The genuine FNPLicensingService.exe file is a software component of FLEXnet Publisher by Flexera Software. "FNPLicensingService.exe" is the 32-bit version of the Windows service created by Flexera Software as a redistributable for software vendors employing FLEXnet Publisher TrustedStorage solutions to maintain license compliance. The default location to install this process is "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\FNPLicensingService.exe", which few vendors change. (This may cause compatibility issues if installing products from multiple vendors if some distribute older versions of the process.) To uninstall, look in the Control Panel's "Uninstall" applet for "FlexNet Publisher." This process runs invisibly in the background on a client (node) PC and coordinates with FlexNet server processes to manage floating (vs. "node-locked") licenses usable anywhere on the network. Flexera Software, headquartered in Chicago, IL, USA, formed as Acresso in 2008 when Rovi (then Macrovision) sold a division to private equity, became Flexera in 2009. Application publishers use its tools to construct installation packages and monitor licensing compliance.
FNPLicensingService stands for FlexNet Publisher Activation LicensingService (32-bit)
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 FNPLicensingService.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: FNPLicensingService.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. FNPLicensingService.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files\Common Files"—for example C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FLEXnet Publisher\.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 654,848 bytes (35% of all occurrences), 2,657,616 bytes and 33 more variants.
It is a service (FLEXnet Licensing) running invisible in the background. This service performs licensing functions on behalf of FLEXnet enabled products.
The program has no visible window. FNPLicensingService.exe is not a Windows system file.
FNPLicensingService.exe is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs.
Therefore the technical security rating is 33% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.
If FNPLicensingService.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\, the security rating is 0% dangerous. The file size is 1,244,136 bytes.
The program has a visible window. It is not a Windows core file. This process is launched automatically by the Windows Task Scheduler. It is digitally signed. The file is a Verisign signed file.
If FNPLicensingService.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 64% dangerous. The file size is 31,560 bytes.
The file is digitally signed. The program is not visible. It is not a Windows system file.
FNPLicensingService.exe is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs.
If FNPLicensingService.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files", the security rating is 54% dangerous. The file size is 6,533,336 bytes.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as FNPLicensingService.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, for example PE_EXPIRO.A3 (detected by TrendMicro), and Virus:Win32/Expiro.CO (detected by Microsoft). Therefore, you should check the FNPLicensingService.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
I think this is malware. Joe bloggas
Seems to be related with Solid Edge
Put it as Manual in Services instead of Automatic. It then starts as requested by Adobe software, but disappears after a while when no more Adobe products are used. Hans Wörzt
Adobe uses this Don
needed to run Adobe CS3. CS3 Products will not run if disabled. Tim
I just installed Solidworks CAD software and I'd guess that's what it is as SW is kinda pricey
Summary: Average user rating of FNPLicensingService.exe:
based on 62 votes with 9 user comments.
30 users think FNPLicensingService.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
6 users think it's probably harmless.
13 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous.
4 users suspect danger.
9 users think FNPLicensingService.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it.
8 users don't grade FNPLicensingService.exe ("not sure about it").
Best practices for resolving FNPLicensingService issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with FNPLicensingService. 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 FNPLicensingService.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
Joe bloggas
Hans Wörzt
Don
Tim
MR
AC
(further information)
Summary: Average user rating of FNPLicensingService.exe: based on 62 votes with 9 user comments. 30 users think FNPLicensingService.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. 6 users think it's probably harmless. 13 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. 4 users suspect danger. 9 users think FNPLicensingService.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it. 8 users don't grade FNPLicensingService.exe ("not sure about it").