The file app_icon.exe is a component of O&O Defrag, a software utility developed by O&O Software GmbH. This program is designed to optimize computer performance by defragmenting the hard drive. Defragmentation is the process of consolidating fragmented files on a disk, which can help to speed up file access and improve overall system responsiveness.
Specifically, app_icon.exe is associated with the "O&O Defrag Tray," which provides a status icon in the Windows notification area (system tray). This tray icon allows the user to quickly see the status of the defragmentation process and access the program's features without opening the main application window. Therefore, the file is needed for the convenient user interface and monitoring features of O&O Defrag to function as intended.
A user might consider removing this file if they no longer use O&O Defrag and wish to uninstall the software completely. If the file is found in a location other than the program's legitimate installation folder, such as the one identified at C:\Windows\Installer\{BCE96363-1960-45C3-9CB3-A5D60295A131}, or if it is suspected of causing system instability, it could be a reason for investigation. Malware can sometimes use common filenames to disguise itself. If you are uncertain about the file's legitimacy, a tool like Security Task Manager can provide more detailed information about the process and help verify its authenticity.
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App_icon.exe file information
App_icon.exe process in Windows Task Manager
The file itself provides very little indication as to its creator. However, here are some useful tips about O&O Defrag Tray.
Description: App_icon.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. The app_icon.exe file is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows (primarily C:\Windows\Installer\{7A01E8FE-4DF6-4A8D-9085-9F24A22EFFE4}\ or C:\Windows\Installer\{BCE96363-1960-45C3-9CB3-A5D60295A131}\).
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 285,478 bytes (80% of all occurrences) or 292,878 bytes.
The program has a visible window. The app_icon.exe file is not a Windows system file. The application starts upon Windows startup (see Registry key: MACHINE\User Shell Folders).
There is no information about the author of the file.
app_icon.exe appears to be a compressed file.
Therefore the technical security rating is 34% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as app_icon.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the app_icon.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 minimizes full screen games after 3 minutes and it's not easy to find out what does this dirty trick. NBAH79
Summary: Average user rating of app_icon.exe:
based on 1 vote with 1 user comment.
One user thinks it's probably harmless.
Best practices for resolving app_icon issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with app_icon. 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 app_icon.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
NBAH79
Summary: Average user rating of app_icon.exe: based on 1 vote with 1 user comment. One user thinks it's probably harmless.