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

old_chrome.exe is a process associated with Google Chrome, which is a popular web browser developed by Google LLC.

Chrome updates itself in the background, allowing you to continue browsing uninterrupted. During the update process, Chrome renames the current version to `old_chrome.exe`, installs the new version, and then switches over. Once the update is complete, the old version is deleted.

If you notice `old_chrome.exe` in your files, it means the update is still in progress. The file should disappear once the update is finished.

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.

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More about old_chrome.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes old_chrome.exe (Google Chrome)?

We’ve found Google LLC should be the publisher of old_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: August 16, 2024

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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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