a2service.exe is a software component of Emsisoft Anti-Malware by Emsisoft. It is an executable file that runs the Emsisoft Protection Service, a background process that provides real-time protection against malware and other security threats.
The associated software, Emsisoft Anti-Malware, is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your computer from malware, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other harmful software. It offers real-time protection, automatic updates, and scheduled scans to ensure your computer stays safe.
a2service.exe is needed as it is a core component of the Emsisoft Anti-Malware software. It runs in the background and continuously monitors your system for potential threats. Without it, the Emsisoft Anti-Malware software would not be able to provide real-time protection.
Under normal circumstances, there is no need to remove a2service.exe as it is an essential part of a legitimate and beneficial security software. If it's causing problems like high CPU usage or if you suspect it to be a virus or malware disguised under this name, you may consider removing it. Always ensure to use a reliable antivirus tool to scan and verify the legitimacy of this file.
By default, the a2service.exe file is located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Emsisoft Anti-Malware directory. If you find it in a different location, it could be a sign of a potential threat.
Description: A2service.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. A2service.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)"—e.g. C:\Program Files (x86)\Emsisoft Anti-Malware\.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 4,163,584 bytes (9% of all occurrences), 4,159,464 bytes and 52 more variants.
It runs as service, and the service name is a2AntiMalware. The service scans the PC for unwanted software and provides protection from malicious code.
The program is not visible. The file is digitally signed. The file is not a Windows core file. It can change the behavior of other programs or manipulate other programs.
A2service.exe is able to monitor applications, record keyboard and mouse inputs and connect to the Internet.
Therefore the technical security rating is 48% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
If you encounter difficulties with a2service.exe, you can uninstall Emsisoft Anti-Malware or Emsisoft Internet Security software via Windows Control Panel/Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7), ask for help from Support or update to a possibly bug-fixed version.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as a2service.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the a2service.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
a-squared Command Line Scanner. a-squared Anti-Malware Schlaukopf (further information)
Summary: Average user rating of a2service.exe:
based on 15 votes with 8 user comments.
11 users think a2service.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
3 users think it's probably harmless.
One user thinks a2service.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it.
Best practices for resolving a2service issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with a2service. 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 a2service.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.
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User Comments
Schlaukopf (further information)
mee (further information)
metoo (further information)
meetoo (further information)
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Summary: Average user rating of a2service.exe: based on 15 votes with 8 user comments. 11 users think a2service.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. 3 users think it's probably harmless. One user thinks a2service.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it.