files you download are safe.