appvshnotify.exe is an executable file developed by the Microsoft Corporation as part of its virtualization platform.
If you opened your Task Manager to check your computerโs performance and came across appvshnotify.exe, a program/ computer process that you do not recognize because you did not install it, weโll help you determine whether the file is safe or not. And should it turn out that the file is not necessary, weโll give you tips for removing the program from your computer safely.
What is appvshnotify.exe?
Also called the Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) program, appvshnotify.exe is an executable file developed by the Microsoft Corporation. The file is only used by App-Vโs(Application Virtualization) client only when it starts to integrate the virtualized application. Note that virtualization refers to the process that makes the app globally available to either all the users of the app or one app.
AppVShNotify is Application Virtualization Shell Notify in full, and you will find it in the local disk C, or this path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Application Virtualization\Client\AppVShNotify.exe
“. In this folder, the security rating of this file is quite low.
App-V, on the other hand, refers to one of the many Microsoft App Virtualization Technologies acquired from Softricity in 2006. The acquisition of App-V is one of the very many acquisitions which helped in making Microsoft the worldโs largest software developer (by revenue) in 2016.
In your computer, the AppVShNotify.exe allows App-V Client to dispatch notifications that are expected by your Windows Shel as it performs different actions such as the creation of new files/ shortcuts on your desktop. AppVShNotify.exe will execute under your account from the first time you sign in to your account after integrating and subsequent running of the app until you log out.
Note, however, that this file is a non-essential component of your Windows OS. You should also know that despite the file being a product of Microsoft Corporation, it might cause a few issues to your computer. Also, you will find more than a handful of variants of the file in your computer.
Is AppVShNotify.exe Safe? Should You Remove It?
The AppVShNotify.exe is a relatively safe file, but it could also be used by cyber hackers to attack your computer system to sniff and steal your important data. But since the file is a non-essential part of the Windows operating system, removing it should not affect the function and performance of your computer.
When is AppVShNotify.exe Not Safe?
Although this file is considered relatively safe, there are instances when the file is unsafe, and it should be removed immediately. These circumstances include finding the file in a different location other than the one mentioned above.
For example, if you find the AppVShNotify.exe file in C:\Windows\System32
or in the C:\Windows folder, then it means that you need to act immediately. The reason for this is that malware will often masquerade as a safe AppVShNotify.exe file and finding it in this location shows that you are actually dealing with a malicious file which could be a form of malware, trojan or virus.
The other time that you should consider removing the file is if the errors in the file severely affect the performance of your computer.
How Do You Remove AppVShNotify.exe?
1. Running a Full Malware Scan of the PC
If you suspect the AppVShNotify.exe file to be a malware that has infected your PC, you might want to run a full malware scan of the same.
This scan could also reveal other issues or more unwanted/ suspicious .exe files. For malware detection and removal, you need to make sure that you use the best removal or antivirus tools.
2. Run the Windows System File Checker
The Windows System File Checker or sfc/scannow is one of the most reliable checkers for potential issues in system files. This function will allow you not just to scan, but also restore previously corrupted files in your computer. Itโs also a simple process that will take a few minutes.
To run this check, you need to type in sfc/scannow into the black command box with a blinking cursor (this pops up after you type in โcommandโ into your search box and then hold down the CTRL and Shift keys simultaneously before hitting Enter and agreeing to the permission dialog box command. You will find the command box by clicking on the Start button of your computer.
3. Conduct a Clean Installation for Windows
A new Windows installation is the other reliable process that leaves you with a clean, high-performance computer. The catch, however, is that the reinstallation of Windows could be quite a time consuming, especially if you only need to resolve AppVShNotify.exe issues.
But if you must follow this step, first have all your data backed up โ you donโt want to lose any of your important data. We make this a final option when it comes to the resolution of problems that involve AppVShNotify.exe files.
So, if you donโt mind a clean slate, a system free of all the junk collected over the years youโve used that computer, this option could work well for you.
4. Uninstall AppVShNotify.exe Program
Depending on the version of Windows operating system you use, you can install the AppVShNotify.exe program from the control panel. Once you identify the program, click on Uninstall.
The simple steps include:
- Click on your Windows Start Button (or go to the Control panel directly if you use Windows 8).
- Go to the Control Panel then select Uninstall a Program.
- Under the list of the program window that opens up, find Microsoft Application Virtualization. If you cannot find it, click on Microsoft Office.
- Next, click on Uninstall and then follow the on-screen wizard to complete the process.
- When you finish the process, restart the computer.
You could confirm the removal of the AppVShNotify.exe file by checking the C:\Program folder for the software you just uninstalled.
Alternatively, type Regedit in the Windows search box and press enter. Under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
section, go to software and then look for App-V or AppVShNotify.exe.
If the uninstallation failed, find an uninstaller tool. Your other option is to use the Task Manager to identify any hidden files and AppVShNotify.exe processes.
5. Run a Windows System Restore
Running a complete system restore is another way of dealing with the AppVShNotify.exe file.
Press the Win+Q keys simultaneously then type in System Restore then press Enter. Enter the administrator password if prompted and follow the system restore wizard, select the preferred restore point, then restore your computer.
Finally, use DriverDoc to update your drivers.
And now, you know all you need to know about the pesky AppVShNotify.exe file and how to resolve issues about the file/ program.