wintask.exe is an executable file that is associated with the software NSSM. This software is typically used to manage and monitor Windows services.
It is a tool that allows you to run applications as a service, which can be very useful for server environments. NSSM ensures that services keep running if they crash, and it offers a very flexible approach to managing services.
wintask.exe is needed as it is the executable file that runs the NSSM software. It can automatically restart services if they crash, and it can also manage services that do not natively support being run as a service.
While wintask.exe is not inherently harmful, it can be used maliciously. If you find this file in an unexpected location (such as C:\Windows\nvidia), it could be a sign of a virus or other malicious software. In this case, you should remove it. If you do not need the functionality provided by NSSM, you may choose to remove it to free up system resources.
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Description: Wintask.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. The file wintask.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows (e.g. C:\Windows\nvidia\).
The file size on Windows 10/11/7 is 329,728 bytes.
It is a service (NVU) running invisible in the background: NVIDIA driver updater.
The program is not visible. There is no description of the program. The wintask.exe file is an unknown file in the Windows folder. The file is not a Windows system file.
Wintask.exe is able to monitor applications.
Therefore the technical security rating is 56% dangerous, however you should also read the user reviews.
External information from Paul Collins: There are different files with the same name:
"Win32BaseServiceMOD" definitely not required. Added by the NAVIDAD WORM!
"WinTask" definitely not required. Added by the HIPO or LEMIR.F TROJANS!
"WinTask driver" definitely not required. Added by the SMALL.ABD downloader TROJAN!
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as wintask.exe. Therefore, you should check the wintask.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.
Summary: Average user rating of wintask.exe:
based on 9 votes with 5 user comments.
9 users think wintask.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it.
Best practices for resolving wintask issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with wintask. 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 wintask.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
cloaked_chaos
Basti (further information)
Friday, the 13. (further information)
jerry
Summary: Average user rating of wintask.exe: based on 9 votes with 5 user comments. 9 users think wintask.exe is dangerous and recommend removing it.