Unsecapp.exe is an essential executable file that belongs to the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) infrastructure. It is usually safe, but similarly named files can often be used to mask viruses or other malware.
unsecapp.exe: Everything You Need to Know
Have you been browsing your Task Manager and come across unsecapp.exe and wondered what it is? If you don’t recognize this file you’re probably questioning whether it’s a virus and whether you should remove it altogether. We have the answers.
What is unsecapp.exe?
As we said above, Unsecapp.exe is part of the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) infrastructure.
WMI, and unsecapp.exe along with, comes preinstalled on Windows computers and has done since Windows 2000. When a file comes preinstalled it is called a system process since it comes native with the operating system and is required for certain programs to function properly.
The purpose of WMI is to provide users with information about local and remote servers and computers and allow users to manage them through scripting languages.
Unsecapp.exe, as with other Windows files such as rundll32.exe and conhost.exe, is an essential part of this WMI setup, and without this file, you won’t be able to run any applications that rely on WMI to work.
Is unsecapp.exe safe?
If you have a genuine version of unsecapp.exe, then it is safe and is unlikely to be causing any problems on your computer. You may have noticed unsecapp.exe appearing and disappearing in your Task Manager, leading you to question why it is running at some times and not others.
Not all programs will use the file, but some will and those that do will execute the file as and when they need it.
However, there are times when unsecapp.exe isn’t safe. Hackers will often disguise viruses as innocent looking system files in order to fly under the radar and harm your computer while remaining unnoticed.
A legitimate unsecapp.exe will be located at C:Windows\System32\wbem. To find the location of the file you can right-click on unsecapp.exe in Task Manager and select “Properties”. If you find your file is located anywhere else, then there is a high possibility it is a virus.
More Info On How To Find A File’s Location
Another clue that the file is a virus is if it is taking up an unusually large percentage of your CPU, for example, above 30%.
This doesn’t automatically mean the file is a virus because there have been reports of unsecapp.exe taking up 45% usage on Windows 10 computers, but you should exercise caution by running a virus scan and uninstalling problematic programs using the file.
Should I remove Unsecapp.exe?
If your unsecapp.exe is located in the right place, doesn’t seem to be taking up a large percentage of CPU, and isn’t causing any errors, then do not remove it. Since it is a system file, you may run into extra problems if you delete it unnecessarily and you regularly run programs that rely on it.
If you suspect your file is a virus then you should wipe it from your computer. You should be able to see this file and its a location within Task Manager.
How To Remove It
First, you should find the file in Task Manager and identify it’s location. Next, you should end the process by right-clicking and selecting “End Process”.
After these steps have been completed, you should find the file using the location you just made note of, and delete this version of the file.