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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.Application Control
Control your PC apps and their behaviors.What’s that .exe?
Is that executable safe, or a threat?SpyShelter PC Protection
Learn how to protect your PC from bad apps.Registry Protection
Protect your Windows Registry from harm.How to prevent Screenshots
Learn how to prevent unauthorized Screenshots.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.The file chrome_pwa_launcher.exe, published by Google LLC, is a legitimate component of Google Chrome. Its primary role is to enable Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to function more like native applications on Windows systems.
When you install a PWA through Chrome, chrome_pwa_launcher.exe acts as a dedicated launcher for that specific web app. It allows the PWA to open in its own window, separate from the main Chrome browser, and facilitates features like file association, enabling the PWA to handle certain file types directly. This executable ensures that each PWA has its own identity within the operating system, appearing in the Start menu and supporting file type handling as needed.
If you have installed PWAs using Chrome, such as Twitter, Spotify, or YouTube Music, it's normal to find instances of chrome_pwa_launcher.exe on your system. The file is digitally signed by Google LLC, confirming its authenticity.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the chrome_pwa_launcher.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs
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.
Check your PC for threatsWe’ve found Google LLC should be the publisher of chrome_pwa_launcher.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.
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.
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.
Have any questions? Please join our free public SpyShelter PC Security Forum and talk cybersecurity with our USA-based team. We love talking about PC Security and we’d like to get to know you.
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