Executable files – recognisable by their .exe endings – are programs which can run on Windows computers.
Most software on Windows computers are in this form, including many of the core files used by the Microsoft Windows Operating Environment.
Unfortunately, malware writers also use their power. Most malware, trojans, viruses and trojans are .exe files.
Therefore we will consider each common file type you may see on your compuer – and ask whether it is malware or legitimate.
Types Of .exe Files We Review
Microsoft Windows System Files
The Windows operating system uses several files on your (Windows) computer to run your operating system.
Howtogeek explains these Windows system files further:
….a Windows system file is any file with the hidden system attribute turned on. In practice, system files are those files that Windows depends upon to operate properly. These range from hardware drivers to configuration and DLL files and even the various hive files that make up the Windows Registry.
These files are usually safe. However hackers often give similar names to their malware to exploit this.
Third Party Files
This covers a wide variety of files. However they are often from trusted technology providers that you should not be concerned about.
For example, intel and AMD often microchips need .exe files to operate properly.
In addition, most computers have internet browsers, graphics packages, spreadsheets etc. Most of which these one or more .exe files.
These files are bigger candidates for being malware. The sheer number of the files makes it difficult to manage – which is why we recommend the use of a good anti-malware package.
However most third party files are safe.
If you are concerned about a file we should have an article on it here. Search via the search bar in the sidebar (desktops) or below (mobiles too).
Executable (.exe) Files Reviewed
Here are some of the .exe files we review:
Executable File: A-E
chdman.exe | Part Of The MAME Game Emulation Software
Developed by Mamesick, chdman.exe, is an executable file used by the MAMEUIFX32 arcade game emulation software. It allows users to play vintage style arcade games.…
bootmgr.exe | Windows Boot Manager | Is It Safe?
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, bootmgr.exe, is an executable file that runs the Windows Boot Manager. This assists your computer to start ( “boot” up). The…
cefsharp.browsersubprocess.exe | Is It Safe? | How To Fix?
The cefsharp.browsersubprocess.exe executable file allows a developer to embed the Chromium web browser into C# or VB.Net programs using the Chromium Executable Framework (CEF). It…
ctfmon.exe | Controls The Alternative User Input And Office Language Bar
What Is ctfmon.exe? ctfmon.exe is a Microsoft Windows exe file that runs the Alternative User Input and Office Language bar. These allow computer input by…
cofire.exe | Part Of Windows 10 Operating System
If you have the latest version of the Windows 10 Operating System, you might have encountered cofire.exe. This executable file is called the Corrupted File…
CMigrate.exe | Part Of Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium Edition
CMigrate.exe is an executable file that has been developed by Microsoft Corporation as a part of its Office 365 Home Premium edition. Users who find…
What is Dmclient.exe? Does It Cause Errors? Is It Safe?
Today we’re talking about the dmclient.exe file. We’re bringing you all you need to know about this executable file. Many of you have been asking…
Accelerometerst.exe | Part Of The Mobile Data Protection System
The accelerometerst.exe file is part of the Mobile Data Protection System, designed by HP, and is usually safe. Here we investigate further… Accelerometerst.exe Explored Should…
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.
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.
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…
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.
Agcinvokerutility.exe | Is This agcinvokerutility 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
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…
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…
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.
Executable File: F-L
fixmapi.exe | FIXMAPI 1.0 MAPI Repair Tool | Is it Safe?
Fixmapi.exe, is an executable file developed by Microsoft Corporation, that runs the FIXMAPI 1.0 MAPI Repair Tool Windows Process. But is it safe? We investigate.…
netsh.exe | Runs Netsh (Network Command Shell) | Is It Safe?
netsh.exe, is an executable file which runs the network command shell (Netsh) utility, part of the Windows Operating system. Here’s what Microsoft says about Netsh:…
jaureg.exe | Part of Java (TM) Platform SE Auto Updater
jaureg.exe is an executable file that comes as part of the Java(TM) Platform SE Auto Updater 2.0. It was manufactured by Sun Microsystems, Inc., which…
FeedBack.exe | Part Of Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro
Feedback.exe is part of the now-discontinued Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro, software that provided a secure firewall to protect systems from hacker attacks. This is not…
filesyncconfig.exe: 5 Options To Fix Common Errors
The filesyncconfig.exe file is part of the Microsoft OneDrive software program. It’s safe on its own and usually doesn’t present any threat to your PC…
GyStation.exe | Gyazo Station Issues Explored
GyStation.exe, sometimes called Gyazo or Gyazo Station, is a mainly innocuous fun executable file enabling you to send funny GIFs to your friends. But it…
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…
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.
HxTsr.exe: Part Of Microsoft’s Windows 10
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…
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 -…
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.
Executable File: M-Q
net.exe | Microsoft Windows Networking Process | Safe?
Net.exe, is an executable file developed by Microsoft Corporation, that runs the Microsoft Windows Networking Process. But is it safe? We investigate. The full details…
officehubtaskhost.exe | Office’s Hub Task Host Process | Safe?
OfficeHubTaskHost.exe was developed by Cerulean Studios for Microsoft Office 2016. It is an executable file used in Office’s Hub Task Host process. The full details…
onenotem.exe | Microsoft Office OneNote Quick Launcher | Safe?
onenotem.exe, is an executable file that runs the Microsoft Office OneNote Quick Launcher. The full details are below: File Name: ONENOTEM.EXE File Extension: EXE file…
Osppsvc.exe | The Office Software Protection Platform Service | Safe?
Osppsvc.exe is an executable file, developed by Microsoft to run the Office Software Protection Platform Service. This manages the licensing and permissions of the Microsoft…
MusNotifyIcon.exe | Is It Safe? | How To Remove.
The executable file known as MusNotifyIcon.exe is part of the Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System and usually safe. Here we investigate the file, and in…
mom.exe | Part of AMD’s Catalyst Control Center
What Is mom.exe? mom.exe is an exe file, part of AMD’s Catalyst Control Center. This is the performance management software for computers using AMD chips; mom.exe is…
msascuil.exe | Microsoft Antivirus Security Center User Interface Logo. Is It A Virus?
Should you remove the msascuil.exe file? Is it a type of spyware, virus, trojan, or is a legitimate file that serves an important role in…
Ngentask.exe: Going Behind the Scenes
The ngentask.exe file is part of the Microsoft .NET Framework. Does your computer run on the Microsoft Operating System? Then you have the Microsoft .NET…
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…
mrt.exe | The Microsoft Removal Tool | Is It Safe? How To Remove
Should you remove the mrt.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
Perfmon.exe | Windows Performance Monitor
The Perfmon.exe is a computer file, specifically, a genuine software component of your Microsoft Windows operating system. PerfMon stands for Performance Monitor, and it is…
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…
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…
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…
Executable File: R-Z
securityhealthservice.exe | Windows Security Health Center. Is It Safe?
Securityhealthservice.exe runs the Windows Security Health Center, part of the Microsoft Windows Defender security system. But is this file safe? The full details are below:…
tabtip.exe | Tablet PC Input Panel. Is It Safe?
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, TabTip.exe, is an executable file which runs the Tablet PC Input Panel which that converts handwriting to text in Windows. The…
vsserv.exe | Part Of BitDefender | Is It Safe?
vsserv.exe is the executable file that runs the BitDefender internet security software package. But is it safe? How can it be removed? We investigate… The…
sihost.exe | Manages The Windows Shell Infrastructure Host | Is it Safe?
The file sihost.exe runs the Windows Shell Experience Host used by the Windows graphical interface to manage things like the desktop icon layout and the…
speechmodeldownload.exe | Is It Safe Or Malware? How To Remove
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, SpeechModelDownload.exe, is an executable file. It’s part of Windows’ Cortana speech functionality. The full details are below: File Name: SpeechModelDownload.exe File…
wwahost.exe | The Microsoft WWA Host Process | Safe Or Remove?
WWAHost.exe is the file that hosts and executes a Windows Store app using JavaScript via the Microsoft WWA Host process. The full details of the…
sndrec32.exe | The Microsoft Windows Sound Recorder. Safe?
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, sndrec32.exe, is an executable file, introduced in Windows XP to run the Microsoft Windows Sound Recorder – which enabled users to…
reader-sl.exe | Adobe Reader File | Is It Safe? How To Remove
Developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated, reader-sl.exe, is an executable file. It’s usually safe but may be used to hide malware such as viruses and Trojans.…
wicainventory.exe | Windows Install Compatibility Advisor Inventory Tool
The wicainventory.exe file is usually safe and does not harm computers. However, some people may find it over-utilizing their CPUs and slowing down their machines.
tieringengineservice.exe | Part Of Microsoft Windows
tieringengineservice.exe is part of a special European edition of Windows 10 made to comply with EU law. Find out more here…
WinKavApp.exe | Adware. How to Remove This Malware
WinKavApp.exe is adware software written by Boxer. All internet users are prone to come across malicious adware. The advertisements will hit you out of nowhere.…
rwinsta.exe | Part Of Windows Reset Session Utility
Like many executable files on this site, rwinsta.exe is indispensable for the proper operation of the Windows Operating System. But also, as with many other…
svchost.exe | Service Host | Is It Safe?
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
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 -…
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…
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…
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…
