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Learn how to prevent unauthorized Screenshots.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.According to the official Microsoft Learn website forum, ntkrla57.exe is a legitimate Windows kernel image developed by Microsoft.
It is designed to support systems utilizing Intel's 5-level paging (LA57), which extends the virtual address space to 57 bits. This feature is particularly relevant for systems with large memory capacities, such as servers or advanced virtual machines, where extended address space is beneficial. The presence of ntkrla57.exe indicates that your system is configured to leverage this extended paging capability.
If you find ntkrla57.exe on your system, it's likely due to the installation of a Windows version that supports 5-level paging, such as Windows Server 2022 or specific builds of Windows 10 and 11. This kernel image is typically located in the System32 directory and is used during the boot process when 5-level paging is enabled.
It's important to note that ntkrla57.exe is a standard component of certain Windows installations and is not indicative of any security issue. However, as with any system file, if you have concerns about its authenticity, you can verify its digital signature with SpyShelter, or by checking its properties manually (right click the .exe) to ensure it is actually from Microsoft.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the ntkrla57.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Laura @ 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.
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Recently Viewed Executables We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of ntkrla57.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.
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