If you have a wireless network adapter on your computer, you may have noticed a process called ATTray.exe running in the background. You may have wondered what it is, whether it is necessary, and whether it poses any security risks. In this blog post, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to manage this process.
What is ATTray.exe?
ATTray.exe is a process that belongs to the Wireless Network Tray Applet or WLAN software. This software is developed by WLAN or Broadcom, and it provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for managing your wireless network settings and connections. ATTray.exe stands for ATRAY, which is the name of the executable file that launches the applet.
The ATTray.exe process runs in the system tray, which is the area near the clock on your taskbar. It shows an icon that indicates the status of your wireless network connection, such as signal strength, network name, and encryption type. You can also right-click on the icon to access various options, such as viewing available networks, changing network profiles, or opening the Wireless Network Utility.
Should I Remove ATTray.exe?
ATTray.exe is not a vital system process, and it does not affect the functionality of your wireless network adapter. You can safely remove it if you do not use or need the Wireless Network Tray Applet. Removing it will free up some system resources and reduce the clutter on your system tray.
However, if you find the applet useful or convenient, you can keep it running without any problems. It does not consume a lot of CPU or memory, and it does not interfere with other processes or applications. It also does not cause any common errors or crashes.
To remove ATTray.exe, you can uninstall the Wireless Network Tray Applet or WLAN software from your computer. You can do this by following these steps:
- Open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
- Find and select Wireless Network Tray Applet or WLAN in the list of installed programs.
- Click on Uninstall and follow the instructions to complete the process.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Alternatively, you can disable ATTray.exe from running at startup. You can do this by following these steps:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and open the Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab and find ATTray.exe in the list of startup items.
- Right-click on it and select Disable.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Is ATTray.exe malware?
ATTray.exe is not malware, and it does not pose any security threats to your computer. It is a legitimate process that belongs to a reputable software vendor. It does not contain any malicious code or perform any harmful actions.
However, some malware may disguise themselves as ATTray.exe or use similar names to trick users into thinking they are harmless. For example, some viruses or trojans may create files named ATRAY.EXE or ATRAY32.EXE and place them in different folders on your computer. These files may try to infect your system or steal your data.
To avoid falling victim to such malware, you should always verify the source and location of any suspicious process. You can do this by following these steps:
- Right-click on the ATTray.exe icon in the system tray and select Properties.
- Check the General tab and look for the file name, description, version, and company name. They should match those of Wireless Network Tray Applet or WLAN software.
- Check the Details tab and look for the file size, creation date, digital signature, and certificate information. They should also match those of Wireless Network Tray Applet or WLAN software.
- Check the Compatibility tab and look for the compatibility mode settings. They should be disabled or set to Windows XP or later.
- Check the Security tab and look for the permissions settings. They should allow full control for administrators and read & execute for users.
- Check the Location tab and look for the file path. It should be C:\Program Files\WLAN\ATRray.exe or C:\Program Files\Broadcom\Wireless Network Utility\ATRray.exe.
If any of these information do not match or are missing, you may have a malware infection. You should scan your computer with Malwarebytes Free and remove any detected threats.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.
Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step.
Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
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Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
That’s it — your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
Conclusion
ATTray.exe is a process that belongs to Wireless Network Tray Applet or WLAN software. It provides a GUI for managing your wireless network settings and connections. It is not a vital system process, and you can remove it if you do not use or need it. It is not malware, but you should always verify its source and location to avoid any potential risks.
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