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What’s bscmake.exe (Microsoft® Browse Information Maintenance Utility)? Is it safe or a virus?

bscmake.exe is a utility provided by Microsoft Corporation that is part of certain development environments, like Visual Studio, and is used for managing browse information files (.BSC). These files enable features like code browsing and symbol lookup, helping developers navigate large codebases more efficiently during the development process. It compiles detailed metadata about the code, such as symbol references and definitions, which the integrated development environment (IDE) can then utilize to provide an enhanced coding experience. This tool automates the generation of browse information, improving productivity and facilitating seamless code exploration in supported programming projects.

Researched by Laura @ 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 bscmake.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes bscmake.exe (Microsoft® Browse Information Maintenance Utility)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of bscmake.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: July 31, 2025

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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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