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What’s 472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.exe (NVIDIA Package Launcher)? Is it safe or a virus?

The file *472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.exe* by NVIDIA Corporation is a driver package for NVIDIA graphics cards. It is designed to install or update the necessary software to ensure that your NVIDIA GPU functions optimally on Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating systems. The "WHQL" label indicates that the driver is certified by Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Labs, ensuring compatibility and stability. The package includes features such as GPU performance optimization, support for games or applications, and access to NVIDIA tools like GeForce Experience for additional settings and updates.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the 472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.exe process is safe or malware.

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find 472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about 472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes 472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.exe (NVIDIA Package Launcher)?

We’ve found NVIDIA Corporation should be the publisher of 472.12-desktop-win10-win11-64bit-international-whql.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: October 10, 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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