What is msmsgs.exe?

Msmsgs.exe file information

The process known as Windows Messenger or Messenger or strch belongs to software Messenger or Trusteer Endpoint Protection or MSEssentials by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) or ProIntel.

Description: The original msmsgs.exe from Microsoft is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. The file msmsgs.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)" (mostly C:\Program Files (x86)\Messenger\). Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 1,695,232 bytes (80% of all occurrences), 1,667,584 bytes and 5 more variants.  
There is an icon for this program on the taskbar next to the clock. Msmsgs.exe is not a Windows system file. The msmsgs.exe file is a trustworthy file from Microsoft. Msmsgs.exe is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs. Therefore the technical security rating is 12% dangerous, however you should also read the user reviews.

Recommended: Identify msmsgs.exe related errors

Viruses with the same file name

Is msmsgs.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true msmsgs.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called "Windows Messenger". However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. Viruses with the same file name are for example Worm.Win32.AutoIt.i or Trojan-Banker.Win32.ClipBanker.off (detected by Kaspersky), and Worm:Win32/Autorun.VU or Trojan:Win32/Ymacco.AA0F (detected by Microsoft).
To ensure that no rogue msmsgs.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Virus Scan.

How to recognize suspicious variants?

• If msmsgs.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows, the security rating is 72% dangerous. The file size is 592,288 bytes. It is not a Windows system file. The program is not visible. There is no file information. The file is an unknown file in the Windows folder. Msmsgs.exe is able to manipulate other programs, record keyboard and mouse inputs and monitor applications.
• If msmsgs.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 76% dangerous. The file size is 856,344 bytes. There is no description of the program. The file is not a Windows core file. The program starts upon Windows startup (see Registry key: Run, win.ini). The program has no visible window. It is a Verisign signed file. It is certified by a trustworthy company. msmsgs.exe appears to be a compressed file.

External information from Paul Collins:
There are different files with the same name:

• "MSMSGS" can run at start up. Windows Messenger utility. If you don't use Windows Messenger, this can be annoying. Available via Start → Programs. Go to Windows Messenger > Tools > Options > Preferences and uncheck "Run this program when Windows starts"
• "Msn Update Manager (Sp2)" definitely not required.

Important: Some malware camouflages itself as msmsgs.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the msmsgs.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.