Precomp.exe (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions

What is Precomp.exe?

Precomp.exe – a Windows background process that might indicate malware infection

Precomp.exe is a background process that might be related to Win32.CoinMiner malware infection

Precomp.exe is a process that users might find running on their Task Manager under the name of Command Line Precompressor, which can be used by many different programs, including WinRar, uTorrent, and others. The process runs in the background, and its location is usually located in the “User” folder, although it can also be found in Program Files, System32, or other folders.

However, many users have complained that Precomp.exe is running at high CPU in the background, greatly disrupting the computer work and causing lag, crashes, and errors. While, in some cases, issues may lie within corrupted program files or similar, the high resource usage is one of the main indicators for the Win32.CoinMiner malware infection. Thus virus specializes in secretly mining digital currency by using Windows CPU or/and GPU – the funds are transferred directly to cybercriminals' crypto-wallets. Without a doubt, you should not tolerate the appearance of the Precomp.exe virus, as it might seriously compromise your computer performance and personal safety.

Cryptominers are well-known in the cybersecurity world and have been one of the most prevalent threats during the time when Bitcoin price skyrocketed. While the popularity of cryptojackers^[1] decreased, users can still infect their computers with this type of malware, and it's something that nobody would like to deal with.

Cybercriminals behind Precomp.exe Trojan might use several different distribution techniques, including:

• fake updates
• spam emails
• malicious cracks/pirated installers
• software vulnerabilities^[2]
• malicious JavaScript, etc.

As evident, there are several ways how you could get infected with coin-mining malware. Nonetheless, this precise infection is known to be spread via pirated program installers for video games or cracked software. As evident, if you downloaded such a file from a torrent or a similar site, you should remove Precomp.exe virus with a powerful security app, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. After that, you should tune-up and fix Windows system files and settings with FortectIntego if required.

While the impact of crypto-mining malware might not be taken seriously by some, it is important to realize that as long as a virus is installed on a computer, it is considered to be compromised. It can prevent users from performing high-resource required tasks, such as watching high-res video recordings, editing video, using graphical applications, or playing video games. In other words, Precomp.exe Miner Trojan might make the infected computer almost impossible to operate, as CPU/GPU will rack up 90% 100% of usage at any given time, and the fans will spit at their full capacity.

Precomp.exe is a virus that uses Windows CPU and GPU to mine Bitcoin cryptocurrency for cybercriminals

However, regular computer usage disruption is just one of the worries – the main risks include data theft as well as a computer security compromise. Malware can inject a variety of malicious files into the system, some of which might spawn tasks only later. Thus, Precomp.exe can download additional malware later and, as a result, infect the computer with other Trojans, backdoors, rootkits, ransomware, or other malicious software.

We would also like to point out that Precomp.exe can be a part of a legitimate program, even though it is causing high CPU usage. So how should you know whether you are infected? The truth is that each case is very individual, and there is no universal answer. You need to perform some checks in order to find out.

The first thing you should do is scanning your device with security software. However, keep in mind that not all security programs can detect all variants of the virus, hence Precomp.exe removal might be a bit more complicated. The solution to this is to scan your machine with a few different security programs or upload the file in question to Virus Total or similar analysis services.

Another hint is whether or not the Precomp.exe process appeared after you installed a program yourself or if it showed up seemingly out of nowhere. If you downloaded a pirated game or an app, it is highly likely that you are infected. However, if the process belongs to WinRar or another legitimate app and causes you problems, you should simply uninstall them via the Control Panel. We provide the instructions below.

Avoid being infected with malware

As previously mentioned, crypto-mining malware is just one of many security threats that are spreading around the internet. Ransomware, Remote Access Trojans (RATs), backdoors, rootkits, worms, and other types of malicious programs are designed for various tasks, and none of them are positive, at least for the end-user. Unfortunately, many malware is programmed to stay invisible on the system for as long as possible, and, if no security solutions are implemented, it can run for weeks or even months before it is spotted.

Thus, as a first security measure, you should always ensure that your computer is protected with an up-to-date anti-malware solution. Make sure your automatic updates are set in place and run regular, on-demand scans as required. Unfortunately, there is no security program that would be able to detect all malware, as it is constantly shifting – criminals find new ways to bypass security measures. Thus, experts^[3] advise being cautious and conscious about online threats.

Precomp.exe can use a lot of GPU and CPU, causing crashes and errors

You should not open email attachments (and allowing documents to run macro function) or click on the embedded links, and avoid visiting websites that spread pirated programs/software cracks. Also, use strong passwords and never repeat them.

Use security software to get rid of Precomp.exe virus

As previously mentioned, Precomp.exe removal might not be necessary if the process related to it comes from a legitimate program. If that is the case, we advise you to employ FortectIntego and attempt to fix issues you might be having with a Windows computer performance. If nothing helps and you are still having problems with high CPU usage, you should simply uninstall the related program, as we explain below.

To remove Precomp.exe virus, you should employ an anti-malware solution. While manual elimination is indeed possible, it is not recommended for regular computer users, as it requires deep understanding within the IT field and cybersecurity. To ensure that no such infections happen in the future, make sure you employ a real-time protection feature on your security program.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.