If you have noticed a process called launcher.exe running on your computer, you might be wondering what it is and whether it is safe or not. In this blog post, we will explain what launcher.exe is, where it comes from, and how to deal with it.
What is launcher.exe?
Launcher.exe is a generic name for a program that launches other programs or files. It is not a specific application, but rather a common name that can be used by different software developers. Launcher.exe can be associated with various programs, such as games, web browsers, antivirus software, etc.
For example, some of the programs that use launcher.exe are:
- Google Chrome: A popular web browser that uses launcher.exe to launch itself and update its components.
- Steam: A gaming platform that uses launcher.exe to launch games and manage its library.
- Avast: An antivirus software that uses launcher.exe to launch its user interface and scan your computer.
- Adobe Reader: A PDF reader that uses launcher.exe to launch itself and open PDF files.
Launcher.exe is usually located in the installation folder of the program that uses it, or in a subfolder called bin, launcher, or something similar. For example, if you have Google Chrome installed on your computer, you might find launcher.exe in C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application.
Is launcher.exe safe or not?
The answer to this question depends on the source and purpose of launcher.exe. If it belongs to a legitimate program that you have installed and use regularly, then launcher.exe is probably safe and harmless. However, if you don’t recognize the program that uses launcher.exe, or if you notice suspicious behavior from launcher.exe, such as high CPU usage, network activity, pop-ups, or error messages, then launcher.exe might be malicious or unwanted.
Some malware programs can disguise themselves as launcher.exe to trick users into thinking that they are harmless. They can also use launcher.exe to launch other malicious files or processes on your computer. Therefore, it is important to check the origin and properties of launcher.exe before deciding whether to keep it or remove it.
How to check the origin and properties of launcher.exe?
To check the origin and properties of launcher.exe, you can use the following steps:
- Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
- Find launcher.exe in the Processes tab and right-click on it.
- Select Open file location to see where launcher.exe is located on your computer.
- Right-click on launcher.exe in the file explorer and select Properties.
- Check the General tab for information such as file size, creation date, and company name.
- Check the Digital Signatures tab for information such as signer name and certificate status.
- Check the Details tab for information such as file description, product name, and version.
If the information matches the program that you expect to use launcher.exe, then it is likely safe. If the information is missing, incomplete, or suspicious, then it might be malicious or unwanted.
How to remove launcher.exe?
If you decide that launcher.exe is malicious or unwanted, you can remove it using the following steps:
- Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
- Find launcher.exe in the Processes tab and right-click on it.
- Select End task to stop launcher.exe from running.
- Open the file explorer and navigate to the location of launcher.exe.
- Right-click on launcher.exe and select Delete to remove it from your computer.
- Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete launcher.exe.
You might also want to scan your computer with Malwarebytes Free to make sure that there are no other threats on your system.
Conclusion
Launcher.exe is a generic name for a program that launches other programs or files. It can be associated with various legitimate or malicious programs. To determine whether launcher.exe is safe or not, you need to check its origin and properties. If you find that launcher.exe is malicious or unwanted, you can remove it using the Task Manager and the file explorer. You should also scan your computer with Malwarebytes Free to ensure its security.
