Winword.exe is the name of the executable file for Microsoft Word , the popular word processing program in the Microsoft Office suite . This file allows you to launch the program and use its features . But is it safe? How can you tell if the winword.exe file on your computer isn't a virus or malware in disguise ? Here are a few ways to check.
How to identify the genuine winword.exe file
The actual winword.exe file is part of Microsoft Word and is normally located in the folder C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (or a similar location depending on your version of Word). It is approximately 2 MB in size and has an icon of a white W on a blue background.
If you find a winword.exe file in a different folder, with a different size or icon, it's likely a fake executable file trying to pass itself off as the real thing. It could be a virus or malware attempting to infect your computer or steal your data .
How can I check if the winword.exe file is safe?
There are several ways to check if the winword.exe is safe or not. Here are some of the most common:
- Use an antivirus : you can scan the winword.exe file with your paid and reliable antivirus or with an online antivirus, such as VirusTotal , to detect whether it contains malicious code or not.
- Use a task manager : You can open the task manager ( Ctrl+Alt+Delete ) and look for the winword.exe process in the Details tab . If you see multiple winword.exe processes or if one of them is consuming a lot of resources ( CPU, memory, disk ), this could be a sign of a problem.
- Use a file explorer : You can use a file explorer, such as Windows Explorer or Total Commander , to locate the winword.exe file and view its properties. You can then check its location, size, creation date, digital signature, and security level.
- Use a file analyzer : You can use a file analyzer, such as FileAlyzer or PE Explorer , to examine the contents of the winword.exe file and see if it contains any abnormal or dangerous elements.
What should I do if the winword.exe file is malicious?
If you discover that the winword.exe file is malicious, you must take immediate steps to protect your computer and data . Here are some tips:
- Delete the winword.exe file : You can try to delete the malicious winword.exe file by putting it in the trash or using a file removal tool, such as Unlocker or FileASSASSIN .
- Uninstalling Microsoft Word : You can uninstall Microsoft Word from the Control Panel or by using an uninstallation tool, such as Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller .
- Clean your computer : You can clean your computer using cleaning software, such as CCleaner or Glary Utilities , to remove traces of the winword.exe file and any temporary or unwanted files.
- Scan your computer : You can scan your computer with an antivirus or anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes or Spybot , to detect and eliminate other potential threats.
- Restore your computer : You can restore your computer to a previous restore point, if you created one, to return to a healthy and functional .
- Reinstalling Microsoft Word : You can reinstall Microsoft Word from the official Microsoft website or from the installation media you purchased, making sure you have the latest, up-to-date, and secure version.
FAQs
What is an executable file?
An executable file is a type of file that contains instructions for execution by a computer . It can be a program , a game , a utility , or a script . The name of an executable file usually ends with the extension .exe , such as winword.exe.
An executable file can be launched by double-clicking it, selecting it from the Start menu, or using the Run command . It can also be associated with a file type, such as Word documents (.docx), to open automatically with the corresponding program.
What is the difference between winword.exe and word.exe?
Winword.exe and word.exe are two different names for the same executable file of Microsoft Word software. The name winword.exe has been used since versions prior to Word 2007 , while the name word.exe has been used since versions after Word 2007 .
How can I prevent the winword.exe file from launching at startup?
To prevent the winword.exe file from launching at startup, along with other programs , you can use a startup management tool, such as Autoruns or MSConfig , to disable the corresponding entry in the list of programs that launch at startup.
How to repair the winword.exe file if it is damaged or corrupted?
To repair the winword.exe file if it is damaged or corrupted, you can use a file repair tool , such as File Repair or Stellar File Repair Toolkit, to attempt to restore the file to its original state.
How do I modify the settings of the winword.exe file?
To modify the settings of the winword.exe file , you can use a registry editor, such as Regedit or Registry Editor Pro , to access the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows \CurrentVersion\App Paths\WINWORD.EXE and modify the corresponding values.
How do I create a shortcut for the winword.exe file?
To create a shortcut for the winword.exe file , you can right-click on the winword.exe file in its original folder and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) . You can then rename the shortcut and move it wherever you want.
Conclusion
Winword.exe is the name of the executable file for Microsoft Word, the popular word processing program in the Microsoft Office suite. It is normally safe and reliable, but it can be impersonated by malicious files that attempt to infect your computer or steal your data. To check if the winword.exe file is safe, you can use several methods, such as your antivirus software, Task Manager, File Explorer, or a file analyzer. If you discover that the winword.exe file is malicious, you should remove it, uninstall Microsoft Word, clean your computer, scan it, restore it, and then reinstall Microsoft Word.
