Is WmiPrvSE.exe safe?
WmiPrvSE.exe is a executable file (a program) within Windows. The filename extension .exe denotes an executable file. You should only run executable files from publishers you trust, because executable files can potentially change your computer settings or harm your computer. The free file information forum can help you determine if WmiPrvSE.exe is a virus, trojan, spyware, or adware that you can remove, or a file belonging to a Windows system or to an application you can trust.
WmiPrvSE.exe file information
The process known as WMI or WMI Provider Host belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).
Description: The original WmiPrvSE.exe from Microsoft is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. WmiPrvSE.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows\System32 or sometimes in a subfolder of C:\Windows or in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" - normally C:\WINDOWS\System32\wbem\.
Known file sizes on Windows 7/XP are 218,112 bytes (71% of all occurrences), 227,840 bytes and 33 more variants.
It is a Windows core system file. The program is not visible. WmiPrvSE.exe is a trustworthy file from Microsoft. There is no information about the author of the file.
Therefore the technical security rating is 9% dangerous, however also read the users reviews.
Recommended: Identify WmiPrvSE.exe related errors
Viruses with the same file name
Is WmiPrvSE.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true WmiPrvSE.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "WMI Component".
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 such as WORM_SILLYFDC.BR or WORM_AUTORUN.AIA (detected by TrendMicro), and Virus:Win32/Autorun.A or Backdoor:Win32/Agent.EO (detected by Microsoft).
To ensure that no rogue WmiPrvSE.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Malware Scan.
How to recognize suspicious variants? If WmiPrvSE.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32, the security rating is 77% dangerous. The file size is 87,684 bytes (33% of all occurrences), 58,880 bytes and 5 more variants. The program has no file description. The WmiPrvSE.exe file is not a Windows core file. The program has no visible window. The file is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. The application starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run).
If WmiPrvSE.exe is located in the folder C:\Windows, the security rating is 84% dangerous. The file size is 57,856 bytes. There is no file information. The program has no visible window. The file is located in the Windows folder, but it is not a Windows core file. The file is not a Windows system file. The software listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet. WmiPrvSE.exe is able to hide itself and monitor applications.
External information from Paul Collins:
- "Kernel_check" definitely not required. Added by the SONEBOT-B WORM!
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as WmiPrvSE.exe, particularly when located in the c:\windows or c:\windows\system32 folder. Therefore, you should check the WmiPrvSE.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
Erwin Schaefer
steve13565
Josek Goldman
Tom
me
Larry Lancaster
Matt
WmiPrvSE scanner
Security Task Manager shows all running Windows tasks including embedded hidden functions (e.g. keyboard or browser monitoring, autostart entry). A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware, keylogger or a Trojan.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, malware and tracking threats from your hard disk. Ideal supplement to Security Task Manager.
SpeedUpMyPC scans, cleans, repairs and optimizes your computer.
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