What’s wscript.exe (Microsoft ® Windows Based Script Host)? Is it safe or a virus?

The wscript.exe is a legitimate Windows system file that is associated with the Windows Script Host (WSH) program.

This program is used to interpret and execute scripts written in scripting languages such as VBScript and JScript. The wscript.exe file is responsible for running these scripts and enabling them to control basic system functions, such as file manipulation and network communication.

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

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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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.

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More about wscript.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes wscript.exe (Microsoft ® Windows Based Script Host)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of wscript.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: June 26, 2024

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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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