What is msvc.exe? Should I remove it?

Msvc.exe is a malware-related file that secretly mines cryptocurrency on your computer

Msvc.exe is a malicious executable that belongs to a Trojan horse^[1] that is used for cryptojacking.^[2] This malicious file might be dropped on the system together with free programs, and once it gets inside, it starts using computer's resources to mine Bitcoins, Monero or other digital coins. Msvc.exe can be seen running in the background (Task Manager), and is usually located in the C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming or C:\Program Files. The main feature of the process is high resource usage, as it usually takes up to 20-30% of the CPU power. If users terminate the process by ending the task, it will restart as soon as Windows is rebooted, as the virus creates an autostart entry of its own. To stop the malicious activities, users need to remove Msvc.exe virus using reputable anti-malware software.

Once the Trojan is installed, Msvc.exe miner immediately modifies or creates new Windows Registry^[3] keys to boot with system startup. Additionally, the computer becomes sluggish, and some programs might not respond or open. Thus, you won’t be able to use the PC generally until you perform a full msvc.exe removal.

However, before you start msvc.exe termination, you have to make sure that it’s actually a malicious file. The file might also be related to legit Windows OS programs, such as VisualStudio. Thus, deletion of it might cause problems to the genuine program.

The malicious file is typically located in this C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\msvc. However, if you find it in another directory, you should obtain a reputable malware removal software, such as FortectIntego, and run a full system scan.

The majority of security programs identifies msvc.exe files as malicious under Artemis!3F1D85138F66, Trojan.Gen.2, Suspicious.Cloud.7.L, RiskTool.Win32.BitcoinMiner.gen or other names. Therefore, you should not experience any problems with automatic malware elimination.

The malicious file can sneak into the system unnoticed

Most of the time, computer users are responsible for letting malicious files or programs on the system. Thus, the msvc.exe virus is most likely to infiltrate the system when a user:

• downloads illegal or corrupted program;
• installs fake update form pop-up;
• installs of a bogus add-on or browser extension from a corrupted website;
• careless installs of freeware or shareware.

Security experts remind users to stay vigilant and choose credible sources for software or update downloads. Keep in mind that only official publishers’ sites include legit updates and program downloads. However, if you download freeware or shareware, you should pay attention to its installation as well.

Always opt for Advanced/Custom setup instead of Quick/Recommended settings. These settings allow seeing “additional downloads” that might be the obfuscated potentially unwanted programs or crypto-currency miners.

To stop the malicious activity of the Msvc.exe miner, you have to remove all malicious components of the threat

We do not recommend manual msvc.exe removal. Deleting only this file might not solve the problem in the long term. Miner might consist of several related components that might re-install this executable and continue malicious activities on the computer.

Therefore, you should remove msvc.exe automatically with reputable security software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. It will detect Trojan and delete it together with all related files. Thus, you have to look to in the problem from the broader perspective and get rid of the malware instead of the single file.