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

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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

Windows Task Manager

What is Msmpeng.exe?

Msmpeng.exe is a legitimate process that is part of Windows Defender, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software for Windows. It is responsible for scanning files, folders, and programs on your computer for malware and other security threats. Msmpeng.exe runs in the background and is designed to be unobtrusive, so it should not affect your computer’s performance or cause any issues.

Windows Defender is a reliable antivirus solution that provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It is enabled by default on Windows and is updated regularly to ensure that it can detect and remove the latest threats.

Should I Remove Msmpeng.exe?

No, you should not remove msmpeng.exe from your computer. As mentioned earlier, it is a legitimate process that is part of Windows Defender, which is an essential component of Windows 10. Removing msmpeng.exe could leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other security threats.

However, if you notice that msmpeng.exe is using a lot of CPU or memory resources, it could be a sign that Windows Defender is scanning a large file or folder. This is normal behavior, and you should allow the scan to complete. If the high resource usage persists, you can try disabling Windows Defender temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

To disable Windows Defender temporarily, follow these steps:

  1. Open Windows Security by clicking the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
  3. Click on “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings.”
  4. Toggle off the “Real-time protection” switch.

Keep in mind that disabling Windows Defender will leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other security threats. You should only do this temporarily and re-enable it as soon as possible.

How to Check if Msmpeng.exe is a Virus or Malware?

If you suspect that msmpeng.exe is a virus or malware, you can use an antivirus software to scan your computer for threats. We recommend using Malwarebytes Free, a popular and reliable antivirus software that can detect and remove malware, spyware, and other security threats.

To scan your computer with Malwarebytes Free, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Malwarebytes Free from here.
  2. Open Malwarebytes Free and click on “Scan.”
  3. Wait for the scan to complete.
  4. If Malwarebytes Free detects any threats, follow the prompts to remove them.

Keep in mind that Malwarebytes Free is not a replacement for Windows Defender. You should always keep Windows Defender enabled and updated to ensure that your computer is protected against the latest threats.

Conclusion

Msmpeng.exe is a legitimate process that is part of Windows Defender, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software for Windows 10. It is responsible for scanning files, folders, and programs on your computer for malware and other security threats. You should not remove msmpeng.exe from your computer as it is an essential component of Windows Defender.

If you notice that msmpeng.exe is using a lot of CPU or memory resources, it could be a sign that Windows Defender is scanning a large file or folder. This is normal behavior, and you should allow the scan to complete. If the high resource usage persists, you can try disabling Windows Defender temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

If you suspect that msmpeng.exe is a virus or malware, you can use an antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free to scan your computer for threats. However, you should always keep Windows Defender enabled and updated to ensure that your computer is protected against the latest threats.

How to Stay Safe Online

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

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

    Shield Guide

    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.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    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.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    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."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    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.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    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.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    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.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    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.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    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.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    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.

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