What’s chrome.exe (Google Chrome)? Is it safe or a virus?

Chrome.exe, developed by Google Inc, is the executable file for Google Chrome, a popular web browser.

It allows users to access and navigate the internet, interact with web applications, and browse websites.

It manages browser processes, including rendering web pages, running JavaScript, and communicating with servers. Each tab or extension in Google Chrome is often handled by a separate process to enhance performance and stability, which is why multiple instances of chrome.exe may run simultaneously.

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

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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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.

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More about chrome.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes chrome.exe (Google Chrome)?

We’ve found Google Inc should be the publisher of chrome.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: April 15, 2025

Curious about other processes on your PC?
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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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