GWCtlSrv.exe is an executable file associated with the GlassWire Control Service, a part of the GlassWire software developed by SecureMix LLC. This file is typically located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\GlassWire directory.
GlassWire is a network monitoring tool that visualizes your network activity on an easy-to-understand graph while simultaneously monitoring your computer's network activity. It can help you detect unusual behavior or unauthorized access to your network. It also includes a built-in firewall for added security.
GWCtlSrv.exe is needed for GlassWire to function properly. It is responsible for controlling various aspects of the software, including its network monitoring and firewall capabilities. Without this file, GlassWire may not work as intended.
Under normal circumstances, there is no need to remove GWCtlSrv.exe. Like any executable, it can potentially be exploited by malicious software to harm your computer or steal information. If you suspect that the GWCtlSrv.exe file on your computer is a virus or malware, or if it's consuming too many system resources, you may want to remove it. Always ensure to keep your antivirus software up-to-date and perform regular scans to keep your system safe.
Description: GWCtlSrv.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. GWCtlSrv.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)" or sometimes in a subfolder of the user's profile folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\GlassWire\).
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 5,840,360 bytes (4% of all occurrences), 7,445,536 bytes and 62 more variants.
It runs as service, and the service name is GlassWire. The service helps protect your computer and privacy via network visualization.
The program is not visible. The GWCtlSrv.exe file is not a Windows core file. The file has a digital signature. The program listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet. The GWCtlSrv.exe file is a Verisign signed file.
GWCtlSrv.exe is able to monitor applications.
Therefore the technical security rating is 39% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
You can uninstall GlassWire or Steam, update it, or get help from the software vendor. Click on glasswire.com to update it, click on glasswire.com/help or support.steampowered.com for support, or click on GlassWire or Steam in Windows Control Panel (Software or Programs category) to uninstall it.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as GWCtlSrv.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, for example Cryp_Xed-16 (detected by TrendMicro), and Artemis!2ADB4C6963C9 (detected by McAfee). Therefore, you should check the GWCtlSrv.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
Excellent Simple to Complex Live Networking Info Peter In A Florida Hotel Room. (further information)
Legit program to monitor network communication on your PC. Jim (further information)
Part of a legitimate app to provide firewall and network analysis for PC's. Don (further information)
It is GlassWire software. Draggie
Yes it is true it is legit glasswire. it need run for 127.0.0.1 for local server thing it also connect to few ip address i send send few mb worth of upload from my pc. it was 20mb worth. i could be mistaken about what it is uploading but it is concerning. telmatery??? 3.0 fee need register in one of the tab it seem to show us what what other people have in there systems. example tor 98 of the 1300 people used it last week. that is scary thought. why they collect this??? it is bit of shock they showed this on 3.0 i think free editon app no need need register but they want us to. the is danger for being spyied on by so called anti spy software. some loooser
Summary: Average user rating of GWCtlSrv.exe:
based on 7 votes with 6 user comments.
4 users think GWCtlSrv.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous.
2 users suspect danger.
Best practices for resolving GWCtlSrv issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with GWCtlSrv. 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 GWCtlSrv.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
Peter In A Florida Hotel Room. (further information)
Jim (further information)
Don (further information)
Draggie
some loooser
Ross (further information)
Summary: Average user rating of GWCtlSrv.exe: based on 7 votes with 6 user comments. 4 users think GWCtlSrv.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous. 2 users suspect danger.