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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.

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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 SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe (Change Computer Performance Settings)? Is it safe or a virus?

SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe is a legitimate Windows system file that opens the "Performance Options" dialog, allowing users to adjust settings related to computer performance. It provides options to configure visual effects, processor scheduling, virtual memory, and data execution prevention (DEP). These settings can optimize performance by enabling or disabling visual features, prioritizing programs or background services, and managing memory allocation. The tool is commonly accessed to improve system responsiveness, particularly on lower-end hardware, by reducing resource-intensive visual effects. It is a built-in feature in Windows for advanced users to customize system behavior and performance for their specific needs.

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

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

Researched by Laura @ 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 SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes SystemPropertiesPerformance.exe (Change Computer Performance Settings)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of SystemPropertiesPerformance.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 24, 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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