NWJS Process Explained – Is NWJS Malware or Legit? Read This
Written by: Stelian Pilici
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The NWJS process is a relatively common sight in Windows Task Manager for many users. But what exactly is NWJS? Is it a vital system process or a sketchy malware threat? This in-depth guide will uncover everything you need to know about NWJS.
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What is the NWJS Process?
NWJS stands for Node Webkit JavaScript. It is an open source framework for developing desktop applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The NWJS framework essentially allows developers to build desktop apps with frontend interfaces powered by web UI frameworks. It bundles the Node.js runtime environment and Chromium browser capabilities into a single runtime for building these hybrid native/web apps.
Some key capabilities provided by NWJS include:
Access to Node.js modules for backend capabilities like file system access, child processes, databases, etc.
DOM manipulation and JavaScript execution via Chromium’s V8 engine.
HTML5 and CSS3 support for building rich user interfaces.
Integration of web APIs like IndexedDB and WebSockets.
Multi-platform support for deploying on Windows, Mac and Linux.
When you see a process called NWJS running in Task Manager, it is from an app built using this framework. The process executes the underlying NWJS engine to render the UI and run the app’s JavaScript code.
Why Does the NWJS Process Run?
The main reason you will see NWJS running on your system is because you have installed apps created with NWJS, like Slack, Visual Studio Code, or Spotify.
These apps need the NWJS process to run continuously in the background to power their frontend interface and overall functionality.
Specifically, the NWJS process does things like:
Render HTML/CSS/JS that makes up the app’s user interface
Execute the JavaScript logic for the app
Enable access to native OS capabilities like files and hardware
Facilitate communication with the backend server
So in short, the NWJS process runs persistently to make apps built on this framework work properly. Ending the task would cause the associated app to stop working correctly.
Is the NWJS Process Malware? Should I Be Worried?
The NWJS process is not malware. As long as the file path for NWJS leads to the app you installed, it is a legitimate process powering the app and nothing to worry about.
Some key points:
Open source NWJS is safe framework used by many reputable apps.
Top apps like Slack, Spotify, Skype all rely on NWJS.
NWJS needs to run constantly so apps function normally.
Ending task improperly will break apps relying on it.
You only need to investigate if you see multiple NWJS processes or the file path is suspicious. But in most cases, NWJS will be linked to apps you knowingly installed.
So rest assured that seeing NWJS running is normal and not indicative of any malware or virus. It is a benign process that is required for many popular desktop programs to work properly.
What Apps Use NWJS?
Many top apps across various categories utilize the NWJS framework and will show the NWJS process in Task Manager, including:
Messaging & Communication
Slack – Team collaboration and chat app.
Discord – Free voice and text chat app for gamers.
Skype – Video chat and instant messaging app.
Music & Entertainment
Spotify – Popular music streaming service.
Netflix – Video streaming platform for movies/TV.
Twitch – Live game streaming and esports platform.
Developer Tools
Visual Studio Code – Lightweight code editor from Microsoft.
GitHub Desktop – Open source Git client.
Apache NetBeans – Java IDE.
Productivity & Utilities
Wunderlist – Task management and to-do list app.
Caprine – Unofficial Facebook messenger client.
Rambox – Messaging and email hub app.
Shift – Work schedule management app.
And many moreacross business, design, photography, and other categories. Any desktop app built on NWJS will have the associated process running in the background.
Normal Resource Usage of NWJS
Like any process, the NWJS engine uses a certain amount of your computer’s CPU, memory, disk and network bandwidth to function. This resource usage varies depending on which NWJS app you are running.
Here are some general guidelines for normal NWJS behavior:
CPU – Up to 2-4% utilization with spikes during active use.
Memory – 50 to 150 MB range typically. Can go higher for certain apps.
Disk – Very minimal read/write activity.
Network – Low traffic. Mainly checks for app updates.
High CPU or RAM utilization by NWJS could indicate an issue with the associated app hogging resources. But in general, the NWJS process aims to be lightweight and is not intensive itself.
You mainly need to watch for any NWJS processes using abnormally high resources beyond expected levels. That would signify a problem with the individual app, not NWJS itself.
How to Check NWJS File Location
As mentioned before, the key way to verify NWJS is safe is to check where it originates from. The file path will tell you which app it is tied to.
Here are quick steps to check NWJS file location in Windows:
Launch Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
Go to the “Processes” tab
Right click on any NWJS process
Select “Open file location”
This will open Windows Explorer to the executable file path of NWJS. You can then see which app directory it is contained within, and verify it matches an app you knowingly installed.
You can also use the Properties window or command line tools like Handle or Process Explorer to check NWJS file path if needed.
Is Ending the NWJS Process Safe?
In most cases, manually ending the NWJS process is not recommended. The apps relying on NWJS will immediately stop working properly if you forcibly end it.
NWJS needs to run persistently for the associated app to function. You are essentially terminating the app by ending NWJS. Any app crashes, lost data, or instability caused will be on you.
However, ending NWJS may very rarely be needed as a last resort if an app is completely frozen with runaway NWJS usage. This forcibly restarts the app and NWJS process. But this should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Restarting your PC will also safely restart NWJS if you just need to reset it without directly ending the task. This is the best approach if you suspect NWJS-related issues.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. 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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. 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.
While its name may seem vague at first glance, NWJS is actually a key process that runs many popular desktop applications on Windows. It executes the necessary engine to power apps built with the NWJS framework.
Now that you understand its pivotal role in delivering the frontend experience for Slack, Spotify, Visual Studio Code and more, you can rest easy knowing NWJS is not malware.
The NWJS process is a benign and expected part of running apps that rely on it. While its resource usage and troubleshooting may require occasional monitoring, you need not proactively end the task or worry about security risks.
With the tips in this guide, you can optimize NWJS performance, resolve any issues that arise, and verify the process is tied to legitimate applications.
So the next time you notice NWJS running in Task Manager, remember it is simply enabling many of your favorite programs to function normally. As long as the file path checks out, NWJS is safe to ignore and allow to operate smoothly in the background.
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.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
