What’s SMSvcHost.exe (SMSvcHost.exe)? Is it safe or a virus?

SMSSvcHost.exe is part of the Net.TCP Port Sharing Service that's built into Windows, and this .exe is made by Microsoft itself.

The Net.TCP Port Sharing Service in Windows operating systems is a feature that facilitates the sharing of TCP ports among multiple users. This service is particularly useful in environments where applications need to communicate over the network using TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) but might otherwise be limited by the need to bind to unique port numbers. By enabling the Net.TCP Port Sharing Service, multiple applications can use the same TCP port for their communication needs, thus simplifying configuration and optimizing the use of network resources.

This service operates by acting as a listener on a TCP port that multiple applications can register with. When a message is received on this shared port, the service determines the intended recipient application and forwards the message accordingly. This mechanism allows for efficient use of ports and helps in scenarios where port exhaustion might be a concern, especially on servers running multiple network-based applications.

The Net.TCP Port Sharing Service is part of Microsoft's implementation of the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) technology, which supports the building of service-oriented applications. It's particularly relevant for WCF applications that use NetTcpBindings, enabling them to share ports and thus reduce the complexity and overhead associated with managing multiple TCP connections.

To use this service, it must be explicitly enabled, as it is not enabled by default on Windows machines. This can be done through the Services management console or via command-line tools. Enabling port sharing can be crucial for applications that require efficient network communication and is a key aspect of optimizing the networking capabilities of Windows-based applications and services.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs