Aswidsagenta.exe | Part Of AVAST’s Identity Protection

The aswidsagenta.exe file is part of the Identity ProtectionEelement offered by Avast. 

Image for aswidsagenta.exe in task manager window

If you are one of the many users of the Avast Complex protection system, you know that one of its important modules is its Identification Verification Service called the Identity Protection Service.

What you might not know is that the executable file that you just saw on your Task Manager, aswidsagenta.exe file represents that Identity protection element offered by Avast. 


What is aswidsagenta.exe?

The aswidsagenta.exe executable file represents an important software component of your computer’s Avast Antivirus application developed by Avast. 

Avast Antivirus refers to the freeware security program that offers malware, trojans, viruses, or computer worms protection to your computer. The file, aswidsagenta.exe, is part of Avast’s real-time process monitor, Avast Behavior Shield.

Thanks to this antivirus program which could be used for home and other non-commercial uses, your computer is protected. The program offers different programs including anti-phishing, anti-spyware, automatic updates, anti-malware, Home Security Scanning, HTTPS Scanning, and Deep Scanning, among others.  

Therefore, aswidsagenta.exe is an important executable file when it comes to the protection of your data. Note, however, that even though this is an important file, it is not essential for the running of your computer system, and you could remove it without worrying about any consequential damage to your computer.

And in case you are wondering, Aswidsagenta.exe gets its name from Avast Software Identity Protection Service Agent A.


Is aswidsagenta.exe Safe? Should You Remove It?

Generally, the aswidsagenta.exe file is safe, but only if it’s located in one location – C:\Program Files. So, if you find the file elsewhere in your computer, the chances are that the file is not safe and it might have been introduced into your computer system by third parties. If this is the case, removal might be your next best option. Basically, you should know that you are dealing with a harmful aswidsagenta.exe file if you find it in the “C:\Windows\System32 or the C:\Windows folder. 


When is aswidsagenta.exe Not Safe?

Often, viruses and malware will masquerade as a safe aswidsagenta.exe file, hiding its malicious intentions, and causing damage to your computer system in the long run (or short-term). 

As mentioned above, one of the obvious tell-tale signs of an unsafe aswidsagenta.exe file is the file location. At the same time, the aswidsagenta.exe file is regarded as one of the new ad-supported ad programs that bear the unwanted tag. It affects computer systems installed with Windows OS.

Often, the malware program gets to your computer system, and then it behaves like a reminder asking you to update some software. Even though the malware will look like just any other software application, it infects your system through an attached link. 

Note that you could also tell that the aswidsagenta.exe is an infection (virus or malware) if you find this aswidsagenta.exe file in your computer, but you don’t use Avast.  


How to Remove aswidsagenta.exe?

Image for aswidsagenta.exe in task manager

1. Repair Avast

The first thing you should do is to repair Avast. 

  • Go to your computer’s operating system and then navigate to the Programs & Features tab then click on the Add/ Remove Programs section.
  • Select Avast and then select the Repair option.
  • Next up, reboot your computer.
  • Hopefully, this will fix the problem.

If this option fails, try these other solutions.

2. Uninstall Avast

Your second option, if you use Avast, is to uninstall it and then use some other antivirus. If you’re a Windows 7 user, go to the Programs and Features tab of the control panel, and if you use Windows 10, right-click the Start button then go to the Applications and Features.

On the list that appears, select the first item on that list.  For Windows 7, you’ll be required to identify and remove the unnecessary programs. The removal also applies to Windows 10 although the latter has a different interface. 

But, don’t rush to restart your computer too soon after the end of the removal process. You need to look for and eliminate all other traces of Avast from your computer first. You might need a cleaning utility for this.

3. Virus Clean up

In case of definite virus infection – aswidsagenta.exe file but no Avast installed on the computer, you will also have to clean your computer. 

  • First, close all the running windows and programs
  • Next, press Win+R simultaneously. This will invoke a specific command window. 
  • In the command window, type in %temp% then click Enter. Doing this opens a temporary window, clear it. 
  • Next, you will need to scan your computer for viruses.

4. Identifying the Hidden aswidsagenta.exe file and other related files

  • If using Windows 10 or 8, go to My PC then select the Options icon. And if you’re using either Windows 7 or Vista, go to My Computer then select the Organize button and look for the Folder and Search option (do this from the drop-down menu).
  • On the View window that opens, enable this option – Show Hidden Files or Folders option. While at it disable the Recommended option -Hide Protected Operating System below. Then click OK, and Apply. 
  • In the window that opens, look for the suspicious files that could be in those hidden folders then delete them.

Besides the %Temp% files mentioned above, you should also delete %AppData% \[adware_name], %LocalAppData%\[adware_name].exe, %CommonAppData%\[adware_name], and %AllUsersProfile%random.exe.

5. Removing all aswidsagenta.exe and related extensions 

  • Go to your Chrome browser then click on the Menu icon and hover to the Tools option. Next, click on Extensions. 
  • On the Extensions tab, select the Trash icon next to all the suspicious extensions. This will remove the extensions. 
  • If using Internet Explorer, select the Manage Add-ons button by first clicking on the Gear Icon. Next, identify suspicious extensions under the Toolbar and Extensions tabs. Right-click on each and then select the delete option to remove the extensions.
  • Go to Extensions under the Add-ons option is you use Mozilla and Extensions (then Extensions manager) if you use Opera as your browser. 

Now you know what the aswidsagenta.exe file is and how to deal with it, and the issues it could cause.


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