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What’s askchecker.exe (Install Checker)? Is it safe or a virus?

askchecker.exe from Ask.com is a small program tied to Ask’s browser toolbar/search software. Ask.com itself is a search engine that in the past bundled extra software like toolbars or search add-ons into other installs. askchecker.exe is usually part of that installer mechanism, used to check or launch the Ask toolbar or related components when software that bundled it was installed.

You might have it because at some point you installed a program that included the Ask toolbar or Ask search changes as an optional add-on and didn’t opt out, or it came bundled with something else you downloaded.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about askchecker.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes askchecker.exe (Install Checker)?

We’ve found Ask.com should be the publisher of askchecker.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: December 23, 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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