Msascuil has been developed by Microsoft Corporation as a secure executable program. This executable was initially released in Redstone 1, 2016 and is running on Windows 8, Windows 10 and others at the start of the program.
This icon is used to view the antivirus software icon of Windows, also called the Windows Defender Center. Here in this article, we are going to discuss some of the important aspects of Msascuil.exe, so read this article with full attention!
For the 2016 “Redstone 1” anniversary update on Windows 10, Microsoft built a file “MSASCuiL.exe.” The icon for the Windows Defender antivirus software can be seen (or was) in a Windows taskbar, also called the Windows Defender Center.
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(Allegedly integrated into SecurityHealthService as early as May 2017.) If this is the real Microsoft application, you can find it in the following folder: C:\Program Files\Windows Defender.
If it is not in that particular file directory, however, you might have a fake application which is disguised as the original one. We potentially think about a virus in this situation.
Another symbolic sign you may point to is its file size to determine its validity. The original should be in the ~483 and ~631 bytes range. Furthermore, you may be certain that this file is a malicious program if you find it on your device and have an older Windows version (e.g. Vista, XP, 7).
However, we believe it is important to alert you again of the status of this executable. You are assured that your device security is not protected by the MSASCuiL.exe file.
Otherwise, you will place your PC at risk of being compromised by malware if you uninstall the latest Microsoft application. An Executable file is provided in the .exe extension of a filename. In certain cases, executable files will damage your Computer.
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Please read the following to determine whether msascuil.exe is a trojan that you should uninstall from your machine or if it is a file from the Windows OS or a trustworthy application.
Msascuil.exe File Information
The windows defender notification icon or windows defender or host process for windows services is a process that belongs to the software of Microsoft windows OS by Microsoft
Description: The original Microsoft msascuil.exe is an essential component of Windows but is also troublesome.
The file msascuil.exe is in the subfolder ‘C:\Program Files’ (C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\ is commonly used).
These applications will end with the installation of different free programs in your system. For eg, from an open-source download platform or torrent site, you may have obtained some device optimization tool or similar.
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The configuration of this program may have included MSASCuiL.exe. And if this feature was used by default or automatically, a package was installed in applications alongside it.
That is why you can always pick Custom or Advanced settings if you install any new program type on your device. This will allow you to monitor more the process and prevent the integration of additional components.
Established Windows 10/8/7/XP file sizes are 631.808 bytes (34%), 630.168 bytes and 638.872 bytes. The Windows system file is Msascuil.exe. A trustworthy Microsoft file is Msascuil.exe.
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There is no clear window in the program. Digital sign of the file. Applications can be tracked by Msascuil.exe. Consequently, the technological safety ranking is 3% dangerous, but you can also read user feedback.
Runtime Errors
Application errors arise during “runtime,” that’s Windows errors. This means that when MSASCuiL.exe is being attempted to be loaded either while Windows is starting or in certain instances already running, it causes these EXE errors.
Runtime errors are the most common type of a Windows-based EXE error. For most cases, when running the program, MSASCuiL.exe errors may result in an unexpected end to the program.
Many of the error messages on MSASCuiL.exe show that Windows may not either locate this file on startup, or the file is invalid and the startup phase is prematurely aborted.
In general, without fixing these errors, Windows will not be able to open.
Here are some of the common messages!
- Poor Photo-MSASCuiL.exe.
- Software Fehler MSASCuiL.exe.
- Can not find MSASCuiL.exe.
- Can not install MSASCuiL.exe.
- Can not start MSASCuiL.exe. Not registered class.
- Can not start MSASCuiL.exe.
- The proper initialization of MSASCuiL.exe failed.
- MSASCuiL.exe has a question and must be fixed. The disappointment we are sorry for.
To correctly fix these errors, it is important to determine the source of the MSASCuiL.exe error.
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Although MSASCuiL.exe has most of these EXE errors during start-up, you will often encounter an execution error while using Windows10.
This can be triggered by mis programming on Microsoft’s behalf, incompatible software or plug-ins from third parties, or faulty and obsolete hardware.
This kind of MSASCuiL.exe errors can also occur if a malware intrusion has accidentally triggered, destroyed, or harmed it.
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It is therefore important to ensure the anti-virus is maintained and regularly scanned.
Viruses with the Same File Name
Is it a virus? Nope, that’s not it. The genuine msascuil.exe file is a protected system process named ‘Windows Defender Notification Icon’ by Microsoft Windows.
Nevertheless, malware writers like viruses, worms and trojans intentionally call their processes to avoid detection.
For example, PUA. Generic (Symantec detected) and non-virus: HEUR: RiskTool.
Win32.Generic or HEUR: Trojan. Win32. Generics (Kaspersky detected) are viruses with the same file name.
Update EXE
Update EXE is the Microsoft Corporation’s official executable file. This process is known as the Windows Service Pack Setup and is a Windows Operating System software application.
C:\Program files are often stored. In the process of Fix, cybercriminals may find an alternative to mimicking malware.
Steps to Remove
Here are a few steps that will help you remove Msascuil.exe errors
Methode #1: (To restore the system (Vista, 7, 8, and 10) Windows XP)
- Click the Start button for Windows
- Type system restore in the search box and press enter
- When you find the search results click to system restore
- Then enter the password if needed
- Follow the system restore wizard’s steps to choose an accurate restore point
- Lastly, restore the PC to that backup image
Methode #2: ( BY Running System file checker )
System File Checker is a tool that helps you to search and restore corrupted device files, included with every Windows update. Using SFC to patch MSASCuiL.exe (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10) that is missing or corrupt:
- Click the Start button for Windows
- Type cmd in the search bar but do not press enter
- Press and hold “CTRL-Shift” when clicking “ENTER.” “On your keyboard
- Your screen will appear a dialogue box
- Click yes in that box
- You’ll see blinking cursor with a black screen
- Type SFC/scannow in that black screen then press enter
- SFC will start scanning the Msascuil.exe errors and the files related to it
- Lastly, follow the instructions at that time while on-screen to complete the process
Methode #3: ( By windows update )
It would be a good idea to run the Windows Update if the first two steps did not solve the problem.
The Windows Operating System can be provided for several of the MSASCuiL.exe error messages that are encountered. Please take these simple steps to execute Windows Update:
- Click the Start button for Windows
- Type update in the search box and then press enter
- Select check for updates at the windows update dialogue box or the related button according to your version of windows
- If the updates are available then click to install updates
- Lastly, when the process is done restart your PC
Best Practices For Resolving Msascuil Issues
The trick to preventing Msascuil problems is to have a safe and secure machine. This means that you run a malware scan, clean the disk with
- cleanmgr
- SFC/Scannow
- Check autostart programs by uninstalling the programs that you don’t need
- By activating windows using MSConfig
- By automatic update by regular backups and restore points
- Resmon to determine the processes that trigger your problem.
- DISM.exe, Online / Cleanup / RestoreHealth even for serious issues than reinstalling Windows. Except for Windows 8 and later versions, you can do so. This means that the operating system can be patched without losing data.
You are better off fixing the installation or running
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When you have a problem, try to recall what you did last or what you did last before the problem was first encountered.
The following programs have proven useful for you to evaluate the msascuil.exe mechanism on your computer: the Security Task Manager shows all work on Windows, including secret embedded processes, e.g. keys or browsers, or Autostart entries.
A single safety risk assessment indicates the possibility of spyware, malware or Trojan being a possible operation.
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Malwarebytes Anti-viruses detects and prevents spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, viruses and hard drive trackers.
Conclusion!
Having said that, the analysis for the Msascuil.exe came to an end. We hope that this article was beneficial for you as we tried our best to educate you with all the important aspects related to this program.
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Click Here to Run a free Scan for Msascuil.exe Related Errors.
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Have you noticed your computer running slower lately? Strange new toolbar bookmarks in your browser? Getting bombarded with annoying pop-up ads? Your system may be infected with a dangerous virus disguising itself as the harmless Windows process MSASCuiL.exe. Don‘t panic – this guide will show you how to identify and safely remove the fake MSASCuiL.exe virus.
What is MSASCuiL.exe?
MSASCuiL.exe is a legitimate Windows process that displays the Windows Security icon in your taskbar and allows the program to interact with your system.
The real MSASCuiL.exe file is located here:
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCuiL.exe
It has a tiny file size, usually around 50-100 KB. The process uses very little CPU, memory, or network bandwidth. It‘s completely harmless.
But cybercriminals often disguise viruses as real Windows files to bypass security programs. The malware is injected into the actual MSASCuiL.exe process, then hides on your computer gathering your personal data and downloading other nasty infections.
How the Fake MSASCuiL.exe Virus Spreads
This sneaky virus spreads through:
- Malicious email attachments disguised as invoices, delivery notifications, or other files people want to open.
- Fake «Windows Security» pop-up alerts telling you your system is infected and urging you to download malware disguised as anti-virus software.
- Bundled with other software downloads like free games, video converters, or pirated versions of paid software. Always download from trusted sources!
- Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated versions of Windows, Adobe, Java, browsers, Flash, and other programs. Keep your software updated!
- Infected ads and pop-ups on shady websites. Use an ad blocker and stick to reputable sites.
- Attacks on public WiFi networks. Never access sensitive info or accounts on public WiFi without a VPN.
Once run, the virus injects malicious code into the real MSASCuiL.exe. It then operates silently in the background, logging your keystrokes to steal passwords, usernames, and financial info. It may also download additional malware, redirect your browser to unwanted pages, or add toolbars and annoying extensions.
Signs Your Computer is Infected
Here are some common signs of a MSASCuiL.exe virus infection:
- Your antivirus or firewall is disabled without you doing it.
- Your browser homepage and search engine have changed without your permission.
- You see new toolbars, extensions, or addons installed you don‘t remember adding.
- You‘re bombarded with pop-up ads, even on reputable sites like Google and Facebook.
- Your computer runs much slower, especially when starting up or opening programs.
- Unrecognized programs show up running in your Task Manager or msconfig startup list.
- Suspicious hard drive activity, even when you aren‘t actively using your system.
- High CPU, memory, or network usage, especially from svchost.exe or other generic Windows processes.
If you notice any of these, your computer is likely infected with malware – possibly MSASCuiL.exe or something else.
Checking for the Fake MSASCuiL.exe
To confirm the infection, check the MSASCuiL.exe file properties:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Details tab.
- Right click on any process called MSASCuiL.exe.
- Select «Open file location».
- This opens the Windows Explorer folder containing the file. Check the path.
The real MSASCuiL.exe is only located here:
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender
If the file path is anywhere else, it‘s an infected file! Also check the file size – if it‘s larger than 100 KB, it‘s definitely malware.
You can also scan your full system with antivirus software like Malwarebytes or HitmanPro to find and remove all infected MSASCuiL.exe files.
Removing the Fake MSASCuiL.exe Virus
Once you confirm the infection, removing the virus safely takes a few steps:
- Download and install a top-rated antivirus like Bitdefender or Kaspersky.
- Disconnect your computer from the internet and networks.
- Start your computer in Safe Mode by pressing F8 during boot up. This prevents the virus from defending itself.
- Run a full scan. Make sure to enable the advanced malware removal features.
- Delete or quarantine ANY file detected as infected – don‘t take chances. Even if Windows warns you deleting system files could cause harm, it‘s likely the malware trying to protect itself.
- Reboot normally and run another full scan to pick up any leftovers.
- Update Windows, browsers, Java, Flash, Acrobat, and other common vectors for infection.
- Change all your passwords, especially for email, banking, shopping, and other sensitive accounts that may have been compromised.
- Use a VPN and avoid public WiFi until you‘re confident your system is clean.
Following these steps should fully remove the fake MSASCuiL.exe and restore normal system operation. Do NOT attempt to manually delete files – you could damage Windows. Rely on the antivirus!
Protecting Yourself in the Future
Here are some tips to avoid MSASCuiL.exe and other malware:
- Use a modern, paid antivirus like Norton 360 and keep it updated. The free built-in Windows Defender isn‘t enough.
- Don‘t open attachments from people you don‘t know. Call to confirm if necessary.
- Avoid downloading pirated games, movies, music and software. Even if your friend sends you a link!
- Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
- Keep Windows, Office, browsers, Java, Flash, and other software updated with the latest patches.
- Be wary of fake security alerts – don‘t call the number or click on anything.
- Use an ad and pop-up blocker like uBlock Origin to avoid malicious ads.
- Never access financial or other sensitive accounts on public WiFi – use a trusted VPN service.
Staying vigilant is key to avoiding viruses, even tricky ones like the fake MSASCuiL.exe. But even if you do get infected, the steps in this guide will help you regain control of your computer!
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- What Is Msascuil and How to Get Rid of Msascuil.exe Virus
By Ariel | Follow |
Last Updated
A great many users notice the msascuil.exe process on their Windows PC. What is msascuil? Is it suspicious malware? How to get rid of the msascuil.exe virus? Now, let’s explore these questions together with MiniTool.
What Is Msascuil.exe
A great many users think that msascuil.exe msascuil is a virus. In fact, it is a legitimate process/file that belongs to a part of Microsoft Windows 10 as well as the Windows Defender user interface. Normally, the msascuil.exe file is located in the C:Program FilesWindows Defender folder. It’s used to show the Windows Defender icon in the taskbar.
However, most of these files and progresses such as Toaster.exe, msascuil.exe, DataStore.edb always trigger various kinds of issues like high CPU usage and virus. Many cybercriminals use the name of msascuil.exe to disguise their malicious programs and processes in Task Manager.
Now, you may have an overall understanding of msascuil startup. So, how to check if it is safe or a virus? Please keep reading the following part.
How to Check If Msascuil.exe Is a Virus on Windows PC
Since the name of msascuil is often made slight changes, it cannot be noticed without careful inspection. In addition, some malicious files come with similar names that are located in other folders and not the original and legitimate versions. To verify the legitimacy of msascuil.exe msascuil, you can refer to the 3 aspects below:
- The directory location of msascuil. The legitimate msascuil startup file is placed in the C:Program FilesWindows Defender folder by default. If you find it is placed outside the folder and have graphical icons, then it is not a genuine system process.
- File size. If you still confused about the msascuil.exe file, you can right-click it and select Properties to take a look at the size of the file. Normally, the size of this file ranges from 483,840 bytes to 631,808 bytes depending on your current Windows OS.
- Whether it can open like most other standard programs. If it is not a genuine process, a visible window won’t be opened once clicked.
These malicious programs are installed on your computer through an e-mail disguised as official. So, once you make sure the msascuil.exe is a malicious program, you should get rid of it immediately. How to remove msascuil.exe virus? Move on to the following part.
How to Get Rid of Msascuil.exe Virus
First of all, you should aware that removing msascuil startup might cause some potential risk for your system. This is because a legitimate msascuil process is the component of Windows Defender, which is responsible for preventing your Windows system from virus attack and some high-risk computer infections.
Therefore, prior to remove the malicious msascuil file, please make sure you have a full scan of your whole system using a high-quality antivirus tool. To get rid of msascuil.exe virus, follow the full guide below:
Step 1. Restart your computer into Safe Mode. If you don’t know how to do that, you can refer to this guide.
Step 2. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time to open the Task Manager window and go to the Processes tab.
Step 3. Right-click the msascuil process and select Open File Location, and then you can scan this file using a virus scanner. If it’s infected by virus, end this process and delete the file in its folder.
Step 4. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box, and then type appwiz.cpl in it and hit Enter.
Step 5. In the pop-up window, right-click the suspicious program and click on Uninsatll. Then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Ariel has been working as a highly professional computer-relevant technology editor at MiniTool for many years. She has a strong passion for researching all knowledge related to the computer’s disk, partition, and Windows OS. Up till now, she has finished thousands of articles covering a broad range of topics and helped lots of users fix various problems. She focuses on the fields of disk management, OS backup, and PDF editing and provides her readers with insightful and informative content.
Hi,
the executable which shows the the Windows Defender Notification icon in systray or notification area is %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCuiL.exe.
This program is simply started by a run key in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. So if you want that the icon is gone and no longer being shown delete the run key.
C:\> reg delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run /v SecurityHealth /f
If you want it back recreate the key
C:\> reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run /v SecurityHealth /t REG_SZ /d "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCuiL.exe" /f
Michael
My Knowledgebase for things about Linux, Windows, VMware, Electronic and so on…
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Sam Boyd
Updated on: February 24, 2025
Chief Editor
This article contains
- Preliminary Step: Checking for a MSASCuiL.exe Infection
- Step 1. Identify the MSASCuiL.exe Infection With Your Antivirus (And Don’t Make The Problem Worse!)
- Step 2. Remove the MSASCuiL.exe Infection and Delete Any Other Infected Files
- Step 3. Keep Your Device From Getting Re-Infected
- Quick Summary of the Best Antiviruses for Removing MSASCuiL.exe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Antiviruses for Protecting Against Viruses (Including MSASCuiL.exe) — Final Score:
Short on time? Here’s how to remove the MSASCuiL.exe virus:
- 1. Scan Device — Run a full system scan of your device using a high-quality antivirus — Norton is my favorite.
- 2. Remove Virus — Once the scan is complete, let the antivirus remove all instances of the MSASCuiL.exe virus infection and any other files related to it.
- 3. Stay Protected — Protect yourself from further infections with a high-quality internet security package like Norton, which offers flawless malware detection, a wide range of extra internet security tools, and good customer support. It’s affordable too, and you can try it risk-free for 60 days.
MSASCuiL.exe is the name of a legitimate Windows process used to display the Windows Defender (Windows’s built-in antivirus) icon in the taskbar. However, hackers like to hijack the names of legitimate files and processes, like MSASCuiL.exe, to disguise viruses and make them harder to detect.
Removing the MSASCuiL.exe virus is a simple process, but you have to be careful — there’s a lot of bad advice out there. If you attempt a manual removal (by going into the computer’s command line) you might accidentally erase essential system files. Doing so can cause permanent damage to your computer’s operating system, and it might even stop it from functioning.
Downloading an antivirus is the safest way to remove MSASCuiL.exe from your system. A good antivirus scanner will remove any traces of the virus from your system, quarantine compromised files, and use real-time virus scanning to prevent you from getting another malware infection.
Norton 360 Deluxe is my top pick for an antivirus. It offers protection on up to 5 devices, and on top of its flawless malware protection, it also has some of the best extra features on the market, like parental controls, a password manager, and an unlimited-data VPN. You can get an affordable Norton plan for just RUB2,480 / year, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee on all purchases.
Threat name | MSASCuiL.exe |
---|---|
Threat type | Virus |
Devices affected | Windows devices |
Sources | Phishing emails, compromised websites, malicious adverts, P2P file-sharing networks, bundled software |
Symptoms | Unusual system performance issues, unexpected netword activity, programs and files behaving strangely, frequent pop-ups, unwanted changes to the hompage and search engine, firewall and antivirus is disabled, appearance of unauthorized user accounts |
Damage | Data theft, system damage, ransomware attacks, resource hijacking, legal issues, reputation damage |
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Preliminary Step: Checking for a MSASCuiL.exe Infection
Remember: Even if you have completed the manual checks and everything looks ok, you should still use an antivirus to get a second opinion!
Check to see where MSASCuiL.exe is located. If MSASCuiL.exe is currently running in your system processes and it’s located outside of its usual folder (C:\Program Files\Windows Defender — Note: Substitute “C:\” for your primary drive), then there’s a very good chance the file is dangerous. You are at even more risk if MSASCuiL.exe is located in the “Windows” or “System32” folder.
If the file is in the correct location, you can check its file size to confirm it’s not malicious. Right-click on the suspicious MSASCuiL.exe and click Properties at the bottom of the drop-down list.
On the window that appears, look at the listing next to “Size” in the General tab. If the file size is between 483,840 bytes and 631,808 bytes, then chances are the file is not malicious.
If anything looks different, chances are you’ve got an active infection.
Step 1. Identify the MSASCuiL.exe Infection With Your Antivirus (And Don’t Make The Problem Worse!)
IMPORTANT: Never connect your cell phone, tablet, or any other external device to an infected computer. If you do, there’s a risk that the virus will replicate itself onto your other devices.
Once you’ve downloaded a reliable antivirus (like Norton), you need to run a full disk scan to locate and remove the virus and all related files from your computer. It’s really important to do this even if you think you know where the suspicious .exe file is located because it might have replicated into other areas of your computer.
A full disk scan will detect, quarantine, and remove MSASCuil.exe from your computer. What’s more, it will ensure that it isn’t infected with any other malware, like spyware or worms that frequently run undetected.
It’s really important to run the full system scan until it completes. Don’t be tempted to just cancel the scan when you see the virus appear on the infected file list, because there might well be other copies of it lurking elsewhere on your system that the antivirus is yet to pick up.
A full disk scan can take anywhere from 1–4 hours, depending on which antivirus you’re using. It takes time for the antivirus to analyze every single file and process on your device, so be patient.
When the full scan is complete, the antivirus will give you an alert. Great news! Now the MSASCuiL.exe virus and every other piece of malware on your system has been safely identified and quarantined.
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Step 2. Remove the MSASCuiL.exe Infection and Delete Any Other Infected Files
Now your antivirus has identified malware on your device, you can quarantine and delete it. If you’re a more advanced user, you can look through the quarantined files to make sure there are no false positives before you delete anything. However, if you’re a less technical user, it’s fine to just trust the antivirus — if a reliable product like Norton has identified something as malware, it’s probably not something you want to keep on your computer. If you do have any concerns about deleting a particular quarantined file, you can always contact your antivirus’s customer support team to check.
Once you’ve deleted all the infected files, it’s time to restart your computer. After restarting, you should run a second full disk scan. This is to make absolutely sure that every trace of the MSASCuiL.exe infection has been fully removed. Hopefully the second scan will be much quicker — antiviruses like Norton can remember which files they’ve already scanned, which speeds the process up for subsequent scans.
As with the first scan, you need to let your antivirus complete the second scan. Once it’s done, and you’ve reviewed and deleted all the compromised files that were quarantined, you can rest easy that your device is 100% malware-free! However, there are thousands of malware files still out there just waiting for the opportunity to infect your device, so it’s important to move onto step 3 before your online security is compromised again.
Step 3. Keep Your Device From Getting Re-Infected
There are new threats every day, and hackers are always looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit. Here are several practical steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting caught out again:
- Keep Your Software, OS, and Drivers Up-To-Date. Hackers can identify and exploit software vulnerabilities, prompting developers to respond with timely software updates that address these flaws. Failure to maintain up-to-date software significantly heightens the risk of falling prey to malicious attacks. Alongside updating your software and operating system, it’s crucial to regularly update your drivers. Over time, as an operating system ages, developers cease to provide support, leaving its vulnerabilities unaddressed. The older your operating system becomes, the more susceptible it becomes to security threats. Fortunately, the majority of operating systems and programs offer an auto-update feature. Many PC cleaners come with vulnerability checkers that can look for outdated software. To ensure the ongoing security of your devices and system drivers, it’s important to always update.
- Don’t Download Suspicious Files. If you’re not totally sure what a file is and where it comes from, don’t download it to your device. Often, malware will be disguised as apparently free software or attached to emails that are made to look legitimate. Antiviruses like Norton are able to scan your emails and identify any suspicious files, as well as scanning anything you try to download before it can cause any harm to your device. That said, while good antiviruses are great at protecting you from threats, it’s still important to use common sense and never open anything you’re not sure about.
- Secure Your Wireless Network. Before you go online, you need to make sure the wireless network you’re going to use is secure. Using a firewall is important, but you should definitely also ensure your Wi-Fi connection is password-protected. Anyone can connect to a Wi-Fi network that isn’t password-protected, so they’re way more vulnerable. That said, hackers can infiltrate secured networks too — which is why having a really strong password is vital. A good password manager like 1Password can help you generate unguessable passwords and store them so you don’t need to worry about forgetting them.
- Download a Secure Antivirus Program. Having a solid antivirus program is crucial in safeguarding your device against viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks. With an antivirus program, you can run a thorough system scan to ensure your device stays safe. But that’s not all! These programs also offer extras like real-time scanning, automatic updates, and a firewall to add an extra layer of protection. My personal favorite is Norton 360 — its scanner uses artificial intelligence, advanced heuristics, and a massive malware database to provide flawless malware detection.
Quick Summary of the Best Antiviruses for Removing MSASCuiL.exe
Editor’s Choice
Best antivirus for removing MSASCUiL.exe and other malware in 2025 (100% detection rate).
Most of our readers choose Norton
Powerful cloud-based scanner for removing all kinds of malware + great extras.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is MSASCuiL.exe?
The typical MSASCuiL executable is a genuine and safe Windows 10 application developed by Microsoft.
It’s short for Microsoft Antivirus Security Center User Interface Logo.
Microsoft developed MSASCuiL.exe in 2015 as a component of Windows Defender — Windows’s built-in antivirus engine.
MSASCuiL.exe is responsible for displaying the Windows Defender notification icon that you see on your system’s taskbar.
In most cases, MSASCuiL.exe won’t harm your system. However, hackers disguise malicious software using trusted file names, making detection challenging — even for experienced users and virus scanners.
If you suspect this has happened to you, follow the above steps on how to remove MSASCuiL.exe.
How can MSASCuiL.exe infect my computer?
The MSASCuiL.exe virus is pretty common, and it’s most often shared with users through scam emails.
If you don’t recognize the email’s sender, and they’re trying to convince you to download a file, then the chances are the email is malicious.
Other methods of infection include:
- Internet File Downloads — If you don’t trust the website you’re on, don’t download any files from it.
- Social Media Links — With social media being as prominent as it is, many fake accounts share links containing virus downloads. If you see a page that looks too good to be true, chances are it is.
- Text Messaging Apps — A lot of applications like WhatsApp have their own web clients that users use to share files between their phones and computers. Remember, just because a text messaging application was developed for phones, that doesn’t mean it can’t spread viruses to a computer system.
Should I disable MSASCuiL.exe?
No. If you see MSASCuiL.exe running in your task manager, that doesn’t mean your computer is infected.
MSASCuiL.exe is commonly a legitimate file created by Microsoft. It running in the background of your system is expected, and disabling it might compromise the functionality of Windows Defender.
When in doubt, follow this guide on how to remove MSASCuiL.exe. It will take you through all the steps necessary in detecting and removing any malicious file on your system.
Best Antiviruses for Protecting Against Viruses (Including MSASCuiL.exe) — Final Score:
About the Author
Updated on: February 24, 2025
About the Author
Sam Boyd is a Chief Editor at SafetyDetectives, specializing in antiviruses and password managers. He has years of experience writing, reviewing, editing, and optimizing blog articles, and he has researched and tested hundreds of cybersecurity products since joining the SafetyDetectives team. When he isn’t exploring the latest cybersecurity products, he enjoys chilling out with video games, watching sports, and exploring new parts of the world with his family.