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What’s update.exe (Windows Service Pack Setup)? Is it safe or a virus?

update.exe is a file created by Microsoft Corporation and is usually found in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. This file is used to update various Microsoft products, including Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and other software.

The update.exe process is responsible for checking for and installing updates to ensure that the software is functioning optimally. It may run in the background and periodically connect to Microsoft servers to download and install updates. Users may also encounter update.exe during manual updates or when troubleshooting update-related issues.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.

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More about update.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes update.exe (Windows Service Pack Setup)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of update.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: February 5, 2024

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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