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What’s findstr.exe (Find String (QGREP) Utility)? Is it safe or a virus?

Findstr.exe is a command-line tool provided by Microsoft Windows that is used to search for specific strings of text within files.

It allows users to search for patterns, regular expressions, and text strings within one or multiple files. Findstr.exe is often used in batch scripts and command-line operations to extract specific information or perform targeted searches within files. This versatile tool can be utilized to quickly locate and extract the data needed for a variety of purposes, such as data analysis, log file parsing, and text processing.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about findstr.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes findstr.exe (Find String (QGREP) Utility)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of findstr.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 15, 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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