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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.HostPath.exe in Visual Studio is part of the Microsoft .NET Core HostPath package that installs the .NET host support for your IDE. It sets up the necessary runtime component that lets Visual Studio launch and debug .NET Core/6+ apps.
In Visual Studio 2019/2022 installs or upgrades, the installer includes this HostPath component to ensure dotnet commands work inside the IDE. Failures during its install (like missing PowerShell or access issues) can block .NET workloads until resolved.
So, HostPath.exe in VS is essentially a helper tool from Microsoft that installs or configures the .NET host environment that the IDE relies on.
I found this information on the official Microsoft Learn website, but it's possible Microsoft could have another executable called "HostPath" that isn't part of Visual Studio.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the HostPath.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs
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 threatsWe’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of HostPath.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.
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.
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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