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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.

Application Control

Control your PC apps and their behaviors.

What’s that .exe?

Is that executable safe, or a threat?

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Learn how to protect your PC from bad apps.

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Protect your Windows Registry from harm.

Executable Directory

Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.

What’s msiexec.exe (Windows® installer)? Is it safe or a virus?

Msiexec.exe is a process related to Windows Installer, a software component used for the installation, maintenance, and removal of software on Microsoft Windows systems.

When a user initiates the installation of a program, msiexec.exe is responsible for executing and managing the installation process. It is also used for uninstalling software and applying patches or updates. Msiexec.exe reads installation packages in the form of .msi files and executes the necessary actions to complete the installation or uninstallation process.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the msiexec.exe process is safe or malware.

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find msiexec.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

Recently Detected Threats

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.

Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.

Check your PC for threats
Recently Viewed Executables

More about msiexec.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes msiexec.exe (Windows® installer)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of msiexec.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 9, 2024

Curious about other processes on your PC?
Try SpyShelter or search below.

Or browse the process directory by name:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ#

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.

Have any questions? Please join our free public SpyShelter PC Security Forum and talk cybersecurity with our USA-based team. We love talking about PC Security and we’d like to get to know you.

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