Googlecrashhandler.exe: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on: June 27, 2023

Have you ever noticed a process called Googlecrashhandler.exe running on your computer and wondered what it is? Is it a virus or malware that you should remove immediately? In this article, we will explore what Googlecrashhandler.exe is, its purpose, and whether you should remove it from your system.

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What is Googlecrashhandler.exe?

Googlecrashhandler.exe is a process that runs in the background on your computer when you have Google software installed, such as Google Chrome or Google Drive. It is a part of the Google Update service, which is responsible for keeping Google software up to date on your computer.

The Google Update service is designed to automatically check for updates to Google software and install them in the background without interrupting your work. Googlecrashhandler.exe is one of the components of this service that helps to collect information about crashes and errors that occur in Google software.

What is the Purpose of Googlecrashhandler.exe?

The primary purpose of Googlecrashhandler.exe is to collect information about crashes and errors that occur in Google software. When a Google application crashes or encounters an error, Googlecrashhandler.exe collects information about the crash and sends it back to Google for analysis.

This information is used by Google to identify and fix bugs in their software, which helps to improve the overall stability and performance of Google applications. By collecting crash data, Google can quickly identify and fix issues that may be affecting a large number of users.

Is Googlecrashhandler.exe Safe?

Yes, Googlecrashhandler.exe is safe and is not a virus or malware. It is a legitimate process that is part of the Google Update service, which is installed with Google software. However, like any other process running on your computer, it is possible for Googlecrashhandler.exe to be hijacked by malware or viruses.

If you notice that Googlecrashhandler.exe is using a lot of system resources or behaving suspiciously, it is possible that your computer has been infected with malware. In this case, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes Free to check for any viruses or malware on your system.

Should I Remove Googlecrashhandler.exe?

No, you should not remove Googlecrashhandler.exe from your system. It is an essential component of the Google Update service, which is responsible for keeping Google software up to date and improving its stability and performance.

Removing Googlecrashhandler.exe could cause issues with Google software and prevent it from functioning correctly. Additionally, removing Googlecrashhandler.exe will not improve the performance of your computer or free up any significant amount of system resources.

Conclusion

Googlecrashhandler.exe is a legitimate process that is part of the Google Update service. Its primary purpose is to collect information about crashes and errors that occur in Google software and send it back to Google for analysis. While it is possible for Googlecrashhandler.exe to be hijacked by malware or viruses, it is generally safe and should not be removed from your system.

If you notice any suspicious behavior from Googlecrashhandler.exe or any other process running on your computer, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes Free to check for any viruses or malware on your system.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.

Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.

Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.

Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.

Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.

Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.

Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.

Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.