Share this article
Improve this guide
What is Wscript.exe & Should You Remove It?
Everything about the Wscript.exe process
5 min. read
Updated onJuly 11, 2024
updated onJuly 11, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Wscript.exe, also known as Windows Script Host is a genuine Windows process file by Microsoft Corporation. This executable file imparts scripting abilities to the Windows operating system and offers a range of system objects and functions.
The wscript.exe file is also responsible for launching VBScript and JScript components, and it is also capable of interpreting and running plain text Jscript (.JS and .JSE files) and VBScript (.VBS and .VBE files).
Is the Wscript.exe malware?
Wscript.exe being a core Windows application file is a relatively safe one. But there have been several instances when cyber criminals name trojan horses and worms as the wscript.exe file to avoid seeking users’ attention.
However, in some cases, antivirus software also flags legitimate Windows executables as threats providing false positives. In such cases, you should verify the authenticity of the file.
If the signer is not verified, there is a high probability that a virus or trojan is masquerading as wscript.exe.
How to fix the issues with the wscript.exe file?
1. Temporarily disable wscript.exe
Disabling the wscript.exe background process should fix the issues like system freeze due to high CPU usage. However, the solution is temporary, and you should implement the methods discussed below to investigate and analyze the situation.
2. Get rid of trojans and worms
Of course, if you have access to an efficient third-party antivirus, you can scan your PC to get rid of the threats.
3. Repair the wsript.exe file
Performing the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans will repair or replace the protected system files with the ones stored in the compressed folder, thus fixing the corrupt or infected wscript.exe.
4. Modify the registry
There have been reports of the wscript.exe hiding dangerous worms named VBS_VBSWG.AQ. If such is the case, it will be evident by a malicious registry file that will reside in the above directory.
5. Perform a system restore
If the issue isn’t resolved yet, restoring your PC to a previous point in time should roll back all the changes that may have commenced the wscript.exe-related problem.
In case you still witness suspicious activity by the malware disguising as wscript.exe, performing a clean install of Windows is recommended.
That’s pretty much it! Hopefully, the tactics explained in this guide proved beneficial in diagnosing and resolving the problems caused by wsript.exe.
You may also be interested in knowing about theview.exe fileand whether you should be concerned about it. Many also reportedDltray.exe, and we have a special guide dedicated to it.
If you need further assistance in this regard, feel free to reach out to us in the comments section.
More about the topics:exe file,Fix EXE file errors
Taiba Hasan
A postgraduate in Computer Applications, she is an avid technical writer who loves to craft content revolving around Windows, Android, and emerging technologies like SaaS. With How-To and troubleshooting guides, she aims to provide the best solutions for the problem and make technology less complicated for novice users.
Besides writing, she also loves to cook delicacies and spent time in her garden. In her free time, you will find her binge-watching web series or gazing the night sky.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Taiba Hasan
