What Is conime.exe in Windows (And Is It Safe)?
Plus how to tell if it’s a virus
The Windows conime.exe is an executable system file for the Microsoft Console IME (Input Method Editor). While this is a legitimate file, some users have reported malware that masks itself as conime.exe.
In this article, we’ll explain what conime.exe is and what to do if you’ve been infected with a sneaky trojan.
What is conime.exe in Windows?
The conime.exe file is a legitimate Windows system file that adds language input support for the Command Prompt application. The executable system file is initiated whenever Command Prompt is opened, allowing users to type Asian languages into the command field.
It can be found in all Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10, and 11.
Is conime.exe Safe?
If you use Asian languages on your PC or programs with Asian language support, then conime.exe will be initiated. However, if you’ve never used Asian languages, the appearance of conime.exe in the Task Manager is a sign that you may be dealing with malware.
Since malware, spyware, and viruses threaten yoursystem stability(for instance, by hijacking your CPU to run a crypto miner) and personal information, we recommend running your antivirus software as soon as possible.
How to Tell If conime.exe is a Virus
If you’re concerned that your PC has been infected with malware and it’s masquerading as the conime.exe file, here’s what you should do.
The legitimate conime.exe file is found in C:WindowsSystem32 (or %windir%System32). To check where your conime.exe file is located in File Explorer:
If Windows Defender cannot discover and remove the conime.exe threat, you should move to a more powerful solution. Check out our list of the best antivirus software if you don’t have one already. Tools likeMalwarebytes Anti-MalwareorSUPERAntiSpywarecan be used to detect malware on your system, too.
But first,boot into Safe Modeto prevent the virus from utilizing system resources to protect itself.
How to Disable the Legitimate conime.exe
To prevent the conime.exe process from launching at startup, you must remove all of the keyboard languages that include Asian language support. In Windows, this includes all of the Asian languages as well as Hebrew, Arabic, and Hindi.
Note:You can also remove the conime.exe startup entry via Task Manager or msconfig. However, if you do this alone, Windows may re-enable it when you start up or initiate Command Prompt. Also, remember that since conime.exe is a system file, it’s highly recommended that you don’t delete or try to uninstall it, as this may affect your system stability.
Free From Viruses
Hopefully, this tutorial has helped you determine whether your conime.exe process is legitimate or a virus. If this is the first time you’ve been infected with a virus, learnhow to protect yourselfonline to avoid being infected again.
Jake Harfield is an Australian freelance writer whose passion is finding out how different technologies work. He has written for several online publications, focusing on explaining what he has learned to help others with their tech problems. He’s an avid hiker and birder, and in his spare time you’ll find him in the Aussie bush listening to the birdsong.Read Jake’s Full Bio
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