Processes > smss.exe
Download Glary Utilities for free to end/block Windows processes to improve your computer's performance *100% Clean & Safe

smss.exe

File Name: smss.exe
Usefulness Rating:
Smss.exe is the execution file Session Management Subsystem, which is a part of the Windows Operating system and is responsible for starting and handling the user session, lauching the Winlogon and Win32(Csrss.exe) process, as well as setting system variables. After it has launched these processes, it waits for either Winlogon or Csrss to end. If this happens normally, the system shuts down; if it happens unexpectedly, Smss.exe causes the system to stop responding (hang). Smss.exe is an essential part of windows and is very important for the stable and secure running of computer. The smss.exe file is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32. In other cases, smss.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan or worm.
Other instance of smss.exe:
Many malware programs try to look like legitimate computer processes and the smss.exe trojan is one of them.
Many times malware in the form of smss.exe is a trojan called Flood.F. Flood.F is considered to be a serious security risk. Like most trojans, Flood.F can steal or reveal sensitive data or documents. Many computer users that are infiltrated by a trojan horse can be subjected to their personal and financial information being stolen and used for credit card fraud or identity theft.
Recommendation:
smss.exe is an essential part of Windows and required for Windows to work properly. It should never be disabled. But if he smss.exe file is not located in the folder C:\Windows\System32, it must be a virus, spyware or trojan and you should remove it immediately.
Users Opinions:
AndriaD
143 95 Report Abuse
When I click on this entry in the Process Manager, it does not show Microsoft identifiers, instead it says "Product (no information) and Company (no information). Should I take this to mean that the smss.exe running here is some kind of malware? Also, for the location, rather than the usual "C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\" that most show, it shows "\\Systemroot\\System32\\" which is definitely different from the identifiable Microsoft products. I'm concerned.
Patricia
14 73 Report Abuse
virus
ghaneis khan
1 6 Report Abuse
aucune idée
JFHufferd
11 38 Report Abuse
I realize I am joining this thread late in the game. Please bear with me. I have similar concerns w/AndreaD. File location is wrong-close but still wrong. Also I get details but no properties. I try to block/can't. Tried to end it/couldn't. tried to delete it/couldn't. even after assuming ownership from TrustedInstaller. How do I determine if the smss.exe running on my computer is the right one. I should mention I am running windows Beta 8.
luis daniel diaz
3 64 Report Abuse
back door
Midnight
6 0 Report Abuse
This is the session manager subsystem, which is responsible for starting the user session. This process is initiated by the main system thread and is responsible for various activities, including launching the Winlogon and Win32 (Csrss.exe) processes, and setting system variables. After it has launched these processes, it waits for either Winlogon or Csrss to end. If this happens normally, the system shuts down; if it happens unexpectedly, Smss.exe causes the system to stop responding (hang). Note: The smss.exe file is located in the folder C:\\Windows\\System32. In other cases, smss.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan or worm! Check this with Security Task Manager.
Hunting Dog
2 1 Report Abuse
my system shows properties with version enabled. location system 32. company = microsoft.
Robert Cohen
6 1 Report Abuse
Smss.exe is the execution file Session Management Subsystem, which is a part of the Windows Operating system and is responsible for starting and handling the user session, lauching the Winlogon and Win32(Csrss.exe) process, as well as setting system variables. After it has launched these processes, it waits for either Winlogon or Csrss to end. If this happens normally, the system shuts down; if it happens unexpectedly, Smss.exe causes the system to stop responding (hang). Smss.exe is an essential part of windows and is very important for the stable and secure running of computer. The smss.exe file is located in the folder C:\Windows\System32. In other cases, smss.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan or worm.
Michael
5 33 Report Abuse
it's listed at 50kb in my windows\system32 folder yet in sec.pro.expl. it's shows up at 416KB..I tried to get rid of it and it came right back. Good or Bad? Also when I hit {show Details} in sec.pro. it says thats the program that started it.
Venky
6 1 Report Abuse
Its not a virus. It handles programe lunch and close.
First Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Last
Please click to rate it.

Not useful Useful

The link is not a valid url.

Glarysoft uses cookies to improve content and ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our privacy policy.

Got it