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What’s WindowsAdvancedSettings.exe (WindowsAdvancedSettings)? Is it safe or a virus?

The file WindowsAdvancedSettings.exe, published by Microsoft Corporation, is associated with the Advanced settings page in Windows. This page is a redesign of the original For Developers section in Windows Settings, now expanded to include additional options aimed at enhancing productivity for advanced users.

According to Microsoft's official documentation, the For Developers page was renamed to Advanced to reflect its broader applicability beyond just developers. The settings available within this page are useful for a wide range of advanced Windows users, and the redesign aims to make these settings more discoverable.

You might have this executable on your system if you're using a version of Windows that includes the updated Advanced settings page that was released May 19, 2025.

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 WindowsAdvancedSettings.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes WindowsAdvancedSettings.exe (WindowsAdvancedSettings)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of WindowsAdvancedSettings.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: May 21, 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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