winpty-agent.exe is an executable file that is part of the WinPTY library. WinPTY is a Windows software package providing an interface for programs to access and control a console (CMD, PowerShell, etc.). It is used by various software applications to provide a terminal interface.
WinPTY is used by several software applications, including SimpleHelp Utilities, VS Code, Android Studio, and JetBrains PhpStorm. These applications use WinPTY to provide a terminal interface that allows users to interact with the system console directly from the application. For example, in Android Studio, it allows users to run and interact with the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) in the terminal. In VS Code, it allows users to use the integrated terminal to run scripts and commands.
winpty-agent.exe is needed for the proper functioning of the terminal interface in these applications. Without it, users may not be able to interact with the system console directly from the application, which can limit the functionality of the application.
You should not remove winpty-agent.exe as it is required for the proper functioning of the terminal interface in these applications. If you suspect that the file is causing problems or is a malware, you should scan your system with a reliable antivirus software. If the file is indeed a malware, the antivirus software will take appropriate action.
Description: Winpty-agent.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. Winpty-agent.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" (usually C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio\lib\libpty\win\x86_64\).
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 727,552 bytes (42% of all occurrences), 185,344 bytes, 184,320 bytes, 901,632 bytes or 740,352 bytes.
There is no file information. Winpty-agent.exe is not a Windows system file. The program has no visible window.
Therefore the technical security rating is 60% dangerous, but you should also take into account the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
You have the option to uninstall the program using the Control Panel ⇒ Uninstall a Program ⇒ Android Studio or JetBrains WebStorm or visit the www.android.com support page.
If winpty-agent.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 55% dangerous. The file size is 230,240 bytes (50% of all occurrences) or 289,664 bytes.
The file is not a Windows system file. The program has no visible window. There is no file information. The file has a digital signature.
Uninstalling this variant:
You have the option to uninstall the program using the Control Panel ⇒ Uninstall a Program ⇒ Microsoft Visual Studio Code or visit the www.visualstudio.com support page.
If winpty-agent.exe is located in a subfolder of Windows folder for temporary files, the security rating is 76% dangerous. The file size is 749,592 bytes.
It is a file with no information about its developer. The file has a digital signature. It is not a Windows system file. The program has no visible window.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as winpty-agent.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the winpty-agent.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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User Comments
winpty is a Windows software package providing an interface similar to a Unix pty-master for communicating with Windows console programs. he software works by starting the winpty-agent.exe process with a new, hidden console window, which bridges between the console API and terminal input/output escape codes. It polls the hidden console's screen buffer for changes and generates a corresponding stream of output. (further information)
A tool for Cygwin and MSYS for running Windows console programs in a Cygwin/MSYS pty (console)
Summary: Average user rating of winpty-agent.exe:
based on 2 votes with 2 user comments.
One user thinks it's probably harmless.
One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous.
Best practices for resolving winpty-agent issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with winpty-agent. 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 winpty-agent.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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User Comments
(further information)
Summary: Average user rating of winpty-agent.exe: based on 2 votes with 2 user comments. One user thinks it's probably harmless. One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous.