What is update.exe? Should I remove it?

update.exe is a legitimate Windows process

update.exe is the component of the Windows operating system. This is the file that launches automatic system updates. Automatic Updates is a utility by Microsoft that automatically downloads and installs Windows OS updates. The executable is a file associated with Windows Automatic Updates and does not threaten user PCs. However, the common process name can often be used to mask malicious activities of keyloggers, trojans, malware.

The file is responsible for automatic updates, so it shouldn't cause any issues with the system. However, some corruption to file can lead to issues and even error messages. But malicious relation to the actor or malware program can lead to serious problems with the computer.

If the process running in the background is related to anything dangerous, you might notice issues with speed or performance. If so – run an anti-malware tool or security program and make sure that the file is dangerous before you delete it completely.

Possible issues caused by malicious file:

• Problem during computer start-up.
• Errors while running specific functions.
• Conflict in the process.
• Missing or corrupted driver files.
• Invalid Windows registry.

Threats like trojans, keyloggers, malware, and other viruses can use update.exe for different purposes, as the file's functionality depends on a particular parasite it belongs to. You are highly advised to scan the system, delete the executable, and terminate all the processes it started. You can do so with tools like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

You shouldn't delete any file if it is not known if it is dangerous or not. Anti-malware tools show various detection names and indicate applications or data that are considered suspicious or even malicious. This is the best way to diagnose the file that runs on the machine without causing any issues with performance.