What’s launcher.exe (Opera Internet Browser)? Is it safe or a virus?

Launcher.exe is a program developed by Opera Software AS and is typically associated with Opera web browser.

It acts as a startup manager for the Opera browser, allowing it to launch more quickly and efficiently. The launcher.exe file is not essential for the functioning of the Opera browser, but it can enhance the user experience by reducing the time it takes for the browser to open. This program helps to optimize the overall performance of the Opera browser and is commonly found in the installation directory of the browser.

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

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 launcher.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes launcher.exe (Opera Internet Browser)?

We’ve found Opera Software AS should be the publisher of launcher.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: March 9, 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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