Lately, we have been receiving a lot of reports from users who’ve come across an application on their computers titled MSASCuiL.exe. What concerns users is whether this executable file is in fact some type of harmful application that could potentially pose a threat to their whole system. In other words, what people want to know is whether MSASCuiL.exe is a virus.
Now, before we can give you a definitive answer to that question, let us first say the following.
What is MSASCuiL.exe?
There is a legitimate executable file by Microsoft Corporation that has the name MSASCuiL.exe. And the name is actually an abbreviation for “Microsoft antivirus security center user interface logo”. This application was first launched back in 2016 and is available on Windows 8 and all later versions of the Windows OS.
The MSASCuiL.exe Process
If this is the genuine application by Microsoft, then you should be able to find it in the following directory: C:\Program Files\Windows Defender. If, however, it is not located in that specific file directory, then you might be facing a fake app that is disguised as the original. In this case, we are likely talking about a virus.
Another telltale sign that you can refer to in order to determine the legitimacy of this file is its size. The original should be within the range of ~483 and ~631 bytes. Also, if you found this file on your computer and you’re using an older version of Windows (e.g. Vista, XP, 7), you can also be sure that this is a malicious program. In this case, you can apply the instructions in the removal guide below in order to safely remove this threat from your computer.
However, we do think it important to caution you once again about determining the status of this executable. It is vital for your system’s security that you are absolutely certain that the MSASCuiL.exe file is not the real thing. Otherwise, if you delete the actual Microsoft application, you may put your computer at risk of getting infected with malware or other threats.
How could I have ended up with the MSASCuiL.exe virus?
Applications of this type can end up in your system as a result of downloading various free programs. For instance, you could have obtained some system optimization tool or similar from, say, an open-source download platform or torrent site. MSASCuiL.exe may well have been bundled in this software’s setup. And if you used the default/automatic setup for this piece of software, then any bundled in applications were installed along with it.
This is why whenever you install any type of new program on your computer, you should always select the Custom or Advanced settings. That way you will have more control over the process and will be able to prevent any added components from being integrated into your OS.
SUMMARY:
| Name | MSASCuiL.exe |
| Type | PUP |
| Danger Level | High |
| Symptoms | There are no obvious symptoms of an infection, but you can recognize the virus if it is not located in the C:\Program Files\Windows Defender directory. |
| Distribution Method | Could have been downloaded as an added component in the setup of some freeware or shareware. |
| Detection Tool |
Remove MSASCuiL.exe Virus
Disclaimer: We urge users to be absolutely certain that MSASCuiL.exe is in truth a malicious program before you attempt uninstalling it. Deleting this file in any other case may render your OS vulnerable to different external threats. Please be sure to fully scan your system with a high-quality antivirus tool. The removal of this or any other inherent Windows OS components could permanently damage your computer.
If you have a Windows virus, continue with the guide below.
If you have a Mac virus, please use our How to remove Ads on Mac guide.
If you have an Android virus, please use our Android Malware Removal guide.
If you have an iPhone virus, please use our iPhone Virus Removal guide
Some of the steps will likely require you to exit the page. Bookmark it for later reference.
Reboot in Safe Mode (use this guide if you don’t know how to do it).
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC at the same time and go to the Processes Tab. Try to determine which processes are dangerous.
Right click on each of them and select Open File Location. Then scan the files with our free online virus scanner:
After you open their folder, end the processes that are infected, then delete their folders.
Note: If you are sure something is part of the infection – delete it, even if the scanner doesn’t flag it. No anti-virus program can detect all infections.
Hold together the Start Key and R. Type appwiz.cpl –> OK.
You are now in the Control Panel. Look for suspicious entries. Uninstall it/them. If you see a screen like this when you click Uninstall, choose NO:
Type msconfig in the search field and hit enter. A window will pop-up:
Startup —> Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer or otherwise look suspicious.
- Remember this step – if you have reason to believe a bigger threat (like ransomware) is on your PC, check everything here.
Hold the Start Key and R – copy + paste the following and click OK:
notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
A new file will open. If you are hacked, there will be a bunch of other IPs connected to you at the bottom. Look at the image below:
If there are suspicious IPs below “Localhost” – write to us in the comments.
Type Regedit in the windows search field and press Enter.
Once inside, press CTRL and F together and type the virus’s Name. Right click and delete any entries you find with a similar name. If they don’t show up this way, go manually to these directories and delete/uninstall them:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER—-Software—–Random Directory. It could be any one of them – ask us if you can’t discern which ones are malicious.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER—-Software—Microsoft—-Windows—CurrentVersion—Run– Random
HKEY_CURRENT_USER—-Software—Microsoft—Internet Explorer—-Main—- Random
If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!
Leave a Comment