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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.

What’s DevNodeClean.exe (Tool for removing superfluous device nodes.)? Is it safe or a virus?

DevNodeClean.exe is a tool developed by Microsoft Corporation for removing unnecessary or superfluous device nodes from the Windows operating system. Device nodes are representations of physical or virtual devices, and the accumulation of unnecessary nodes can lead to system inefficiencies or conflicts. This tool helps to clean up the system by removing these superfluous nodes, thereby improving system performance and stability. It is particularly useful for troubleshooting and resolving issues related to device management.

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

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find DevNodeClean.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

Recently Detected Threats

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 DevNodeClean.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes DevNodeClean.exe (Tool for removing superfluous device nodes.)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of DevNodeClean.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: June 4, 2024

Curious about other processes on your PC?
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Or browse the process directory by name:

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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.

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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