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What’s iexplore.exe (Internet Explorer)? Is it safe or a virus?

iexplore.exe is the executable file for Internet Explorer, Microsoft's former web browser used for accessing and navigating the internet. It serves as the main process responsible for launching and running the browser, rendering web pages, executing scripts, and managing browser functionality. Internet Explorer, while once widely used, has since been replaced by Microsoft Edge as the primary browser in modern Windows versions. However, iexplore.exe may still be utilized in legacy systems or for compatibility purposes in enterprise environments. As of recent times, the application is largely deprecated and unsupported for general web browsing tasks.

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 iexplore.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes iexplore.exe (Internet Explorer)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of iexplore.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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