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What’s DesktopGoldInstall.exe (AOL Desktop Gold)? Is it safe or a virus?

DesktopGoldInstall.exe is an installer file for AOL Desktop Gold, a software application by Yahoo Holdings Inc. that combines email, web browsing, and various online features in a single interface. It replaces the classic AOL Desktop software and provides tools for managing AOL Mail, browsing the internet, and accessing AOL-related services. The installer is designed to make the installation process seamless while offering enhanced security, automatic updates, and compatibility with modern systems. AOL Desktop Gold is geared towards users who prefer an all-in-one platform for their communication and internet needs while retaining the traditional AOL experience.

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

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find DesktopGoldInstall.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

Recently Detected Threats

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 DesktopGoldInstall.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes DesktopGoldInstall.exe (AOL Desktop Gold)?

We’ve found Yahoo Holdings Inc. should be the publisher of DesktopGoldInstall.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: August 4, 2025

Curious about other processes on your PC?
Try SpyShelter or search below.

Or browse the process directory by name:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ#

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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