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Is that executable safe, or a threat?

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Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.

What’s extrac32.exe (Microsoft® CAB File Extract Utility)? Is it safe or a virus?

Extrac32.exe is a command-line utility in Microsoft Windows designed to extract files from .CAB (cabinet) files, which are compressed archives commonly used for software installation and distribution. It allows users to unpack the contents of these files to a specific location for accessing or managing individual files within the archive. Unlike some other compression tools, extrac32.exe is streamlined for handling Microsoft's CAB files specifically and offers a straightforward text-based interface. It is included in Windows primarily for administrative or troubleshooting purposes, enabling users to retrieve essential files packaged in CAB format during system setups or updates.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the extrac32.exe process is safe or malware.

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find extrac32.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

Recently Detected Threats

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 extrac32.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes extrac32.exe (Microsoft® CAB File Extract Utility)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of extrac32.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: March 16, 2025

Curious about other processes on your PC?
Try SpyShelter or search below.

Or browse the process directory by name:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ#

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.

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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