What’s symchk.exe (Symbol Checker)? Is it safe or a virus?

Symchk.exe is a command line tool developed by Microsoft Corporation used for verifying the integrity of symbol files. It checks the signatures of symbol files and compares them with the binary files to ensure that they match.

The tool can also be used to correct any discrepancies and make the symbol files consistent with the binary files. This is particularly important for developers and system administrators who need to ensure that the debugging information for their applications is accurate and up-to-date.

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

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about symchk.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes symchk.exe (Symbol Checker)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of symchk.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: February 5, 2024

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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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