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What’s HOSTNAME.EXE (Hostname APP)? Is it safe or a virus?

HOSTNAME.EXE is a command-line utility in Microsoft Windows that is used to display the hostname of the computer. The hostname is the unique name that identifies a computer on a network.

When the HOSTNAME.EXE command is executed in the command prompt, it returns the hostname of the local computer, which can be useful for troubleshooting network connectivity issues or for identifying the computer within a network environment. This information can be helpful for system administrators and network users to verify the identity of a computer and ensure proper communication within a network.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about HOSTNAME.EXE on WINDOWS

Who makes HOSTNAME.EXE (Hostname APP)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of HOSTNAME.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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