Process Information

Process File: explorer.exe
Process Name: Microsoft Windows Explorer

Author: Microsoft Corp.
Part Of: Microsoft Windows Operating System

Description:
explorer.exe is the Windows Program Manager or Windows Explorer, and it is the user shell which we see as the familiar taskbar, desktop, and so on.

It manages the Windows Graphical Shell including the Start menu, taskbar, desktop, and File Manager. By removing this process the graphical interface for Windows will disappear.

This process isn't as vital to the running of Windows as you might expect, and can be stopped (and restarted) from Task Manager, usually with no negative side effects on the system.
But this program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.

Note: explorer.exe could also be a process which is registered as a trojan. This Trojan allows attackers to access your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. It could also be a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.

Determining whether this process is a virus or a legitimate Windows process depends on the directory location it executes.
The explorer.exe file is located in the C:\Windows folder or in the C:\WinNT folder. In other cases, explorer.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan or worm!

Note: there are many malware that are named like Explorer.exe or something like that. For example:

if the full path of explorer.exe file is NOT C:\Windows\Explorer.exe or C:\WinNT\Explorer.exe then you most probably have a virus such as the Trojan.Kility virus;

if you found the Explorer.scr file on your disk, then you have the BENJAMIN.A virus;

if you found the Explore.exe file on your disk, then you have the W32.Gaobot.ADW virus, or one of the many other viruses which use this task name.


Recommendation for explorer.exe:
Should not be disabled, required for essential applications to work properly.

Summary account

System Process: Yes
Application: No
Background Process: No
Uses Network: Yes
Uses Internet: No