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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.Application Control
Control your PC apps and their behaviors.What’s that .exe?
Is that executable safe, or a threat?SpyShelter PC Protection
Learn how to protect your PC from bad apps.Registry Protection
Protect your Windows Registry from harm.How to prevent Screenshots
Learn how to prevent unauthorized Screenshots.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.If you ever use the Windows Command Prompt then you're using cmd.exe (Windows Command Processor). This is a safe .exe you might have noticed in your Windows Task Manager, as long as it's signed by Microsoft.
Windows Command Prompt allows you to execute commands and scripts directly through a textual interface. You can access and control various system functions, such as file management, networking, and troubleshooting, by typing in specific commands. Cmd.exe also provides access to the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) for system administration and scripting.
If you are a fan of our SpyShelter Antispyware software, you can go to our top right settings, then turn on "command line access" to use all our SpyShelter features directly from the Windows Command Prompt. Neat, isn't it?
As mentioned previously, as long as cmd.exe is signed by Microsoft, and as long as you're the one who executed it, then it should be safe to have on your PC.
However, if you're not sure why it's running then it might be a good idea to do a full Free antivirus scan with Windows Security, or run our SpyShelter Antispyware app and see what exactly launched cmd.exe and when.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the cmd.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Jon @ SpyShelter Labs
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.
Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.
Check your PC for threatsWe’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of cmd.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.
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.
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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