What is Chromium.exe? Should I remove it?

Chromium.exe is a file that runs Chromium-based browsers

Chromium.exe is an executable that belongs to Chromium web browser. Chromium is an open source project that was used to create Google Chrome web browser, and know it can be used for developing other browsers. While some of them are absolutely safe and legit; others are highly suspicious and not recommended to use.

Chromium.exe appears on the system when Chromium browser is installed on the machine. The process is visible in the Task Manager. However, the same file might indicate malware. You can suspect that you have Chromium virus installed on the device, if:

• you see a high CPU usage of the Chromium.exe;
• you haven’t installed Chromium browser;
• Chrome browser’s homepage, search engine or other settings were altered;
• you noticed browser redirects to questionable sites;
• aggressive ads started popping up while browsing the web.

If you noticed at least one of these symptoms, you should initiate Chromium.exe removal immediately. However, instead of stopping the process in the Task Manager and deleting the file itself, you should scan the system with reputable anti-malware software.

Security tool is needed because malware might consist of numerous other files that have to be terminated as well. To identify these entries manually is nearly impossible. Additionally, you have to make sure that Chromium.exe is actually malicious. In some cases, other executables can be the problem. Hence, you might delete the wrong entry.

We recommend using FortectIntego for system scan. If this security tool detects that this file is dangerous, you will be able to remove Chromium.exe and fix the damage caused by malware.

Distribution methods of the malicious software

The legitimate Chromium.exe arrives on the system after installing Chromium browser. However, this file is not always safe and might be downloaded without your knowledge. This might happen because you installed freeware which was spreading some Chromium-based browser as well.

The problem with free programs is that they often spread additional applications that might have negative features. You cannot know it unless you use Advanced/Custom installation settings and carefully read each of the steps.

These settings reveal additional apps offered to download with a primary program. But the most important thing is that this setup allows rejecting installation of optional apps. Meanwhile, Quick/Standard settings do not have this feature, and the whole freeware package is installed on the device.

Other methods used for spreading malicious files might be:

• bogus software downloads;
• fake updates;
• malicious ads;
• drive-by downloads.

Hence, you should stay away from suspicious pop-ups or aggressive offers to install updates or software. Additionally, keep your antivirus program updated to minimize the risk of virus infiltration.

Delete Chromium.exe with security software

If you suspect that you are dealing with a Chromium virus, you have to remove Chromium.exe undoubtedly. As we have already mentioned, you should not do it manually. The executable might come back because malware always includes more than one component, and some of them are often responsible for reinstallation.

For Chromium.exe removal, we recommend using FortectIntego or other anti-malware software. Remember that it’s important to check if the file is actually malicious in order to avoid possible damage or program corruption.