What is wextract.exe? Should I remove it?

wextract.exe is a critical component of Windows OS

wextract.exe is a legitimate system file that belongs to Windows operating system. This file is included in all versions of OS, starting from Windows XP and finishing with Windows 10. This executable file is responsible for extracting compressed Windows .cab (Cabinet) files. Cab files are compressed files stored in a file library and usually contain setup files. Just like other executable (.exe) files, this one also contains particular instructions how a computer has to perform specific tasks. Thus, it is an important system component that is responsible for carrying out particular functions. Hence, you should not remove wextract.exe because it may damage the system or cause other computer-related problems. Typically this file is located at C:\WINDOWS\system32\ folder. However, if you found this executable in another directory, it might be related to malware infection.

Numerous legitimate processes have been involved in malicious activities. Hackers usually create various viruses and rename them as legitimate processes. Thus, wextract.exe might also be used in such activities. This trick allows infiltrating the device easier and avoiding detection of security programs. It helps to stay longer on the system and perform malicious tasks in the background silently. Such obfuscated files are usually installed in different locations than original ones. Thus, if you find this file in an odd directory, you should make sure that this file is legitimate and harmless, check it with RegCure Pro. However, if you discover that the file is dangerous or is related to a virus or trojan, you should get rid of it immediately. We want to point out that manual wextract.exe removal may not help in this situation. Malware might have installed several malicious files that have to be eliminated together. Thus, you need to employ a reputable malware removal program and let it delete all suspicious components.

Hackers users numerous strategies to spread and drop obfuscated executable file on the system

A malicious wextract.exe file cannot enter the system itself. For this reason, cyber criminals have to employ various strategies to spread it. Usually, they launch malicious spam email campaigns, use malvertising and offer to download fake updates or software. This executable file might show up as an obfuscated attachment in the email. Crooks use social engineering techniques to convince people into clicking on an infected document. Various online ads might also be affected and install wextract as soon as a user clicks on a malware-laden ad. Usually, they are aggressive, eye-catchy, offer amazing shopping deals or suggest installing suspicious software to clean computer from viruses. However, they may not differ from ordinary advertisements as well. Thus, it might be hard to separate malicious ads from safe ones. The obfuscated executable file might also be promoted as useful software on various file-sharing sites, torrents, and other shady online places.

Removal of the dangerous wextract.exe file

Nevertheless, manual wextract.exe removal is possible by simply clicking “Delete” button on a keyboard; we do not recommend doing that. First of all, you need to make sure that this file is actually malicious. If you already know that it belongs to malware, you have to delete all virus-related files. To complete this task safely and avoid causing damage to the system, you should employ a reputable malware removal program, for instance, FortectIntego. Security program will help to remove wextract.exe, as well as other suspicious components residing on the system. However, don’t forget to update it first!