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What’s vmms.exe (Virtual Machine Management Service)? Is it safe or a virus?

VMMS.exe is a process associated with Microsoft Windows' Virtual Machine Management Service.

This service is responsible for the management and control of virtual machines on a Windows-based system. It oversees tasks such as creating, pausing, resuming, and stopping virtual machines, as well as the allocation of hardware resources to these machines.

A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a physical computer, creating a separate environment that can run its own operating system and applications as if it were a distinct separate PC. For example, if you want to run an app on your PC but not risk damaging your PC, you open up a Virtual Machine like "Windows Sandbox" and open that app, then you will see a separate Windows environment where you can drag the app, and run it without potentially hurting your own PC.

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More about vmms.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes vmms.exe (Virtual Machine Management Service)?

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

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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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