What’s verclsid.exe (Extension CLSID Verification Host)? Is it safe or a virus?

Verclsid.exe, short for "Verification Class Identifier," is a system utility in Microsoft Windows designed to enhance security. It verifies the integrity of shell extensions by validating their CLSIDs (Class Identifiers) before they execute. When a shell extension, such as a context menu or file operation handler, is invoked, Verclsid.exe ensures the corresponding CLSID is valid and properly registered to prevent malicious or unauthorized code execution. This process helps protect the operating system from potentially harmful or tampered shell extensions. It operates silently in the background and is an integral part of Windows' overall security infrastructure.

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

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about verclsid.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes verclsid.exe (Extension CLSID Verification Host)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of verclsid.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

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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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