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What’s WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe (Microsoft Expansion Utility)? Is it safe or a virus?

The WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe file is a Microsoft Windows utility with the app description "Microsoft Expansion Utility." This executable file is intended to update the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on 64-bit systems running the AMD architecture. WinRE is a set of tools and system recovery features built into the Windows operating system, which allows users to troubleshoot and repair issues that may prevent Windows from starting. The WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe file is designed to keep WinRE up to date, ensuring that it can effectively support system recovery and troubleshooting tasks on the user's computer.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe process is safe or malware.

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.exe (Microsoft Expansion Utility)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of WinREUpdateInstaller_2501B_amd64.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: January 14, 2025

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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.

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