When operating your computer, it’s important to understand the various processes that may be running on your machine. If you come across a process called Loom.exe on your Windows 11 or 10 PC and are curious about it, this article will guide you through understanding what Loom.exe is, whether it’s malware or not, and how to uninstall it if necessary.
Also see: How to Scan an .exe File for Viruses to Check If It’s Safe
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What is Loom.exe?
Loom.exe is an executable file associated with a popular video recording and sharing tool known as Loom. When you install the Loom software on your Windows computer, the Loom.exe file is part of the package. It’s the engine that drives the application, responsible for executing the instructions contained within the Loom software.
Like other executable files, Loom.exe interacts with your computer’s hardware and software to carry out the program’s functions. In the case of Loom, these functions include screen recording, video editing, and integrations with various other software tools.
In essence, when you start the Loom application, your system uses the instructions in the Loom.exe file to run the program. Therefore, seeing the process in your task manager simply means that the Loom software is running on your computer, or is currently active in the background.
It’s important to understand that while the authentic Loom.exe is a legitimate part of the Loom software, not all instances of Loom.exe are safe. Sometimes, cybercriminals may create malware that imitates legitimate executable files, such as Loom.exe, to trick users and infiltrate systems. In the following sections, we’ll discuss how to determine if an executable file is legitimate or malware, and how to uninstall it if needed.
Handy guide: How to Know Which App is Using The Internet in Windows 11
Is Loom.exe a malware or virus?
Contrary to what some users may believe, Loom.exe is not malware or virus if it’s part of the official Loom software. Malware is malicious software designed to cause damage or unauthorized actions on a user’s computer.
In the case of Loom.exe, if it’s indeed related to the legitimate Loom video recording software, it’s harmless and serves as the executable file to run the software on your computer.
However, it’s important to note that cybercriminals often disguise malware as legitimate executable files, including as Loom.exe. If you didn’t install the Loom software but find Loom.exe running on your system, or if it’s located outside of its usual file path (usually C:\Program Files\Loom\ or C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Programs\Loom), there might be cause for concern.
Another indication that the Loom.exe file might be malicious is if it’s consistently using high amounts of CPU power, especially when the Loom app isn’t running or recording. Unusual CPU usage can suggest that the executable is performing functions in the background, which is a common characteristic of many types of malware.
Useful tip: How to Limit CPU Usage of a Process in Windows 11
How to check if Loom.exe is malware
To safeguard your system and data, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of any suspicious executable files. Here are detailed steps to check if the Loom.exe file on your system might be malware:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open the Task Manager.
- In the “Details” tab, look for
Loom.exe. This section lists all the running processes on your system. - Right-click on Loom.exe and select “Open file location”. This action will take you to the folder where the Loom.exe file is stored.
The file location should be within the Loom folder under Program Files or C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Programs\Loom if it’s the genuine version. If the file is located in a different folder, it could be a sign of malware.
For added security, you can scan the .exe file for viruses using a malware scanner, such as any reputable antivirus software or the built-in Windows Defender. These scanners can analyze the file and check its signature against a database of known malware signatures, providing a more reliable verification of the file’s safety.
Related resource: How to Know Which Process is Using a File in Windows 11
How to uninstall Loom.exe
Whether you’ve confirmed that Loom.exe is malware or decided that you no longer require the Loom application, you might want to uninstall it. The following steps will guide you on how to do so:
- Click on the “Start” button and open “Settings”. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + i keys to open Settings directly.
- In Settings, navigate to “Apps” and then select “Installed apps”. This section lists all the applications installed on your system.
- Scroll through the list until you locate “Loom”.
- Click on Loom, then select “Uninstall”. This action will initiate the removal process for the Loom application and the associated Loom.exe file.
Upon completing these steps, the Loom software and the related Loom.exe file should be removed from your system.
If you’ve confirmed that Loom.exe is a malicious file and the standard uninstallation process doesn’t remove it, you might need to use an antivirus or anti-malware tool to eliminate it. Such software is designed to detect and remove malware from your system effectively.
Summing up
Loom.exe is a legitimate executable file that forms an integral part of the Loom video recording software. However, it’s crucial to verify its legitimacy if it’s present on your system without having installed the software or if it’s located outside the standard file path.
Maintaining your computer’s security requires vigilance and routine checks. When in doubt, utilize reliable malware scanners or antivirus tools to verify the safety of executable files on your system. And remember, uninstalling unwanted or suspicious software is a straightforward yet effective way to maintain a clean, safe system.
