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 your computer? We investigate.
The msascuil.exe represents a safe executable file developed by the Microsoft Corporation. This file stands for Microsoft Antivirus Security Center User interface Logo.
If you find it in your task manager, you might be tempted to delete it because it’s like nothing you’ve seen before, and you’ve heard that .exe files are harmful. But you first need to understand what the file does and when it’s safe for you to remove it.
With the .exe files carrying a 1-star rating and a low-security rating with an UNKNOWN tag, your fears are fully understandable and justifiable.
What is MSASCuiL.exe?
MSASCuiL.exe refers to a type of an executable file that’s associated with the Windows 10N computers (Multiple Editions) (x64), all developed by Microsoft to run the in the Windows Operating System. The latest version of this executable file is the 1.0.0.0 MSASCuiL.exe file, also produced for Windows.
Initially, the MSASCuiL.exe executable file was released in 2016 in the Redstone 1 update to run Windows 8 and Windows 10 among the others. Its primary purpose was to facilitate the display of the icon for Windows antivirus software, the Windows Defender Center.
But even though MSASCuiL.exe and most of the other executable files are actual legitimate .exe files, there could be one or more malicious versions of the file on your computer.
The MSASCuiL.exe file should be in the C:\Program Files\Windows Defender directory, which means that finding it at a random place within your computer means that you have a malware that’s disguised as an MSASCuiL.exe file.
Is MSASCuiL.exe Safe? Or Should You Remove It?
Generally, the MSASCuiL.exe is a safe executable file found in the C:\Program Files\Windows Defender directory. But if you find it at a different location, then it means that you have a malware problem in your hands. You will need to remove the malware-disguised file then.
Note, however, that malware is not the only reason why you might have to remove the file. In other cases, the need to remove the MSASCuiL.exe file is necessitated by an error in the file, an error that could affect the overall performance of your computer system.
When is MSASCuiL.exe Not Safe?
The MSASCuiL.exe file is not safe within your computer system if it’s disguised as malware or if its errors affect the performance of your computer. In either case, there are safe actions you could take.
Before we look at how you could remove the file or associated errors, let’s first examine some of the causes of the MSASCuiL.exe file errors.
Well, as a result of the ubiquity and the usefulness of the MSASCuiL.exe file (and other .exe files), these files are often used as a method for the delivery of malware or virus infections. In such cases, the virus disguised as a safe and benign MSASCuiL.exe file will be distributed to you through malicious websites and spam emails which when clicked and executed, they infect your computer. Infection of your system is as easy as the double-clicking of the MSASCuiL.exe file.
Other than the malicious website links and the spam emails, the virus could also replace, infect, or even corrupt your existing MSASCuiL.exe file, resulting in an error message when you execute your Windows 10N (Multiple Editions) (x64) files or any other related programs.
The MSASCuiL.exe errors will, therefore, occur when you start up your computer, a program, or even when you try using a specific function on your computer, say, the printer.
How Do I Remove It?
1. Run a Full Scan for Malware
If you have an MSASCuiL.exe error, it could be a result of a malware infection on your computer. So, running a scan could remove the virus, leaving you with a safe computer system. Find a reliable malware protection program for safe and effective malware removal.
2. Repair the Entries Related to Windows 10N (Multiple Editions) (x64)
Go to the Start button then type in Command in the search box. And without hitting Enter, hold down the CTRL+Shift buttons, then hit Enter. These actions will prompt a permission dialog box, click Yes.
This will open a black box with a blinking cursor, type in Regedit then hit Enter.
In your Registry Editor, select the MSASCuiL.exe file/ related key that you need to backup. Next, choose Export from the File menu and in the Save In list, choose the file that you wish to save the Windows 10 N backup.
Now, go to the Export Range and select the Selected Branch, then click Save. The file name will be saved with a .reg extension when this is done, back up the MSASCuiL.exe registry entry. The next steps require the manual editing of the registry, and this is something you don’t want to do if you don’t understand the technical bits of the process.
3. Update PC Drivers
In case the MSASCuiL.exe file errors are caused by outdated or corrupted drivers; an update comes in handy.
To update the drivers, we recommend that you use a reliable tool such as the DriverDoc as it automates the process. DriverDoc will update all your PC drivers, in the process fixing the MSASCuiL.exe errors.
4. Running Windows through the System File Checker – SFC/scannow
The System File Checker is a crucial tool in fixing computer system issues as it allows you to scan and restore corrupted files in your system. So, if your MSASCuiL.exe has an issue, the file checker will resolve it. Follow these steps:
Click on the Start button and then type Command in your search box, (don’t hit Enter) and then hold down CRTL+Shift simultaneously. Now hit Enter. Click Yes on the permission dialog box. In the black box that a blinking cursor that appears, type in SFC/scannow then hit enter.
The System File Checker will scan the MSASCuiL.exe files for errors while finding other file issues. Scanning might take long. Once the scan is complete, follow the on-screen commands to the end.
What else can you do?
- Delete all the nasty extensions or the add-ons related to MSASCuiL.exe
- Uninstall all the unknown and suspicious programs from your control panel.
- Install your Windows Updates
- Do a clean install for Windows
And, there you have it – everything you need to know about MSASCuiL.exe and how to fix any issues associated with the file.