FGKey.exe is an executable file that is part of the Folder Guard software. This software is developed by WinAbility Software and is typically located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Folder Guard directory.
Folder Guard is a powerful computer security software that allows you to control access to files, folders, and other Windows resources. You can use Folder Guard to lock your personal files and folders with passwords, to stop other users from peeking into your records. You can even completely hide your private folders from virtually all applications, and such folders would remain invisible until you enter a valid password.
FGKey.exe is needed if you are using Folder Guard to protect your files and folders. It is a crucial component of the software that ensures its proper functioning. Like any executable, it can potentially be used as a vehicle for malicious software. If you did not install Folder Guard or if your antivirus software flags FGKey.exe as a threat, it might be a disguised malware. In such cases, or if you no longer use Folder Guard, you might want to remove it to ensure the security of your system.
Description: FGKey.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. FGKey.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)"—in most cases C:\Program Files (x86)\Folder Guard\.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 132,424 bytes (50% of all occurrences), 118,600 bytes or 139,152 bytes.
The FGKey.exe file is not a Windows core file. The program has no visible window. The process starts upon Windows startup (see Registry key: MACHINE\Run).
It is a Verisign signed file. The file has a digital signature. It can change the behavior of other programs or manipulate other programs.
Therefore the technical security rating is 54% dangerous, however you should also read the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
In the event of any problems with FGKey.exe, you can also do the following:
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as FGKey.exe. Therefore, you should check the FGKey.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.
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User Comments
FGkey.exe is a process belongs to security software FolderGuard from WinAbility. Folder Guard let you password-protect, hide, or restrict access to files and folders in your computer. The process FGkey.exe is needed for the software to keep protecting files and folders and should not be terminated unless suspicious to cause problem sUBs (further information)
Summary: Average user rating of FGKey.exe:
based on 2 votes with 1 user comment.
One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous.
One user thinks FGKey.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it.
Best practices for resolving FGKey issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with FGKey. 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 FGKey.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
sUBs (further information)
Summary: Average user rating of FGKey.exe: based on 2 votes with 1 user comment. One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous. One user thinks FGKey.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it.