The genuine csc.exe file is a software component of Microsoft .NET Framework by Microsoft Corporation. If "csc.exe" is not in "C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\<version>\csc.exe", meaning it is Microsoft's C# language command-line compiler for the .NET Framework, it is probably malware. Comodo Group used to offer Comodo System Cleaner, whose principal executable was "C:\Program Files\COMODO\COMODO System-Cleaner\CSC.exe", but in 2013 they merged it with Registry Cleaner, becoming "PC Tune-Up", so it is unlikely to be on machines newer than August 2013. At least four "csc.exe" programs which run at Windows startup and install in subpaths of the user's profile folder are identified as malware by antivirus scanners.
CsC stands for Visual C# [sharp] Command-Line Compiler
The .exe extension on a filename indicates an executable file. Executable files may, in some cases, harm your computer. Therefore, please read below to decide for yourself whether the csc.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you should remove, or whether it is a file belonging to the Windows operating system or to a trusted application.
Description: The original csc.exe from Microsoft is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. The csc.exe file is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows (common is C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\).
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 1,972,552 bytes (40% of all occurrences), 77,960 bytes or 77,888 bytes.
The program has no visible window. The csc.exe file is digitally signed. The file is a trustworthy file from Microsoft.
Therefore the technical security rating is 8% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
You could remove the entire program Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile using Windows Control Panel.
Is csc.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true csc.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "Visual C# Command Line Compiler".
However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. Viruses with the same file name are for instance TROJ_SPNR.3AHQ13 (detected by TrendMicro), and Trojan:Win32/Comitsproc (detected by Microsoft).
To ensure that no rogue csc.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Virus Scan.
How to recognize suspicious variants? If csc.exe is located in the C:\Windows folder, the security rating is 32% dangerous. The file size is 507,940 bytes.
The program has a visible window. The csc.exe file is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. The process is loaded during the Windows boot process (see Registry key: MACHINE\Run).
The program listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet. The file is not a Windows system file.
Csc.exe is able to connect to the Internet, monitor applications and record keyboard and mouse inputs.
If csc.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files", the security rating is 100% dangerous. The file size is 78,336 bytes.
The application is a hidden stealth process. The file is not a Windows core file. The program has no visible window. Some people think it is dangerous. There is no information about the author of the file.
Uninstalling this variant:
You can do the following:
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as csc.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the csc.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Score
User Comments
It's CA Internet Security Center
Hi, I have developed a problem on my lap top.This pop up window keeps comming onto my screen asking toallow this csc.exe file and even though I do not allow and ask tha this should not be shown again, it still keeps popping up.Is ths a virus.
"csc" stands for "C# Compiler" and is used to build C# applications for the .NET Framework by Microsoft. It is definitively not harmful. Niklas (further information)
This is the Microsoft.NET C# compiler - an important part of the .NET Framework James Uppington (further information)
As a part of Visual Studio.NET it is the command line compiler for C# code. It is necesarry for program developers that makes programs coding in C#. It is only used on-demand when compiling a program or assembly, and should never run unexpectedly in background. awe (further information)
It's the Visual C# compiler. I really don't understand how people can rate this as dangerous?! Sebastian
It's the C# (Pronounced "C Sharp") complier. It's an imporntant part of Windows and .NET Framework. It is not harmful. Daniel
C# compiler, I don't know what it does compile though... In my case, it's running and I'm not compiling C# applications so it doesn't justify itself... I think it's safe though, because I haven't had a virus in a year now and I have a very stable and clean system. Joshua
its in docs and settings. also csc.exe.tmp and mafodirts. webroot says it kills it but....it doesn't. Sonofleon
c# compiler Thomas
It isn't CA Internet Security Center. This is nonsense. csc.exe is the c# compiler inside the .net framework. Like the other guys here said. frank2504 (further information)
c# compiler Thomas
Show all user comments
Summary: Average user rating of csc.exe:
based on 33 votes with 16 user comments.
20 users think csc.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
One user thinks it's probably harmless.
5 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous.
4 users suspect danger.
3 users think csc.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it.
One user is not sure about it.
Best practices for resolving csc issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with csc. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.
To help you analyze the csc.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Score
User Comments
Niklas (further information)
James Uppington (further information)
IB Khayman (further information)
George
awe (further information)
Sebastian
N/A (further information)
Ben (further information)
Daniel
Joshua
Sonofleon
Thomas
frank2504 (further information)
Thomas
Summary: Average user rating of csc.exe: based on 33 votes with 16 user comments. 20 users think csc.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user thinks it's probably harmless. 5 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. 4 users suspect danger. 3 users think csc.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it. One user is not sure about it.