What is Uninstall.exe? Should I remove it?

Uninstall.exe is an executable used to remove a particular program from a Windows PC

Uninstall.exe is a file that can be used by a variety of different applications, including Adobe Reader, Photoshop, uTorrent, and many others. It is typically placed into the installation folder of the app, e.g., C:\Program Files (x86), and can be used to uninstall the program thoroughly from the system. In essence, it serves as an alternative to the uninstallation via the Control Panel, which is commonly used for the purpose.

However, users might find the Uninstall.exe running in the background as a process via their Task Manager. This could mean several things – either the name is used by a legitimate app, or malware has infiltrated the PC and performs malicious tasks in the background. For example, it was previously discovered that such an executable might indicate Downloader.Dluca or SpySheriff computer infections.

Just like with many other executables such as Memu-Installer.exe, Intelupdate.exe, or Hxtsr.exe, Uninstall.exe is not a necessary file for a Windows operating system to run. In other words, it shows up on the OS from an external application that you could have installed yourself.

In fact, you don't need to press the Delete button on your keyboard to remove Uninstall.exe from your device. The file would disappear as soon as you use it to uninstall the app in question. We must warn you that you should do that only if you feel that uninstall.exe is not acting as it should be. By removing this executable, you can also lead yourself to various problems related to software uninstallation.

Otherwise, it can be left in the installation folder – it should not impact the performance of your PC. On a side note, if you do suffer from crashes, errors, BSODs, and similar issues on a regular basis, you could try using FortectIntego to fix them automatically.

While the original Uninstall.exe file is not malicious, there are many instances when cybercriminals masked a malicious file to look like the original one. Several indicators should not be ignored, for instance:

• A process of unknown origin is running in the background;
• The file is located in C:\Documents, C:\Windows, %Temp% or %AppData% folders;
• Computer crashing, lagging or delivering errors;
• High CPU and/ore GPU usage of some processes, etc.

To double-check this file, so you should first examine it with the help of SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and check the findings. If security software detected it, Uninstall.exe removal should be warranted and not delayed.

Malware can be spread in various deceitful ways

Cybercriminals are sophisticated individuals, so they use many ways to deceive users and make them install malicious software on their systems. Without a doubt, they seek to get benefits from it, either financial or other. For example, data-stealing malware could be used to harvest credentials, banking details, or other sensitive information, which can later be used to steal funds or sold on the underground hacking forums.

Therefore, there are dozens of different ways viruses can spread (for example, drive-by downloads, vulnerabilities, fake updates, etc.), although the most common ones are:

• Spam emails. Typically crooks use well-known names such as Google, UPS, WHO, and others, in order to mislead users to open the attached files or click on fraudulent links.
• Torrent/warez sites. Pirated applications and games are extremely popular among users. It allows them to bypass the licensing process of the app and use it for free or enhance it with premium features. However, not only is this activity illegal, but it also serves as a perfect ground for cybercriminals to distribute malware. One of the most prevalent ransomware strain known as Djvu uses software cracks and similar illegal installers to spread the payload, resulting in hundreds of infections each day.

Thus, be cautious when dealing with emails – keep in mind that the “From” address can be spoofed, and contents can also be counterfeit well. Do not download attachments, and never allow the Macro function to run. Additionally, simply never visit pirated software sites, as they are a cesspool for malware.

Uninstall.exe removal

As previously mentioned, if you simply found the file within the Program Files folder and it belongs to some application, you don't have to remove Uninstall.exe. it can simply sit in its location until the corresponding app is eliminated one way or another.

However, if you came here looking for Uninstall.exe removal options after you spotted some suspicious activity on your Windows computer, then there is a cause of concern. Hackers often disguise the processes or files by using well-known file names in order to mislead security software, as well as the users – it simply arouses less suspicions, which allows malware to run on the system longer.

Thus, you should perform a full system scan to eliminate Uninstall.exe virus for good – we recommend using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. You can also employ FortectIntego to fix various computer issues that might be caused by malware infection.