Wox.exe is the main executable file for Wox, a free, open-source, and full-featured application launcher for Windows. It is designed to enhance productivity by providing a quick way to search for and access programs, files, folders, and web content directly from a single search bar. Think of it as a more powerful alternative to the built-in Windows search function, similar to tools like Alfred on macOS or Launchy on Windows.
The software is typically used to streamline workflows. By typing a few characters, users can instantly find and launch applications, perform web searches, calculate equations, and extend its functionality with a wide variety of plugins. The file is legitimately located in a subfolder within the user's AppData directory, such as C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Wox\.
This file is needed for the Wox application to run. If you actively use Wox to improve your productivity and search capabilities on Windows, the process should be running in the background and is essential for the software's operation.
A user might consider removing Wox.exe under two main circumstances. First, if they no longer use the Wox launcher, they can uninstall the application to free up system resources. Second, because the filename is generic, malware can sometimes use Wox.exe to disguise itself. If the file is located outside of the typical Wox application folder or is exhibiting suspicious behavior (e.g., high CPU usage, unknown origin), it could be a threat. To verify the legitimacy of the file, you can use the Security Task Manager, which can provide more detailed information about the process and its path to help determine if it is a threat.
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Wox.exe file information
Wox.exe process in Windows Task Manager
The process known as Wox belongs to software Wox by Wox.
Description: Wox.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. Wox.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder or sometimes in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files"—typically C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Wox\app-1.3.524\.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 211,456 bytes (66% of all occurrences), 218,112 bytes or 206,848 bytes.
There is no description of the program. The application starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: Run).
The file is not a Windows system file. The program is not visible.
Therefore the technical security rating is 83% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as Wox.exe. Therefore, you should check the Wox.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
I use it instead of Cortana on Windows 10. AlexiGhost
It's fine
Summary: Average user rating of Wox.exe:
based on 3 votes with 2 user comments.
2 users think Wox.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
One user thinks it's probably harmless.
Best practices for resolving Wox issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with Wox. 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 Wox.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
AlexiGhost
Summary: Average user rating of Wox.exe: based on 3 votes with 2 user comments. 2 users think Wox.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user thinks it's probably harmless.