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 on your computer.
This file is present on every computer that has Windows installed.
Most users wonโt be able to open the file once their computer has started even if they were to find it and click on it deliberately.
Your computer has a long to-do list when you first turn it on. Special files called โdriversโ that let your computer send information to the screen and receive information from the mouse and keyboard must be loaded and put in the computerโs memory.
There are other executable files that need to be started, and specific information must be gathered so the computer can start successfully.
These are all tasks accomplished by winload.exe, it is an essential file that your computer needs to run.
The full details are below:
File Name: | winload.exe |
File Extension: | EXE file extension |
Description: | OS Loader |
Object File Type: | Executable application |
Software Developer: | Microsoft Corporation |
Software Program: | Microsoftยฎ Windowsยฎ Operating System |
Code Size: | 993792 |
How Can You Tell if Winload.exe Is Legit or a Virus?
The file is usually legitimate – it’s an important part of a reputable piece of software – but there are occasions where this may not be the case.
In particular malware writers and hackers sometimes give their virus the name as a legitimate file to fool you.
Here then are a few tips to ensure your version of Winload.exe is not malware.
Check the Location of the File
Spyware and malware are often smuggled in odd locations. This contrasts sharply with good executable files that fit neatly in places that make sense.
Here’s how you find the file’s location:
How To Check A Fileโs Location
a. Press ctrl-alt-del
b. Click on the โProcesses Tabโ :
c. Highlight the Winload.exe file as above
d. Right click and click โPropertiesโ to get the following screen:
e. Note the location (circled)
If the file is in C:\Windows\System32 or a relevant ‘Program Files’ folder then it is probably legitimate.
Check the Signature Verification
Checking the File Signature Verification is one of the smartest tricks we have to spot the wicked malware. Itโs also a piece of cake, and takes a few minutes to do. Hereโs how it works.
Check the Size of the Winload.exe File
The size of a file can also be a neat indicator of whether or not itโs authentic.
You can check the table above to find out how larger Winload.exe should be (although the version you have may differ slightly).
Then check the size of the file of concern by going to the task manager, and finding the location of the file. When you right click on it, youโll get all the data you need.
If you read out a very different value from the above figure, then thatโs definitely a reason for concern.
Now let’s have a look at how your remove Winload.exe if it is considered malware:
How to Remove Winload.exe From Your Computer Automatically
Thereโs a wide array of cybersecurity programs available for free download. These programs will destroy any malware, malware, or virus on your computer without any required effort on your part.
They also run scans regularly to make sure your device is clean. If itโs not, theyโll alert you to do necessary precautions, such as changing your password or disabling your online banking data. These programs will be able to detect hidden malware much better than you can do, and theyโll be constantly on the watch.
Most anti-malware automatic tools are fairly easy to use. Youโll merely download them and check the steps they require you to do. Afterward, theyโll start working on their own. As long as you donโt turn them off, theyโll keep checking your computer for infections.
There are a bunch of efficient options to choose from. Here are some of the best:
- Malwarebytes
- McAfee
- Norton
- Cylance
- Kaspersky
- Bitdefender
- BullGuard
How to Remove Winload.exe From Your Computer Manually
Aside from the anti-malware tools, you can remove Winload.exe by using the old-fashioned manual method. A lot of people prefer it, even though itโs associated with a lot of system risks if done the wrong way. Thatโs why we advise against it for beginners.
Nevertheless, some anti-malware programs might not be able to trace minor malware. Thatโs where the manual method shines.
Here, weโll show you 3 easy steps for removing malware infections from your computer.
Step 1: Run the โcmdโ Command
The first thing youโll do is open the Command Prompt Window. You can do that by pressing the Windows Start button. Afterward, click on โRunโ. A small window will appear on your screen; write the command โcmdโ in its text bar and click OK.
Step 2: Locate the related DLL Files
In this step, youโll locate the unwanted DLL files on your PC. DLL files contain a bunch of procedures and codes for various Windows programs, and theyโre usually the malwareโs primary target.
To locate the files, youโll have to type โRegeditโ in the command prompt window once it opens. This will open the Windows Explorer. Regedit is a Windows executable file that lets you view the registry editor. The editor allows you to see all entries and keys present in the registry database.
The next thing to do is locate the DLL files associated with Winload.exe and unregister them. You can easily do that by clicking File and choosing Export. Next, save the file in the local disk c:\. This is only a backup step, just in case you need it later.
Afterward, click Edit and choose Find. Type Winload.exe and wait until it detects all the unwanted files. Youโll then delete all files related to the malware.
Step 3: Reboot Your Computer
Now, you should be done with the all vital steps of the procedure. The only thing left is rebooting your computer to let it start with a clean slate. If you have an anti-malware tool, this would be the right time to use it. Itโll make sure the Winload.exe is 100% gone.
So, Which Malware Removal Method Should I Use?
Although the manual method is effective, thereโs a high chance you wonโt be able to do it correctly. Deleting the wrong file in the previous step can cause permanent damage to your computer.
Additionally, some malware has resuscitators, which means theyโre likely to come back to life after you remove them. So, we advise against using the manual method, unless youโre an expert in these situations. Alternatively, the automatic tools are always available to do your job for you. Most of them are available for free download, too.
How to Protect Your Computer From Winload.exe
If you want to steer clear of harmful malware, there are some measures to take. Take a look at these tips; theyโll help you protect your computer as much as you can.
Now that you know how to remove Winload.exe, it should be easy to deal with it. The most vital thing is identifying that itโs present on your computer. Afterward, getting rid of it shouldnโt be that hard.
The malware removal tools will make your life much easier; theyโre double as efficient as the manual method. Not to mention that they wonโt allow the malware to come back to life.
Common Winload.exe errors
The following are common errors with Winload.exe:
These errors are usually caused by:
- Issues with the host
- A recent Windows update which may cause the program to search in the wrong file location and so could not be found
- An out of date Windows system32 file
- Applications being loaded on an old machine
- Too many programs being opened on a PC
How To Fix Winload.exe Errors
The safest way to fix these errors is to reinstall the related application. This should reinstall the latest Exe files and fix any issues.
You may wish to uninstall the previous version first too โ to be downloading to a โcleanโ PC. An alternative is to download the missing file from the vendor โ although this is very technical and should only be done by a developer.
The other common fix, which we do not recommend, is to use one of the many download sites. Adding the file may not fix the problem as Exe errors are often more complex than a missing file (even if thatโs the immediate error that is flagged).
In addition the files on these sites are often out of date, or even contain viruses, which could also cause problems.
Therefore, we recommend reinstalling the application using the offending exe file to fix any error.
To Wrap Up
Whatโs important is that you take caution and steer clear of suspicious links. Free downloads seem tempting, but the end result wonโt be worth the hassle.