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What’s WinFRUI.exe? Is it safe or a virus?

WinFRUI.exe is the graphical user interface (GUI) for Windows File Recovery, a Microsoft-developed utility designed to help recover lost or deleted files from storage devices, such as hard drives or USB drives.

Unlike the command-line-based Windows File Recovery tool, WinFRUI.exe simplifies the recovery process by offering a user-friendly interface. It allows users to select recovery modes, customize file search criteria, and retrieve accidentally deleted files with greater ease.

This tool is particularly useful when files have bypassed the Recycle Bin or have been removed due to formatting, deletion, or corruption of the storage medium.

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 WinFRUI.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes WinFRUI.exe?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of WinFRUI.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: April 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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