What is sihclient.exe?
sIHCLient.exe is a genuine Windows process that can be found running in Task Manager under the «SIH Client» name when the operating system starts fixing components required for automatic Windows updates. This genuine system file is placed in the «\Windows\System32\» folder.
In many cases, cyber criminals use this name and disguise malicious programs (processes) as sihclient.exe. Therefore, various anti-virus programs often recognize the legitimate SIHCLient.exe process as a threat and provide users with ‘false positive’ results.
Typically, anti-virus (and other similar) programs provide false positive results due to mistakes in malware databases — when these databases contain misleading information. As a consequence, legitimate files (such as SIHCLient.exe) are detected as malicious and are often removed.
These actions might result in loss of important operating system components/files, however, these cases are often reported and anti-virus software developers update their databases immediately. Unfortunately, malware developers can take advantage of this and have their malicious programs identified as harmless files.
Some files have names similar to SIHCLient.exe, for example, sihclient.exe (the filename is case-sensitive), or they have identical names but not placed not in the correct directory («\Windows\System32\«). This means that the file is not a legitimate Windows system file and is malicious.
Furthermore, a legitimate SIHCLient.exe process (SIH Client) does not have an icon beside it when running in Task Manager. If a similar process is running with an icon beside it, this is definitely not a legitimate process. Note that sihclient.exe might operate as a Trojan and cause high-risk computer infections.
Additionally, it might be the reason behind high CPU usage and thus cause a significant reduction in computer performance. It could also affect internet browsing performance and cause unwanted redirects, display intrusive advertisements, and so on.
If there is a sihclient.exe or similar, dubious process running in Task Manager, we strongly recommend that you run a scan using installed anti-virus software and remove this file immediately. If the installed anti-virus suite does not detect it, try running the scan using other reputable programs.
Threat Summary:
| Name | sihclient.exe trojan |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, Banking malware, Spyware, Potentially unwanted application, Cryptominer, Keylogger. |
| Detection Names (sihclient.exe) | DrWeb (Trojan.Siggen8.21967), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Injector.Autoit.DWI), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), (BehavesLike.Win32.Downloader.dh), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Malicious Process Name(s) | sihclient.exe |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim’s computer and remain silent. Thus, no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software cracks. |
| Damage | Stolen banking information, passwords, identity theft, victim’s computer added to a botnet. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) |
To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com. |
There are many other similar malicious files and cases of ‘false positive’ detections including, for example, Fuerboos, Trojan.gen.npe.2 and ERDNT.LOC. Legitimate files are sometimes identified as malicious and vice versa. If a background process is malicious, it should be removed immediately.
How did sihclient.exe infiltrate my computer?
There are different ways to proliferate malicious files/computer infections. Some commonly used methods are spam campaigns, Trojans, fake/third party software updating tools, untrustworthy software download channels, and third party software activation (‘cracking’) tools. Cyber criminals use spam campaigns to proliferate infections via attachments (or web links).
These are malicious files that, if opened, download and install malware. Some examples of files used to proliferate viruses are Microsoft Office documents, executables (.exe and other files), archives (RAR, ZIP and others), PDF documents and JavaScript files. Another way to proliferate malicious programs is using Trojans.
When installed, they cause chain infections — they download/install viruses. Fake, unofficial software updaters cause harm by exploiting outdated software bugs, flaws or by downloading and installing malware rather than updates, fixes. Various dubious software download sources can be used to proliferate malware.
Commonly used channels are Peer-to-Peer networks (such as torrent clients, eMule), freeware download websites, free file hosting websites, third party downloading tools and so on. These channels can be used to present malicious files as harmless, however, if downloaded and opened, they cause computer infections.
Another way to infect computers is via software ‘cracking’ tools that people use to bypass paid activation of installed software or operating systems. Rather than activating software, these tools often download and install malicious software.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Emails that are irrelevant and received from unknown, suspicious email addresses should not be trusted, especially if they contain attachments or web links. Software should be downloaded using official and trustworthy sources, and not third party, dubious channels.
Operating systems should be updated through implemented tools or functions provided by the official developers only. The same applies to software activation. Various third party (‘cracking’) tools are illegal and cause unwanted installations and damage systems.
Have reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware software installed and enabled at all times. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with
Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
sihclient.exe detected as a threat by various anti-virus engines:
Malicious sihclient.exe process running in Task Manager (note that it has a black icon and the process name is not SIH Client, which is the genuine process SIHClient.exe is designed to run):
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.
Quick menu:
- What is sihclient.exe?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of sihclient.exe malware.
- STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task — usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically.
To remove this malware we recommend using
Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows. If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user’s computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in «Safe Mode with Networking»:
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking — Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened «General PC Settings» window, select Advanced startup. Click the «Restart now» button. Your computer will now restart into the «Advanced Startup options menu».
Click the «Troubleshoot» button, and then click the «Advanced options» button. In the advanced option screen, click «Startup settings». Click the «Restart» button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in «Safe Mode with Networking»:
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click «Restart» while holding «Shift» button on your keyboard. In the «choose an option» window click on the «Troubleshoot», next select «Advanced options».
In the advanced options menu select «Startup Settings» and click on the «Restart» button. In the following window you should click the «F5» button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in «Safe Mode with Networking»:
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click «Options» at the top and uncheck the «Hide Empty Locations» and «Hide Windows Entries» options. After this procedure, click the «Refresh» icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose «Delete».
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software.
To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with
Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
sihclient.exe SIH-клиент — это клиент для исправления системных компонентов, важных для автоматических обновлений Windows. Эта ежедневная задача запускает SIH-клиент (клиент восстановления, инициированного сервером), который обнаруживает и исправляет компоненты системы, имеющие важное значение для автоматического обновления установленных на компьютере операционной системы Windows и программного обеспечения Майкрософт.
Эта задача может подключаться к Интернету, оценивать возможность применения действий по восстановлению, скачивать полезные данные, необходимые для выполнения действий, а также осуществлять действия по восстановлению. Задача может выходить в Интернет, оценивать полезность лечебного эффекта, загружать необходимое оборудование для выполнения действия и выполнять терапевтические действия.)
Эта загружаемая задача запускает SIH-клиент, чтобы завершить действия по восстановлению, необходимые для исправления компонентов системы, которые имеют важное значение для автоматического обновления установленных на компьютере операционной системы Windows и программного обеспечения Майкрософт. Эта задача применяется, только когда ежедневная задача SIH-клиента не может до конца выполнить применимые действия по восстановлению. Загружаемая задача никогда не подключается к Интернету и не оценивает возможность применения действий по восстановлению.
Этот файл будет найден в C: \ Windows \ System32 \ SIHClient.exe
Хакеры часто используют файл Sihclient.exe, чтобы скрыть свои вирусы.
С другой стороны, Sihclient.exe также может кодировать ваши файлы, чтобы он мог получать прибыль за счет декодирования услуг. И он способен обнаруживать записи на вашем ПК, и он знает, какие документы наиболее часто используются на вашем ПК, и он будет воспринимать их как наиболее важные документы.
Sihclient.exe делает все возможное, чтобы опустить системные полномочия. Это вызывает много нежелательных последствий — вирусы, максимальная загрузка процессора,спам.
В системе Winx64 он может быть известен как sihclient.exe SIH-клиент (32 бита).
sihclient.exe SIH-клиент
SIHClient.exe file information
The process known as SIH Client belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System by (www.microsoft.com).
Description: SIHClient.exe is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. The SIHClient.exe file is located in a not unambiguous folder.
The SIHClient.exe file is a Windows core system file. The program is not visible. The SIHClient.exe file is a trustworthy file from Microsoft. The file is digitally signed.
Therefore the technical security rating is 0% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
You can do the following:
1) uninstall Microsoft Windows software via Windows Control Panel/Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows 10/8/7)
2) ask the developer, Microsoft, for assistance.
Recommended: Identify SIHClient.exe related errors
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as SIHClient.exe. Therefore, you should check the SIHClient.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer’s security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Best practices for resolving SIHClient issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with SIHClient. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows’ 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or, for Windows 8 and later versions, executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To help you analyze the SIHClient.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. BMalwarebytes Anti-Malware detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Other processes
fuj02e3-utility.exe dot3svc.dll googlesearchuniversal.exe SIHClient.exe esp64proxy.exe oem03mon.exe zumodrive.exe networkmanagement.exe wuser32.exe prhyper.exe tsmservice.exe [all]
What is Sihclient.exe and how to fix it?
The development of Microsoft® Windows® Operating System by Microsoft prompted the latest creation of SIHClient.exe. It is also known as a SIH Client file (EXE extension), which is categorized as a Win64 EXE (Executable application) file. SIHClient.exe was released for Windows on 07/29/2015 in Windows 10. The most recent file release for Microsoft Office Access 2010 14 was 04/07/2011 [version 10.0.16299.579 (WinBuild.160101.0800)]. SIHClient.exe is found in Microsoft Office Access 2010 14 and Windows 10.
The term “execution” speaks for itself; It means that these EXE errors are triggered when SIHClient.exe is attempted to be loaded either when Microsoft Office Access 2010 is starting up, or in some cases already running. Theese errors are the most common type of EXE error while using Microsoft Office Access 2010. In most cases, SIHClient.exe runtime errors occurring while the program is running will cause the program to terminate abnormally. Most SIHClient.exe error messages mean that Microsoft Office Access 2010 was unable to locate the file on start, or the file is corrupt, resulting in a prematurely-aborted startup process. Typically, Microsoft Office Access 2010 will not be able to start without resolving these errors.
Finding the cause of your SIHClient.exe error is key to properly resolving such errors. Although most of these EXE errors affecting SIHClient.exe will occur during startup, occasionally you will encounter a runtime error while using Microsoft® Windows® Operating System. This may be due to insufficient quality of the program code on the part of Microsoft Corporation, conflicts with other applications, third-party plug-ins, or damaged or outdated hardware. Also, these types of SIHClient.exe errors can occur if it has been accidentally moved, deleted, or corrupted by a malware infection. Thus, it is imperative that the antivirus is kept up to date and that it scans the system regularly.
How to Fix SIHClient.exe Errors –
If you’re encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your SIHClient.exe issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order.
Step 1. Restore your computer to the last restore point, snapshot, or backup image that preceded the error.
To start System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
- Click the Windows Start Button
- In the search box, type “System Restore” and press ENTER.
- In the search results, find and click on “System Restore”
- Enter the administrator password (if required).
- Follow the instructions within the System Restore Wizard to select the accebtable restore point.
- Restore your computer to the current backup image.
If the Step 1 fails to resolve your SIHClient.exe error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.
Step 2. If you recently installed Microsoft Office Access 2010 (or similar software), uninstall it, then try reinstalling Microsoft Office Access 2010.
To uninstall Microsoft Office Access 2010 software, follow these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
- Click the Windows Start Button
- In the search box, enter “Delete” and press ENTER.
- In the search results, find and click on “Add or Remove Programs”
- Find the entry for Microsoft Office Access 2010 14 and click on Remove
- Follow the directions to uninstall.
- After uninstalling the application, restart your PC and reinstall Microsoft Office Access 2010.
If this Step 2 fails, please proceed to the Step 3 below.
If this Step 2 fails, please proceed to the Step 3 below.
Step 3. Perform Windows update.
When the first two steps did not fix the problem, it is advisable to run Windows Update. Many SIHClient.exe error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To start Windows Update, follow these simple steps:
- Click the Windows Start Button
- In the search box, enter “Update” and press ENTER.
- In the Windows Update dialog box, click Check for Updates (or a similar button depending on your Windows version)
- If updates are available for download, click Install Updates.
- After completing the update, restart your PC.
If Windows Update failed to resolve the SIHClient.exe error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this last step is only recommended for advanced PC users.
If those steps fail: Download and replace your SIHClient.exe (Warning: Advanced Users)
If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps resolved the issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (note: not recommended for entry-level PC users) by downloading and replacing the appropriate version of SIHClient.exe. We maintain a complete database of SIHClient.exe files with a 100% Malware Free Guarantee for any applicable version of Microsoft Office Access 2010. To download and replace the file correctly, follow these steps:
- Find your Windows operating system version in the “Download SIHClient.exe files” list below.
- Click the appropriate Download button to download the Windows version of the file.
- Copy this file to the appropriate location of the Microsoft Office Access 2010 folder:
Windows 10: C:\Windows\System32\
Windows 10: C:\Windows\System32\
Windows 10: C:\Windows\Temp\527D94AF-D053-4381-B105-0D815D53791E\amd64_serviceinitiatedhealing-client_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.16299.579_none_2a4ea821311815fe\
Windows 10: C:\Windows\WinSxS\amd64_serviceinitiatedhealing-client_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.16299.579_none_2a4ea821311815fe\
- Reboot your computer.
If this final step has failed and you’re still encountering the error, you’re only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.
ATTENTION: We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve SIHClient.exe problems. To avoid data loss, make sure to back up all important documents, images, software installers and other personal data before starting the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.
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Several processes run in the background on Windows PCs, some helping the system function properly while some do otherwise. Users have complained about an unidentified SIHClient.exe process in Task Manager. Hence, this guide will discuss the executable and whether it is safe.
Alternatively, you can check our article about what to do if antivirus software is blocking .exe files on your Windows 11 PC.
What is SIHClient.exe?
The SIHClient.exe is an executable file for the Server-Initiated Healing client running in the background in Task Manager on Windows PCs. This executable does the following:
- Detects and fixes system components needed for automatic Windows updates.
- Manages Microsoft software installed on your computer.
- Starts the background Windows updates installation process
- Connects to Microsoft servers and checks if healing actions are needed on your PC
Is SIHClient.exe safe or a virus?
SIHClient.exe is a legitimate Windows file and should not be mistaken for a virus. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that malicious software can sometimes disguise itself as SIHClient.exe. Hence, posing a potential threat to your system and potentially causing lasting harm.
Furthermore, many users complain about antivirus software flagging SIHClient.exe as a threat. Also, some complaints about errors like SIHClient.exe – Bad Image, and SIHClient.exe could not be installed.
So, there is a possibility that the executable is malicious. It can cause high CPU usage and result in a significant reduction in computer performance.
How can I verify SIHClient.exe?
Perform these quick checks before anything else:
- Check for the process icon in Task Manager – A black icon can sometimes represent malware.
- Check the spelling since misspelled processes are usually malicious.
1. Check the file location
- Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager from the menu.
- Go to the Processes or Details tab. Right-click on SIHClient.exe and click on Open File Location from the drop-down menu.
- The file should be located in this directory:
C:\Windows\System32
If the file location is in this directory, it is safe and shouldn’t threaten the system. However, if it’s not, you should remove it. Check our article for more shortcuts to open Task Manager on your PC.
2. Check the digital signature
- Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager from the menu.
- Go to the Processes or Details tab. Right-click on SIHClient.exe and click on Open File Location from the drop-down menu.
- Right-click the file and click on Properties.
- Select the Digital Signature or Details tab, then check for Microsoft as the signatory.
Microsoft signs the genuine SIHClient.exe file, and the product name in the properties is usually Microsoft Windows Operating System. Also, the file description and copyright will convey Microsoft-related information.
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Should I disable sihclient.exe?
No, this is a system file, and it’s essential for keeping your PC healthy and up to date. This means it should always be left running on your PC.
If you suspect that a file is malicious or if it causes any issues, we suggest looking into other potential causes before disabling it.
The verification factors above help you decide whether the SIHClient.exe on your PC is safe. However, if unsafe, we recommend you perform an extensive scan on your computer using up-to-date antivirus software.
Further, you can check our article about why exe files are not opening on Windows PC and ways to resolve the problem.
Likewise, check out our other guide on the Bootstrapper.exe file and whether you should disable it on your PC.
Should you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.
Henderson Jayden Harper
Windows Software Expert
Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.