smService.exe is an executable file that is associated with two different software applications: StartMenu8 Services by IObit and ShareMouse by BartelsMedia.
When associated with StartMenu8 Services by IObit, smService.exe is a part of the Start Menu 8 software. This software is designed to bring back the traditional start menu for users who are not comfortable with the new Metro start screen in Windows 8 and Windows 10. It provides users with a more convenient and familiar way to access their programs, documents, and files.
When associated with ShareMouse by BartelsMedia, smService.exe is a part of the ShareMouse software. ShareMouse is a program that allows you to control multiple computers from a single mouse and keyboard. This can be particularly useful in a multi-monitor setup where each monitor is connected to a different computer.
Whether or not you should remove smService.exe depends on whether you use and need the associated software. If you use Start Menu 8 or ShareMouse and find them useful, then you should not remove smService.exe as it is a necessary component of these programs.
If you do not use these programs or if smService.exe is causing problems (such as using too much CPU or memory), then you may want to consider removing it. You can do this by uninstalling the associated software from your computer.
While smService.exe is not inherently harmful, like any executable file, it can be used maliciously. If you find smService.exe in a location other than C:\Program Files (x86)\IObit\Classic Start (for Start Menu 8) or the appropriate BartelsMedia folder (for ShareMouse), it may be a sign of a virus or malware. In this case, you should run a virus scan to ensure your computer is safe.
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Description: SmService.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. SmService.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)"—mostly C:\Program Files (x86)\IObit\Classic Start\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ShareMouse\.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 1,077,536 bytes (23% of all occurrences), 1,056,544 bytes and 8 more variants.
It is the service "SMService": SM Service.
The program has no visible window. SmService.exe is not a Windows core file. The file has a digital signature. The smService.exe file is a Verisign signed file.
SmService.exe is able to monitor applications, record keyboard and mouse inputs and manipulate other programs.
Therefore the technical security rating is 26% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
In case you experience problems using smService.exe, you can also get help from the software vendor Keyboard-and-mouse-sharing, update the program or uninstall the software ShareMouse or Start Menu 8 using the Uninstall a Program function of Windows Control Panel (Windows: Start, Settings, Control Panel, Uninstall a Program).
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as smService.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the smService.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
Mine is Start menu 8 by IObit. Pull up the properties and check signature to find out what it is for. Kathie
Summary: Average user rating of smService.exe:
based on 1 vote with 1 user comment.
One user thinks smService.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
Best practices for resolving smService issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with smService. 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 smService.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
Kathie
Summary: Average user rating of smService.exe: based on 1 vote with 1 user comment. One user thinks smService.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.