What is regsvr32.exe?
regsvr32.exe is an exe file that belongs to the Microsoft Register Server process. This process comes with the Microsoft Windows Operating System software, which, in turn, is developed by the Microsoft Windows Operating System software developer. regsvr32.exe file has the .exe extension, which shows that it is an executable file for Windows.
Before you delete the regsvr32.exe process from Windows, it is imperative that you check whether it is important or not. Well, the purpose of this command-line utility is to help you register and unregister OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) control in the Windows Registry. Most Windows applications use these controls, which include DLL (Dynamic Link Library) and ActiveX.
OLE controls are simply Windows-specific technology that is developed to make it easier to embed and link to documents and other objects. It has evolved over the years, and, as of now, has different components incorporated into it. Now, the regsvr32.exe file is always not essential.
There are instances where it uses GPU or CPU too much. It becomes a virus or malware and starts to run in the background. Furthermore, exe files sometimes provide a platform where viruses and malware are transmitted. If this is the case, then you should start thinking about deleting the regsvr32.exe file from your computer.
Is regsvr32.exe a Virus or Malware?
The easiest way to determine whether regsvr32.exe is legit or a virus is to check its location. And there are several places where the regsvr32.exe file can be located. That being said, you should note that the security rating of this software varies, depending on where it is located.
For example, the security rating is 2% dangerous if the regsvr32.exe file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder and 72% dangerous if it is located in the C:\Windows folder. In location one, the file is a Windows system file and is capable of monitoring applications as well as manipulating programs. That is why the security rating is very low.
In location two, regsvr32.exe is located in the Windows folder yet it is not a Windows core file. This, therefore, explains why the security rating is much higher. Some malware disguises itself as a regsvr32.exe file, especially when its location is in the C:\Windows\System32 folder or C:\Windows. For this reason, it is always important to check on your computer and confirm if the file is a threat.
To do that, simply start the Task Manager. After that, click on the columns field. Once you have got to the columns field, add Verified Signer to one of the columns.
Now check the Verified Signer value for the regsvr32.exe file. If you come across a message “Unable to verify”, then this means the software may be a virus.
Where is it Located?
As mentioned earlier, the regsvr32.exe file can be located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder or the C:\Windows folder.
In the C:\Windows\System32 folder, the file size is 14,848, which is 50% of all occurrences, and 11,776 bytes. In the C:\Windows folder, the file size is 266,424 bytes, which is 50% of all occurrences, or 45,752 bytes.
How to remove & uninstall regsvr32.exe
We have already said that the regsvr32.exe file is not a virus. However, it might be infected with a virus or malware that disguises itself as it. Assuming you have noticed that the regsvr32.exe on your PC is infected and decided to remove or uninstall it, these are the steps to follow.
Step 1: The file will also have an uninstall program if it is a part of a software program. This means you can run the Uninstaller that is located in the directory. The steps for this are:
- C: Program Files
- Microsoft Windows Operating System
- Microsoft Windows Operating System
- Microsoft Register Server
- regsvr32.exe_uninstall.exe
Step 2: If the regsvr32.exe was installed using the Windows Installer, then all you need to do is to go to System Settings. Once you are here, open the Add or Remove Programs Option and you are done.
Step 3: In this step, go to the search bar and search for regsvr32.exe. Alternatively, you can try searching the software name, which is Microsoft Windows Operating System. You can also search the developer name, which also is Microsoft Windows Operating System.
After that, click on it and then select the option for Uninstall Program. This will help you remove the regsvr32.exe file from your PC. You will also be able to remove the software Microsoft Windows Operating System.
The above are the steps to follow if you wish to uninstall regsvr32.exe if it was part of the software installed on your PC.
How do you stop regsvr32.exe processes?
There are two ways to stop the regsvr32.exe process from running. The first one is to uninstall the program that is associated with the file. And the second (which applies if the file is infected by a virus or malware) is to use a Virus and Malware removal tool.
How to check if regsvr32.exe has high CPU Usage
Simply open the Task Manager application. There, you will find the regsvr32.exe process. Once you have spotted it, check the percentage of CPU usage. You will quickly know if the regsvr32.exe is causing high CPU usage.
If this is the case, then it may be as a result of a process or an application, which is constantly trying to reach the Register Server so as to access the Dynamic Link Library (DLL) or other objects for its appropriate performance.
How to check if regsvr32.exe is causing High Disk Usage
To check if regsvr32.exe is causing high disk usage, start by opening the Task Manager application, which is simple. All you need to do is to right-click on Windows Taskbar and then select Task Manager. After that, click on the Disk option found at the top. This will help you sort and determine if regsvr32.exe is causing high disk usage.
How to check if regsvr32.exe has high network usage
Start by opening the Task Manager Windows app. Once you have done that, look for the regsvr32.exe process then check the percentage of Network Usage.