What’s dpinst_x86.exe (Driver Package Installer)? Is it safe or a virus?

dpinst_x86.exe is the 32-bit version of the Driver Package Installer (DPInst), a utility from Microsoft's Driver Install Frameworks (DIFx). It facilitates the installation of driver packages for hardware devices on Windows operating systems, streamlining the process by automating driver installation and ensuring proper integration with the system. This tool is particularly useful for developers and system administrators when deploying drivers for devices that are not yet connected to the computer, a process known as "pre-installation." However, starting with Windows 10 version 1607, DIFx tools, including DPInst, have been deprecated and are no longer included in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). Microsoft now recommends providing standalone driver packages that don't require an installer.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the dpinst_x86.exe process is safe or malware.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about dpinst_x86.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes dpinst_x86.exe (Driver Package Installer)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of dpinst_x86.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: January 1, 2025

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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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