Windows gwx.exe process explained in depth
gwx.exe is a legitimate file responsible for promoting Windows 10 upgrade
Gwx.exe is a legitimate executable which belongs to a program that has been used to push a free Windows 10 operating system upgrade. Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 users might remember these annoying notifications that started popping up around 2015. If you can also remember seeing them, you might find gwx.exe in your Task Manager. If that is happening, you shouldn't think about malware removal right away. The diagnosis for this file is required.
If you have already upgraded to the latest Windows version, you shouldn't see these pop-ups and other similar entries or processes running in the background. So, double-check the system with antivirus software if you can find gwx.exe running and using resources of the PC because it can be related to malware which is trying to hide under the name of a legitimate system component. It is a common method, so you cannot be sure until you check the security state of the device.
| Name | gwx.exe |
|---|---|
| Type | Executable file related to advertising software that can be found on the Taskbar and in C:\Windows\System32\GWX\GWX.exe |
| Issues | If not found in the upper mentioned folder, this file can be used as a trojan or other type of malware and spread for malicious purposes |
| Distribution | Files can come with software or other components as program launching file, but when malicious can be delivered via spam email campaigns or malicious sites |
| Diagnosis | Needed. It is important to determine if there are programs or applications that might be corrupted, so the file behaves. It is not typically malicious, so run FortectIntego to determine affected files and fix them |
| Elimination if needed | Tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes act as GWX.exe removal applications when there are malware issues related to the executable |
As you must have understood, gwx.exe file is not malicious. It cannot pose harm to the system or perform other malicious activities. It’s a useful component of Windows 10 Update and belongs to Microsoft. This program also has a flag icon in the Taskbar which might annoy many users.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get rid of the notifications that quite aggressively push the installation of the latest version of the operating system. It seems that gwx.exe removal requires uninstalling Windows update KB3035583. Once you uninstall it, this file together with Windows ads is gone for good.
However, as we have already mentioned, in some cases malware can use the name of this file while trying to bypass your attention and infiltrate the system unnoticed. Thus, if you noticed your computer acting odd, you should check the system with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes or another anti-malware to remove Gwx.exe virus.
Unfortunately, some GWX.exe trojan victims provided samples and detection names for the malicious file state that file gets used to spread around and infect machines. There might be many purposes for such a file when it is developed by malicious actors, so pay attention if your anti-malware apps find any traces.
The legitimate file is typically located in one of these directories:
- C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Microsoft\Windows\Setup
- C:\Windows\System32\GWX\GWX.exe
If you found this file located in another folder, you can suspect that it might be potentially dangerous. Usually, infiltration of malware also triggers other problems, such as:
- an increased amount of ads,
- crashing programs,
- sluggish computer,
- Windows errors;
- unknown processes use high CPU;
- etc.
Therefore, if you noticed some of the above-mentioned features, you should immediately check the system for a cyber threat. As we have already mentioned, you should use anti-malware software to get rid of gwx.exe or other dangerous files from the system. You should also rely on PC revocery, so run FortectIntego that can help with altered functions and damaged files or functions.
Installation of the executable
The legit GWX file arrived on the system with a Windows update (KB3035583). However, if you are dealing with a malicious version of the program, you should be aware of possible ways how malware can enter the system.
Depend on a type of a cyber threat; this executable can be installed using one of these methods:
- fake or illegal software downloads;
- bogus software updates;
- malicious ads;
- exploit kits;
- malicious spam emails;
- drive-by downloads;
- etc.
Therefore, users are advised to be careful when browsing the web. It’s important to avoid visiting questionable or potentially dangerous websites (e.g., pornographic, gaming), using only official developer’s sites for downloading software or its updates, double-checking the information about the sender before opening an unknown attachment, and keeping away from aggressive ads.
GWX removal instructions
If you want to remove gwx.exe, which is a part of the Windows 10 advertising program, you should uninstall KB3035583. You can do that by following these steps:
- Reboot the computer to the Safe Mode.
- Navigate to Programs and Features.
- Click View installed updates option in the left pane.
- Find the KB3035583 update, click on it, and hit Uninstall button.
However, if you need advice on malicious gwx.exe removal, we suggest scanning the system with a reputable malware removal tool, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Automatic elimination is the best choice because security software can identify and safely terminate malware with all its files and components.
Since gwx.exe as a virus can be also used to affect more crucial parts of the system, files, functions programs, you should also run a tool like FortectIntego that checks or even fixes such damage, affected files for you. Such scanning improves the performance and indicates issues with the machine.
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