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What’s mc-update.exe (McAfee Software Updater)? Is it safe or a virus?

The mc-update.exe file by McAfee, LLC, labeled as "McAfee Software Updater," is responsible for ensuring that McAfee security products installed on a system remain up to date. It performs regular checks for the latest software updates, security patches, and virus definition files and installs them to maintain the effectiveness of McAfee's protection against emerging threats. This process helps safeguard the system by fixing vulnerabilities and enhancing performance. It typically runs as a background process, requiring minimal user intervention, but is essential for the continued proper functioning and security of McAfee's antivirus and related applications.

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about mc-update.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes mc-update.exe (McAfee Software Updater)?

We’ve found McAfee, LLC should be the publisher of mc-update.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: March 10, 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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