What is wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe?

wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe is a legitimate executable file that is part of the MDES SDK (MetaDefender Endpoint Security Software Development Kit), a software component created by OPSWAT, Inc. This file acts as a host process for third-party modules within this framework. The ".exe" extension indicates it is an executable file designed to run on the Windows operating system.

This process is most commonly associated with software like CCleaner, developed by Gen Digital Inc. (formerly Avast, which acquired Piriform), and is typically located in a subfolder of C:\Program Files\CCleaner\. It is also used by other security and management applications, such as Palo Alto Networks' Global Protect, for performing "posture assessment."

The primary function of this software is to enable an application to gather information about the security status of other installed software. For instance, in CCleaner, it is used by the Software Updater feature to check for new versions of your applications. It helps verify the integrity and security status of various endpoint devices and applications, ensuring they meet certain security standards.

Why this file might be needed:

It is essential for the functionality of certain features within parent applications. In CCleaner, it is required for the Software Updater to work correctly.
It allows the main application to securely interact with and assess the state of other programs on your system without needing to build that functionality directly into the main program.

When a user might consider removing it:

If you do not use the features that rely on it (e.g., CCleaner's Software Updater), the file may be considered non-essential.
Like any process, it consumes system resources. While typically minimal, users aiming to reduce background processes might consider its removal if the associated features are disabled or unused.
Although the legitimate file is safe, malware can sometimes disguise itself using the names of valid processes. If the file is found outside of its typical directory (e.g., not in the CCleaner program folder), it could be suspicious.

To further analyze the file and verify its authenticity, you can use tools like the Security Task Manager, which can provide more detailed information about the process, its location, and its digital signature.

Click to Run a Free Scan for wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe related errors

Wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe file information

Description: Wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. The file wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" (for instance C:\Program Files\CCleaner\ or C:\Program Files\Piriform\CCleaner 7\). Known file sizes on Windows 11/10/7 are 2,826,544 bytes (22% of all occurrences), 2,892,080 bytes and 4 more variants.
The wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe file is not a Windows core file. The program is not visible. The file is digitally signed. Wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe is able to monitor applications and manipulate other programs. Therefore the technical security rating is 28% dangerous.

Uninstalling this variant: If problems with wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe occur, you may also do the following:

use the software publisher's support site
completely remove CCleaner or CCleaner 7 (Control Panel ⇒ Uninstall a Program)

Important: Some malware camouflages itself as wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the wa_3rd_party_host_64.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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Best practices for resolving wa_3rd_party_host_64 issues

A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with wa_3rd_party_host_64. 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 wa_3rd_party_host_64.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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What is wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe?

Wa_3rd_party_host_64.exe file information

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Best practices for resolving wa_3rd_party_host_64 issues

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