What is mcshield.exe?
Mcshield.exe is an executable .exe file, part of the SYSCORE software developed by the McAfee software creator. It oversees your PC’s processes, registry and files to detect and prevent virus infection. McAfee has several products that provide On-Access anti-malware scanning, including VirusScan Enterprise (VSE) and Endpoint security.
This software has two roles: On-Access (reading scans before files open) and On-Demand for scheduled or user-requested scans. VirusScan Enterprise changed its installation location from ‘VSE Installation Folder’ to ‘C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\System Core.’ This scan works automatically after rebooting a computer, immediately after the mfevtps.exe (Validation Trust Protection Service).
Is mcshield.exe a virus or malware?
A mcshield.exe file can indicate a genuine executable file. However, it may harm your PC in some instances. Therefore, if you are facing difficulties with your computer, there is a possibility that the system has a virus infection. Viruses and malware are transmitted through .exe files meaning that if you encounter any difficulties from this file, you should consider deleting it.
To check its running process, open the task manager by right-clicking on the taskbar, then click start task manager. Check the size consumed by the mcshield.exe file in its disk location and compare it with the amount of space consumed while running. If you suspect an unusual behavior with the file, it might be a virus infection.
Where is it located?
Mcshield.exe is not a critical file for windows and is therefore located in a subfolder of ‘C:_Program Files_Common Files_McAfee_VirusScan Enterprise_.’ Its publisher name is McAfee, Inc. and the full path C:_Program Files_McAfee_VirusScan Enterprise_mcadmin.exe. Its size ranges from 146 to 150 MBs. It is a service, and it is known as McAfee OnAccess Scanner (mfecore).
Mcshield.exe has no visible window because it is not a Windows file. It has a digital sign meaning it is a Verified, signed file. Mcshield.exe has the potential to monitor all applications; therefore, its nonexclusive security rating is 2/10 dangerous.
How to remove & uninstall mcshield.exe
A tidy and clean computer is the simplest way to avoid encountering issues with McAfee VirusScan Enterprise. It means cleaning your hard disk with SFC/scannow and clean manager, uninstalling applications no longer in use, performing malware scans, enabling auto Windows updates and monitoring any auto-start programs.
A malware or virus problem may be inevitable, so if you encounter them, remove the mcshield.exe file. Not so many people have removed this file from their computers, meaning it is not so harmful. Before uninstalling a mcshield.exe file, you need to carry out a diagnosis to check if they are malicious.
Some people may still want to remove a mcshield.exe file even if it is not malware. Do this by accessing the uninstall file for McAfee VirusScan Enterprise, located at: MsiExec.exe _X{CE15D1B6-19B6-4D4D-8F43-CF5D2C3356FF}. In case you do not find its uninstaller, remove the antivirus program to get rid of the mcshield.exe file by;
- In the start menu, click the control panel. (If you have windows 8, access this by clicking the bottom-left corner on the screen.
- On the control panel, click Programs and then uninstall a program. Windows XP requires you to click Add or Remove Programs.
- Look for the McAfee VirusScan Enterprise program and click it to uninstall. In Windows XP, click the change/remove or remove tab (on the right side of the program).
- Follow the successive prompts to remove the program.
How do you stop mcshield.exe processes?
Mcshield.exe processes habitually start automatically and may perform multiple undesired or unuseful scans. It might be a potential security risk meaning it might be a Trojan horse, spyware or malware. You can decide to stop the process. Please do this by uninstalling the program associated with it or scanning it with malware or a virus removal component.
How to check if mcshield.exe has high CPU usage
The mcshield.exe security application can cause problems to your computer. It is because of the CPU’s constant usage even when the laptop is regular. The McAfee security program continuously checks for specific processes in the background, so it is essential to check if it has a high CPU usage.
Do this by opening the Task Manager application and clicking on the processes to find mcshield.exe. Check to see its CPU usage percentage. It might be malware if you find it’s using a high CPU percentage. Therefore, you need to get rid of it.
How to check if mcshield.exe is causing high disk usage
You can inspect this by starting the Task Manager. Click on the “Disk” option at the application’s top, then find mcshield.exe to check its disk usage. If you find high disk usage, consider removing the mcshield.exe file by uninstalling the McAfee VirusScan Enterprise.
How to check if mcshield.exe has high network usage
Sometimes, the mcshield.exe file may use huge data, so it is crucial to know how to prevent this. You can find its network usage by opening the Task Manager application and finding the mcshield.exe process. Check the percentage of network usage.