What is Winlog.exe?

If you have seen a winlog.exe running on the background, a number of questions can come in your mind: is winlog.exe a legit file, what is it all about, is it a virus, or does it need to be removed? Many people have complained of winlog.exe malware on their computers.

Here, we explain what winlog.exe is to help you clear these doubts.

What Does Winlog.exe File Mean?

Winlog.exe stands for Windows Log service, and it is an application in the Windows operating system. It is a genuine file, and a software component of Salfeld Personal Security Tools, making it an essential application on Windows PC.

Winlog.exe is designed to run on the background to monitor a PC’s internet usage and control what the user can see based on the set control levels. As a security toolset, winlog.exe offers three security products, namely:

• User Control
• Win Control
• Child Control

Is Winlog.exe a Legit File?

The genuine winlog.exe is a personal security file.

However, hackers and cybercriminals have hijacked the name and created a malware with a similar file name: winlog.exe. This means winlog.exe can also be a malicious executable file (malware) that stealthily infiltrates your PC. Winlog.exe steals personal information, and secretly conducts crypto mining for cybercriminals.

The malicious winlog.exe is installed into your PC on the ProgramData folder and blends itself with other files. It is then launched through Winlog.bat, a file containing the malware’s information for conducting the malicious activity.

Can Winlog.exe Be a Virus?

As noted above, some malware entities also use the file executable name winlog.exe. Examples of identified malware with that name are Suspicious.SillyFDC or Backdoor.Trojan. Therefore, you need to always monitor the winlog.exe process on your PC to check if it is a malware.

Once executed, the malicious winlog.exe program creates multiple entries on the Task Manager, under different names such as Cmd.exe or timeout.exe. It tries to mask itself to avoid detection. However, many users may not know where or how to spot these processes.

Symptoms of a Winlog.exe Virus or Malware

Here are the things you can observe to check if your PC is infected with the winlogon.exe crypto miner virus:

• The fluctuation of internet connection
• Your PC slows down significantly
• High CPU usage
• Lagging or stuttering video playback or video games
• Unexpected program shut down
• System overheating and unexpected shutdown
• Frequent errors messages or blue screen
• Browser redirects to dubious, suspicious websites
• Unsolicited ads and pop-ups
• High electricity bill, in some cases

Don’t be among the users who confuse high CPU usage or system errors caused by the winlog.exe virus with malfunctioning hardware or software. You can learn a few PC tips and tricks or scan your device regularly with reputable anti-malware software.

Should Winlog.exe Be Removed?

If you suspect the winlog.exe on your PC is malware, you must remove it and keep your PC clean.

To remove the winlog.exe virus, you’ll need to use a quality anti-malware security application, such as Malwarebytes or Security Task Manager. It can detect all unknown or malware entities that remain hidden from some antivirus software.

You must take caution because not all anti-malware tools can detect all types of malware. If one tool fails to identify the winlog.exe even after you notice symptoms, you might have to try other options until you succeed.

Moreover, the malware’s functionality might hinder winlog.exe removal. If this occurs, you should remove it on Safe Mode with Networking.

Best Practices to Resolve Winlog.exe Virus

To avoid doubts and problems with the winlog.exe, you should always have a tidy and clean computer. This means you need to regularly run a scan for malware and clean your hard drive to get rid of any malware in it. You can do this using different methods, including:

• Use Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) to get rid of temporary files that take up space, which Windows doesn’t need anymore.
• Use System File Checker (sfc/scannow) utility to examine your Windows files for any errors and restore the damaged files caused by some installations, viruses, or tuning tools that may impersonate or damage your Windows system files.
• Uninstall programs on the Windows programs and features to remove the programs that you no longer need or unnecessary programs.
• Checkg AutoStart programs (msconfig) using the Microsoft System Configuration (msc) utility to resolve problems when Windows starts up. You can disable Startup Programs and Services to eliminate possible causes of windows AutoStart problems.
• Enable Windows’ Automatic Update to ensure that essential Windows updates are always installed on your PC automatically.

Note: If the problem is serious, instead of reinstalling Windows, you can repair it (for Windows 8 and higher) by executing the DISM.exe /Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth command. This command checks your computer’s health and allows you to repair the OS without losing your data.

Wrapping Up

If you’ve seen the winlogon.exe file in your PC, or if you’re just concerned that there may be malware on your PC, you should scan your PC with a trusted anti-malware software. We believe the information on this post has been of great help. Have we left our anything? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.