What is gup.exe? Should I remove it?
Gup.exe is a a common component used by Notepad++ source code editor
Gup.exe is a legitimate executable file, which is also known as GUP or a free Generic Updater. It was developed by Don HO, and it is usually installed along with Notepad++ software. Gup.exe file is responsible for keeping Notepad++ up-to-date – it installs required updates when needed. However, it's not an essential system process, so you can easily terminate it if you think that it has been initiating problems on your computer.
Name | Gup.exe |
Type | Software component |
Related software | Notepad++ – free software used for editing source code of various programs |
Issues | Can be cause of various errors, such as “gup.exe is not a valid Win32 application” and others. Malware might also be disguised under the same name |
Removal | You can eliminate the original file manually yourself. If it is related to malware, it is highly recommended to perform a full system scan with security software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner |
System fix | If you found malware on your computer, it might cause various stability and performance issues once it is eliminated (crashes, errors, lag, etc.). In such a case, you can use FortectIntego to fix such problems automatically |
Here are some error messages you might encounter if you have the described file on your computer:
- gup.exe has encountered a problem and needs to be closed. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
- GUP: a free Generic Updater has stopped working.
- gup.exe is not a valid Win32 application.
However, there can be dangerous versions of the Gup.exe file, too. Recently, we noticed some gup.exe versions uploaded to VirusTotal database, and it seems that there is an adware-type program hiding behind this executable file name. This infection is recognized as CRDF.PUA.PUA.BundleLoader686044841, PUP.Optional.Bundler or ADW_BUNLOAD.SM.
According to the report from VirusTotal, this file is a product of Glary Utilities Pro, and its full name is Glary Utilities Pro Setup. In other words, this file is used to install Glary Utilities Pro software, but unfortunately, it might suggest installing a couple of additional programs alongside the main one.
Consequently, a failure to monitor setup settings can result in the installation of several extra potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) on your PC, and such occurrences should be avoided. If you accidentally installed this piece of software from PCFreeSoft, consider performing Gup.exe removal because otherwise, you might start experiencing annoying computer slowdowns, receiving ads, and encountering other unpleasant issues right away.
In such a case, you can remove gup.exe from your computer manually or employ security software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to do it automatically for you. Also, if you notice that your machine is working slowly, delivering errors, BSODs, or crashes, you might want to use FortectIntego or similar software to repair system issues and fix possible virus damage.
The executable file might be installed intentionally, or not
The described executable file can be saved on your system after installing Notepad ++ or Glary Utilities Pro software, however, there might be other programs that use this name to disguise themselves as legitimate programs because the file has quite a good reputation so far.
However, if you are unsure about the process running on your computer at the moment, or if you notice high gup.exe CPU usage, you might need to scan the file with anti-spyware or anti-malware software to check whether it is a trustworthy one. There's a possibility that you downloaded a wicked version of certain software, and it brought a corrupted gup.exe version into your system.
Additionally, you may have installed it alongside some suspicious freeware after choosing Default or Standard settings for the setup. If you would like to opt-out of unwanted bundled items when installing freeware, choose Custom or Advanced settings and deselect suggested items manually.
The easiest way to complete Gup.exe removal
Any malware can be named anything, and gup.exe is not an exception. When involved in malicious activity, this file can be used for starting a malicious program, launching its main components, or running a destructive payload. According to security experts, it may be installed and used by PCAntivirusPro virus and rogue antivirus program called TrustedAntivirus.
Remember, even if the indicated file does nothing suspicious, its presence may indicate that your computer is infected with a particular threat. That's why you should thoroughly examine the potential gup.exe virus before leaving it in the system. In case your anti-spyware of anti-malware detects something suspicious and advises you to remove gup.exe, better do so ASAP.