What is Microsoft.Photos.exe? Should I remove it?

Microsoft.Photos.exe is a legitimate Windows process which might be replaced by malware

Microsoft.Photos.exe is an executable process which runs in Task Manager and is associated with Microsoft Photos program. The application is designed for Windows operating systems only, and its default location is C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\(…)\Microsoft.Photos.exe. Because it is not an essential component for Windows, it can be removed. Nevertheless, malware could disguise as legitimate processes on the system and cause havoc on users' PCs.

SUMMARY
Name Microsoft.Photos.exe (malicious variant)
Type Trojan horse
Symptoms May exhibit no symptoms at all; otherwise, can cause high CPU usage, crash programs, display frequent BSoDs, as well as pop error messages, etc.
Main dangers May steal personal information, infect the PC with other malware, abuse hardware and lead it to its eventual destruction, etc
Distribution Spam emails, malicious ads, file-sharing sites, malicious documents, etc.
Elimination Legitimate Microsoft.Photos.exe should not be removed if you want to keep using Microsoft Photos. However, if it is malware, we highly suggest using robust anti-virus software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner

Numerous malicious programs might use an obfuscated Microsoft.Photos.exe file to cause damage to the computer users. Security experts warn that this executable might be associated with several Trojan horses that might put your computer and privacy at risk.

Some Windows apps are vulnerable and can be used to attack devices. Therefore, if you find the Microsoft.Photos.exe process in the Task Manager using a lot of computer’s CPU or the file itself is installed in another location, your PC might be infected.

However, manual Microsoft.Photos.exe removal is not recommended. The deletion of this malicious process should be eliminated using reputable security software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. Deleting the file itself will not help to remove the cyber threat itself. Numerous harmful files might be installed on the system as well.

Trojan horse is a sneaky type of infection that can get into the computer without users' noticing (especially those who are not that computer-savvy). After establishment, the Microsoft.Photos.exe virus might attempt to auto-send out malicious messages using your email account, Facebook Messenger, Twitter and any other accounts that are connected to the device.

The worst part is that you will not even know about it, as the trojan usually emit no symptoms. Malware usually tries to perform specific tasks to achieve its goal (be it cryptocurrency mining, sensitive information theft, or even the malicious ransomware which can lock up your personal files and demand ransom to be paid for it) before it shows any signs. Because of that reason, it is extremely hard to detect and eliminate. Therefore, it is another good reason to have a reputable security tool installed on your PC.

Additionally, Microsoft.Photos.exe virus might cause these problems:

  • stealing personal and sensitive data, such as login details, credit card information, etc;
  • tracking information about users by accessing computer’s camera, microphone or simply spying user’s browser’s activity or technical information about the device;
  • installing other malware on the computer, for instance, file-encrypting virus;
  • stealing user’s identity, which allows cybercrooks to perform illegal activities using the hijacked name.

Firewall and other major antivirus programs can detect this malicious process running on the system. Therefore, if your security software delivered a pop-up about a potentially dangerous file, you should test it. If the file is malicious, anti-malware tools can remove Microsoft.Photos.exe safely and quickly.

Methods used for spreading malicious software

Originally, the Microsoft.Photos.exe file belongs to legit Microsoft’s applications. Thus, it arrives on the system with a program. However, malicious version of the executable might come in many ways, for instance:

  • spam email attachments;
  • bogus software downloads;
  • fake updates;
  • illegal content;
  • exploit kits;
  • malware-laden ads;
  • etc.

The most prominent trojan horse distribution method is via the spam email. Phishing emails are often sent out by bots that hackers employ. This way, masses of fake emails reach potential victims. Fortunately, the infection can be avoided if users pay attention to each email coming their way. We suggest first making sure that it is legitimate and comes from original source before clicking on any links or opening attachments.

Malicious websites which promote fake updates, as well as a torrent and other file-sharing sites can infect the machine with viruses. Not only is pirated software illegal to download, but it can also infiltrate computers with malware. Thus, avoid suspicious websites online.

Users should also patch their systems as soon as the updates become available. It includes Windows operating system, as well as all available software on your computer (we suggest keeping an automatic update setting ON so that every patch would be applied automatically).

Important to mention that antivirus programs cannot fully protect from malware, viruses and other cyber threats. Thus, you should avoid clicking, downloading and opening unknown content. The majority of recent cyber threats can bypass antivirus detection. Therefore, you have to be careful to protect your PC and data from damage.

The correct way to remove Microsoft.Photos.exe from the PC

We do not recommend rushing with Microsoft.Photos.exe removal. First of all, you should check if a file is really harmful. If you delete a legit file, Microsoft Photos app might not work. However, if you find out that it’s a malicious file, you have to choose a professional tool to remove it properly.

You can remove Microsoft.Photos.exe and a Trojan that is related to this executable using FortectIntego. However, you can choose your preferred tool as well. The most important task is that the program has to be up-to-date before you run a full system scan. Only updated tools can detect all recent cyber threats.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
Download
Intego Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
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
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.

Contact Ugnius Kiguolis
About the company Esolutions

Files
Software
Compare