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What’s that .exe?

Is that executable safe, or a threat?

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Executable Directory

Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.

What’s pcwrun.exe (Program Compatibility Troubleshooter Invoker)? Is it safe or a virus?

The pcwrun.exe process, part of Microsoft Windows, is responsible for launching the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, which helps users resolve compatibility issues with older applications on newer Windows operating systems. It analyzes program behavior and applies settings or adjustments, such as emulating an earlier version of Windows, to enable proper functionality. This tool is particularly useful for running legacy software that was not designed for the version of Windows currently in use.

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

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find pcwrun.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.

Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.

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More about pcwrun.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes pcwrun.exe (Program Compatibility Troubleshooter Invoker)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of pcwrun.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 10, 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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