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Is Msedge.exe Malware? [5-Min Guide]

Msedge.exe

Experiencing issues with the Msedge.exe process? Ensure its safety by performing a comprehensive system scan. Take prompt action to prevent potential future complications.


Some users have reported a security alert from Microsoft Defender Antivirus, asking permission for “msedge.exe” to access all features on private and public networks, which raises suspicion. Typically, “msedge.exe” is a legitimate Windows file associated with Microsoft Edge, but it can also be exploited by malware.

Is Msedge.exe a Legitimate Windows File?

The genuine msedge.exe file resides in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\ and is a secure executable for Microsoft Edge. Nevertheless, malicious files can mimic msedge.exe or something akin to it, evading detection for extended periods. These deceptive files may trigger unusual computer behavior, including error pop-ups. If you’ve encountered a similar issue, this article offers straightforward solutions to assist you in resolving the problem.

Is Msedge.exe Malware?

How to Check Whether Msedge.exe Is Safe or Not?

One way to check a suspicious file is by verifying its publisher. First, right-click the file, and then check its properties for a legitimate publisher. If it’s signed by a reputable company, it’s likely safe to use, and you can keep the process running. However, if Msedge.exe doesn’t have a signature, it’s a red flag for potential system compromise.

If you’re reading this article with doubts about Msedge.exe’s safety and origin, it’s advisable to ensure your Windows system is free of malware.

Msedge.exe – How Did It Get Installed on My PC?

Msedge.exe can sneak into Windows systems via fake software installers and infected sites, often distributing various malware types bundled with legitimate apps. This includes clickfraud bots, infostealers, and ransomware, as seen in a 2021 campaign distributing ransomware, infostealers, and cryptominers.

Malware operators may employ other methods like fake software updates, malicious emails, and trojanized applications. Notably, Msedge.exe’s access to your computer can lead to the creation of additional malicious files. Since malware aims to stay hidden, you might only detect it after it has already damaged your system, possibly causing issues with installed programs.

What Does Msedge.exe Do?

Trojan infections primarily aim to steal data, enabling hackers to access login credentials, engage in fraudulent transactions, and exploit emails for spam, among other activities. To ensure complete removal, it’s essential to employ a potent security tool. Neglecting a security tool may allow some of the infostealer’s components to persist on your computer, creating future infection opportunities.

Furthermore, the trojan can facilitate the installation of additional malware by opening a backdoor. This additional malware could encompass ransomware, spyware, other Trojans, adware, and more.

Given its malicious nature that poses a threat to your various accounts, we strongly recommend conducting a system check to ensure its safety.

Is Msedge.exe a Virus?

No, “msedge.exe” is not a virus but rather an executable that belongs to Microsoft Edge. In fact, in most cases, the “msedge.exe” process is the main executable file for this browser, responsible for running it.

However, like any executable file, it’s crucial to ensure that the file you have on your system is legitimate and not a malicious copy. Malware and viruses sometimes disguise themselves with names that are similar to legitimate system files.

How to Remove Msedge.exe Malware

To eliminate the Msedge.exe malware from your computer, we advise following the removal instructions below this article. If the initial two manual removal steps, however, prove ineffective, we recommend the approach advocated by most security experts: download and conduct a computer scan using a reputable anti-malware program.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim

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Preparation before removing Msedge.exe.

Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.

  • Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
  • Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
  • Be patient as this could take a while.
  • Scan for Malware
  • Fix Registries
  • Remove Virus Files

Step 1: Scan for Msedge.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

SpyHunter 5 Scan Step 1


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

SpyHunter 5 Scan Step 2


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

SpyHunter 5 Scan Step 3

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Msedge.exe on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Msedge.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:


1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
Remove Virus Trojan Step 6


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
Remove Virus Trojan Step 7


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Remove Virus Trojan Step 8 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

Step 3: Find virus files created by Msedge.exe on your PC.


1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Remove Virus Trojan Step 9

2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Remove Virus Trojan Step 10

3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

file extension malicious

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.

2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:

1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Remove Virus Trojan

2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Remove Virus Trojan Step 11

3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.


Msedge.exe FAQ

What Does Msedge.exe Trojan Do?

The Msedge.exe Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.

Can Trojans Steal Passwords?

Yes, Trojans, like Msedge.exe, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.

Can Msedge.exe Trojan Hide Itself?

Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.

Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?

Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.

Can Msedge.exe Trojan Infect WiFi?

Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.

Can Trojans Be Deleted?

Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.

Can Trojans Steal Files?

Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.

Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?

Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.

Can Trojans Infect USB?

Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.

About the Msedge.exe Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Msedge.exe how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.

How did we conduct the research on Msedge.exe?

Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)

Furthermore, the research behind the Msedge.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.

To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.

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