What’s ildasm.exe (Microsoft .NET Framework IL disassembler)? Is it safe or a virus?

The `ildasm.exe` tool, part of the Microsoft .NET Framework SDK, serves as the Intermediate Language (IL) Disassembler. It deconstructs compiled .NET assemblies, such as EXE or DLL files, into a human-readable representation of their Intermediate Language code and metadata. This is useful for analyzing the structure of an assembly, including its methods, classes, and manifest, without needing the original source code. Developers use it for debugging, studying compiled output, or reverse engineering. However, `ildasm.exe` does not allow modifications to the disassembled IL code; it is purely for inspection and analysis within the .NET ecosystem.

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

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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Who makes ildasm.exe (Microsoft .NET Framework IL disassembler)?

We’ve found .NET should be the publisher of ildasm.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

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