What is appnhost.exe? Should I remove it?

Appnhost.exe – a part of the AppNHost service that can be misused by bad actors

Appnhost.exe, also known as Native Hosts for Apps, is a product of the AppNHost services. This process, developed and produced by Mixesoft Project, is not a necessary object of the Windows operating system. Even though this executable is a harmless one, cybercriminals often find ways how to misuse such objects for their own goals. The executable can also refer to appnhost.exe virus if it is not the official version of the process. The non-harmful variant of this file is located mostly in “C:\Users\USERNAME” and sometimes in “C:\Program Files”. Also, the space taken is 453,176 bytes.

Name appnhost.exe
File type Spyware-related
Status Diagnosis required
Developer Mixesoft Project
Located The non-harmful version of this file resides in “C:\Users\USERNAME” and sometimes in “C:\Program Files”
Spread The malicious variant of the executable might be found in email spam campaigns or on unsecured web pages
Removal Scan the system for possible infections with FortectIntego. If the program finds the file malicious, remove it ASAP

According to some users' comments, the appnhost.exe file appeared after installing a specific Google Chrome extension known as Click&Clean that aims to delete cache and other unnecessary objects from the browser. However, other people claim that Malwarebytes Premium has blocked this process for several times.

Sadly, the name of appnhost.exe can be only a camouflage for crooks. Some hackers might inject malicious infections and software under the name of this process in order to stalk a person, swindle money, mine cryptocurrency, run ransomware, collect personal data, etc. However, mostly, Trojan horses are hidden behind these kinds of executables.

Appnhost.exe has the risk of being a dangerous infection if it is not found in its usual directory or if you find this process working in your Windows Task Manager but do not remember installing it in the past. Even if you have the original version of the file on your computer, crooks might inject a very similar-looking one to trick you.

If you find two similar appnhost.exe processes running in the Task Manager, you need to take actions ASAP. This is one accurate sign that malware has entered your computer. Removing the threat is necessary if wanting to avoid possible damage. The malicious infection (probably a trojan) might also show such signs:

  1. Your system is not operating as fast as it did in the past.
  2. You find programs hard to launch.
  3. The Registry section is filled with unknown keys.
  4. The CPU and GPU power has reached a very high level (mostly, over 90%).
  5. Your antivirus is dropping you warnings.

However, if you do not have any antivirus program on your computer and want to find if the running process is hazardous or not, you should try scanning the entire system with FortectIntego and searching for possible malware strings. If you are provided with virus alerts, react immediately and continue with appnhost.exe removal.

If the file is not a harmless component of some service, you need to remove appnhost.exe without any hesitation to avoid any possible risks of system or software damage. Note that automatical removal is the only valid and safe option here. You should not try to eliminate malware from your computer on your own.

Additionally, if its appnhost.exe malware that has been bothering you lately, you might not even imagine what kind of goals crooks might be hiding under the name of this process. Trojan horses are capable of accessing the targeted system remotely, running suspicious processes in the background, modifying entries, and files.

Later on, appnhost.exe virus might start collecting personal information about your or stalking your activities. This might easily lead to data exposure and identity theft. Besides, crooks might be controlling your computer remotely in order to run a cryptocurrency mining program or load any other harmful threats.

Distribution purposes of malicious files

It is not a surprise that malware developers try to hide their software under legitimate-looking file names as this is a good way to trick potential victims. Mostly, Trojan viruses and other dangerous threats come via spam email hidden in executables and sometimes in word documents, zip files, and similar components. 

An important step towards malware prevention is email managing. Always identify the sender and if the name appears suspicious to you, delete the message with all its attachments. Furthermore, search for grammar mistakes in the text and note that reliable companies usually carefully check the contact for mistakes before sending it.

In addition, malicious objects can be planted on third-party domains. Users might easily encounter malware on piracy networks such as Torrents and The Pirate Bay. Continuously, the malicious payload is spread via online-dating, gambling, and gaming websites. Stay away from these sources and use antivirus protection for your own safety.

Removal guidelines for appnhost.exe process

If you are not quite sure if the process that you are seeing active is a legitimate or malicious component, you can use tools such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes for discovering possible malware strings on your machine. If you are provided with virus-related warnings and the file was truly found malicious, do not postpone appnhost.exe removal, otherwise, you might have to deal with severe damage that will supposedly by brought by the threat hidden under the file name.

We want to mention one more time that you can and should remove appnhost.exe only automatically. This means that you need to rely on trustworthy antimalware products and not try to get rid of the cyber threat just by performing your own actions. Note that this might hazardous for your computer system as you might make some mistakes during the removal process. Besides, using automatical software leads to a more effective and safe way of eliminating malware.

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If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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