hwinfo64a.sys: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on: July 12, 2023

When it comes to computer security, it’s important to be aware of any potential threats or suspicious files that may be present on your system. One such file that you may come across is hwinfo64a.sys. In this article, we will explore what hwinfo64a.sys is, whether you should remove it, and whether it is considered malware or not.

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What is hwinfo64a.sys?

hwinfo64a.sys is a system driver file associated with the HWiNFO software. HWiNFO is a powerful system information and diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware components and system performance. The hwinfo64a.sys file is specifically related to the 64-bit version of HWiNFO.

As a system driver, hwinfo64a.sys is responsible for facilitating communication between the hardware components of your computer and the operating system. It allows HWiNFO to gather accurate and detailed information about your system’s hardware.

Should I Remove hwinfo64a.sys?

Whether or not you should remove hwinfo64a.sys depends on your specific circumstances and needs. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Do you use HWiNFO?

If you actively use HWiNFO to monitor your system’s hardware and performance, it is recommended to keep hwinfo64a.sys on your system. Removing it may prevent HWiNFO from functioning properly and gathering accurate information about your hardware.

2. Do you experience any issues or conflicts?

If you are experiencing any issues or conflicts related to hwinfo64a.sys, such as system crashes or compatibility problems with other software, it may be worth considering removing it. However, it is important to note that such issues are relatively rare, and hwinfo64a.sys is generally considered a safe and reliable file.

3. Are you concerned about system performance?

In some cases, certain system drivers can have a minor impact on system performance. If you are particularly concerned about optimizing your system’s performance and believe that hwinfo64a.sys may be contributing to any performance issues, you may choose to remove it. However, it is important to note that the impact of hwinfo64a.sys on system performance is typically negligible.

Ultimately, the decision to remove hwinfo64a.sys should be based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are unsure, it is recommended to seek advice from a knowledgeable professional or consult the official HWiNFO support resources.

Is hwinfo64a.sys Malware?

No, hwinfo64a.sys is not considered malware. It is a legitimate system driver associated with the HWiNFO software. However, it is worth noting that malware authors sometimes use similar file names to disguise their malicious activities. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the hwinfo64a.sys file on your system is located in the correct directory and is digitally signed by the legitimate developer.

If you suspect that the hwinfo64a.sys file on your system may be malicious, it is recommended to perform a thorough scan using reputable antivirus software. One such software is Malwarebytes Free, which is known for its effectiveness in detecting and removing malware.

Summary

hwinfo64a.sys is a system driver file associated with the HWiNFO software. It is responsible for facilitating communication between your computer’s hardware components and the operating system, allowing HWiNFO to gather detailed information about your system’s hardware.

Whether or not you should remove hwinfo64a.sys depends on your specific circumstances and needs. If you actively use HWiNFO and rely on it for monitoring your system’s hardware and performance, it is recommended to keep hwinfo64a.sys on your system. However, if you experience any issues or conflicts related to hwinfo64a.sys, or if you are particularly concerned about system performance, you may choose to remove it.

It is important to note that hwinfo64a.sys is not considered malware. However, it is always a good practice to ensure that the file is located in the correct directory and is digitally signed by the legitimate developer. If you suspect any malicious activity, it is recommended to perform a thorough scan using reputable antivirus software such as Malwarebytes Free.

Ultimately, the decision to remove hwinfo64a.sys should be made based on careful consideration of your specific circumstances and needs. If you are unsure, it is always best to seek advice from a knowledgeable professional or consult the official HWiNFO support resources.

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.