What is ups.exe? Should I remove it?

Ups.exe is the Uninterruptible Power Supply service from Microsoft that can be associated with worms and trojans

Ups.exe is the file that can be identified as unwanted or even malicious. The executable file contains machine code needed for launching processes and programs. It is responsible for starting software on your PC.[1] To run commands ups.exe gets added to the main memory of the machine and runs as the task in the background. Since this is a system process, you shouldn't stop it without reading into it more. However, this executable file can also disguise malware like worms or trojans since the type of file is commonly seen running on the machine.[2] For that reason, you need a thorough system check to see the initial purpose of the executable.

Name ups.exe
Type Executable file, Windows process. However, it can be used to hide malware.
File location %WinDir%
Possible relation IRCBot worms and trojans
Purpose of the file Microsoft service responsible for running programs and commands
Diagnosis Install FortectIntego and check the use of this file and possibly remove ups.exe if malicious

ups.exe is the process needed for the computer to run correctly since this executable runs system processes and is required to send warnings when power problems occur. The safe file shouldn't be deleted from the machine because it may cause issues with the device.

However, ups.exe is a file with a common type that often gets used to hide malicious purposes and spread worms, trojans, ransomware or any similar malware programs. This file can be associated with variants of IRCBot worms or trojans.

Due to this possible association, you need to get a reputable anti-malware tool and scan the machine entirely. This way you can check if the computer is affected by any malicious programs and check the purpose of this particular file. Then, you can perform ups.exe removal if the tool detected this file as dangerous.

ups.exe sometimes cause errors during program installations when you run related software. You should check the purpose of the file when you see these errors: 

  • “Ups.exe not found.”
  • “Error starting program: ups.exe.”
  • “Ups.exe is not running.”
  • “Ups.exe failed.”
  • “Ups.exe Application Error.”
  • “Ups.exe is not a valid Win32 application.”
  • “Ups.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”

If the result shows the file as a ups.exe virus, you are highly advised to scan the system, remove ups.exe and terminate all the processes it started. The antivirus program gives the advantage and allows you to clean the system, eliminate corrupted or malicious files with one system scan. Use FortectIntego for the checking and possible file repair.

Please note that the ups.exe file actually may be a fully legitimate part of the operating system or legitimate software. Often virus developers use data with unsuspicious names, but malicious functionality. You should always carefully check the file before deleting it. It may not be related to malware, but can be required by your essential programs to work properly.

ups.exe is a trustworthy file of Windows and, in most cases, shouldn't cause any troubles by running in the background. However, this file sometimes is considered as malicious because of the high usage of CPU or other resources.[3] Intensive processes causing high usage of CPU lead to sluggish system and users consider those processes as malicious due to this fact. Make sure to check the system with an antivirus program before removing the file entirely.

Executable files come with software or via email when malicious

When the executable file is responsible for running processes and launching programs, it comes with the software or application installation. In most cases, you don't even notice those files on the machine since those are kept in system files and directories. Unfortunately, constant running in the background raises questions.

You always need to check the system with proper tools and scan the machine to see what is happening for real on the device. Especially when these executables may contain malicious script, trojans or ransomware payload. If malicious, these files come from spam emails as the attached files.

When you download and open the document or click on the questionable link, this file automatically gets on the system and runs wanted functions without your consent. So pay more attention to emails you get and delete the spam email box more often.

Check the purpose of a file with antivirus tool before removing ups.exe

When you are not sure that ups.exe virus is malicious or only corrupted but completely safe and needed for the system, you need to check the system entirely. You should employ proper security software for this to trust the results entirely.

When you employ reputable anti-malware for possible ups.exe removal, the system scan shows all issues with the device. Your machine gets a thorough check, and programs like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes indicates what malicious applications got detected if any.

Don't rush to remove ups.exe before the system check because that can cause issues with your Windows operating system or some important applications and processes. The full system scan is not taking long, so make sure to diagnose the purpose of this file before making any changes. 

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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
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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References