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
Bootsect.exe is the executable file within Windows that runs the Boot Sector Manipulation Tool. This is an important program which helps restore corrupted Windows installs. Like …
The cplexe.exe executable was used by older versions of Windows to load language packs, enabling the use of non-English languages. Language packs allow you to read text in …
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. In …
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 full …
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).
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 speech, …
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 is an executable file that has been developed by Microsoft Corporation as a part of its Office 365 Home Premium edition. Users who find …
The dmclient.exe file is a part of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. But is it always safe? Is dmclient.exe a virus? Should I remove it? …
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 you remove …
Should you remove the atieclxx.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it safe? We investigate.
Should you remove the conhost.exe file? Is it a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
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 …
Should you remove the appvshnotify.exe file from your computer? Is this file a trojan, virus, or spyware? Is this file legitimate? We investigate.
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
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, …
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 …
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
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, GrooveMonitor.exe, is an executable file, part of the now defunct Microsoft Office Groove software from the 2000s. This application allowed users to …
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, fsavailux.exe is an executable file. It’s usually about 6656 bytes in size, but the version you have may differ. The full details …
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. The …
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: Netsh …
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 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 …
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, sometimes called Gyazo or Gyazo Station, is a mainly innocuous fun executable file enabling you to send funny GIFs to your friends. But it …
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 …
Is gwe.exe safe? Below is an explanation of exactly what gwx.exe is and does. And whether you need to remove it.
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 …
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 – …
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
nvbackend.exe is an executable file developed by NVIDIA. It is part of the NVIDIA GeForce Experience backend process.
The file printfilterpipelinesvc.exe, is the part of Microsoft Windows which enables XPS printer driver functionality. The full details are below: File Name:printfilterpipelinesvc.exeFile Extension:EXE file extensionDescription:Print Filter Pipeline …
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 are …
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 are …
onenotem.exe, is an executable file that runs the Microsoft Office OneNote Quick Launcher. The full details are below: File Name:ONENOTEM.EXEFile Extension:EXE file extensionDescription:Microsoft Office OneNote Quick LauncherObject …
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 an executable file that is part of Windows 10 and is usually safe. But hackers can use its name to hide malware – …
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 the part …
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 …
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 Framework, …
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 …
Should you remove the mrt.exe file? It is a virus, spyware or a trojan? Or is it a legitimate file? We investigate.
The Perfmon.exe is a software component of your Microsoft Windows operating system. PerfMon stands for Performance Monitor, and it is an important component that allows …
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 …
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 …
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
The Video.UI.exe program is part of Microsoft Corporation’s Xbox Live. But is it safe? Can it be removed? What errors does it cause?
wuapp.exe, the pre-Windows-10 software updater, can cause issues in older machines. Here’s how to fix any errors and make your computer safe.
What is tcpsetup.exe? tcpsetup.exe is a necessary executable file for some versions of Windows and almost all versions of Linux. It is the “TCP/IP protocol setup” …
Userinit.exe, an executable file, runs the Windows startup process, loading users’ preferences on log in. The name of this executable is short for User Initialization. Once …
The name of this executable file, taskhostw.exe, stands for Task Host for Windows, and it is another program that Windows uses to start up correctly.
The unusual name of Toaster.exe gets it some extra attention. However, the file is common and is part of Dell’s Backup and Recovery system. Toaster.exe …
Steam.exe is an essential executable for running the Steam Client. Steam is a company that distributes video games to computer users, and the Steam Client …
The executable wsreset.exe is fairly new and is not a critical file on most Windows computers. It helps users correct problems with the Windows Store.
Winload.exe is short for, as you may have guessed, Windows Loader, a very basic program that helps Windows to start up after you have powered …
Regedit.exe controls the Windows Registry Editor, which allows users to make changes to their computer set up. But is it safe? How can it be …
wbengine.exe is an executable file developed by Microsoft as part of Windows Back Up & Restore functionality. It runs the Block Level Backup Engine. The full …
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: File Name:SecurityHealthService.exeFile …
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. …
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 full …
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 …
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.exeFile Extension:EXE file extensionDescription:Speech Model …
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 file …
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 …
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. The …
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 is part of a special European edition of Windows 10 made to comply with EU law. Find out more here…
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. And …
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 …
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
What Is rundll32.exe? Is it safe? How to remove rundll32.exe if it’s a virus, spyware or a trojan.
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 , also called the Windows Modules Installer Worker, installs new Microsoft Windows updates and modules.
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 …
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 …
