SecurityHealthService.exe file information
The process known as Windows Security Health Service or BOINC client or load belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System or BOINC Client Software by (www.microsoft.com) or Space Sciences Laboratory (www.ssl.berkeley.edu).
Description: The original SecurityHealthService.exe from Microsoft is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. The SecurityHealthService.exe file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 336,320 bytes (12% of all occurrences), 800,056 bytes and 6 more variants.
The process runs as service SecurityHealthService.
SecurityHealthService.exe is a Windows core system file. The program has no visible window. The SecurityHealthService.exe file is certified by a trustworthy company. It is a trustworthy file from Microsoft.
Therefore the technical security rating is 0% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
You could uninstall the software Microsoft Windows using the Uninstall a Program function of Windows Control Panel (Windows: Start, Settings, Control Panel, Uninstall a Program) or ask Customer Support to assist you.
Recommended: Identify SecurityHealthService.exe related errors
Viruses with the same file name
Is SecurityHealthService.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true SecurityHealthService.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called «Windows Security Health Service».
However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. Viruses with the same file name are for instance Trojan.Gen.MBT or Trojan.Gen.2 (detected by Symantec), and TROJ_FRS.VSNTGL23 (detected by TrendMicro).
To ensure that no rogue SecurityHealthService.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Malware Scan.
How to recognize suspicious variants?
- If SecurityHealthService.exe is located in a subfolder of «C:\Program Files», the security rating is 40% dangerous. The file size is 5,900,128 bytes (50% of all occurrences) or 56,368 bytes.
The SecurityHealthService.exe file is not a Windows system file. The SecurityHealthService.exe file is digitally signed.Uninstalling this variant:
You could uninstall the software aspnet_compiler.exe or BOINC Client Software using the Uninstall a Program function of Windows Control Panel (Windows: Start, Settings, Control Panel, Uninstall a Program) or search for help on the company [1][2]‘s website. - If SecurityHealthService.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\, the security rating is 98% dangerous. The file size is 8,091,288 bytes.
There is no description of the program. The program is not visible. The file is not a Windows core file. The software listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet.
SecurityHealthService.exe appears to be a compressed file. - If SecurityHealthService.exe is located in a subfolder of Windows folder for temporary files, the security rating is 96% dangerous. The file size is 3,769,856 bytes.
Important: Some malware disguises itself as SecurityHealthService.exe, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the SecurityHealthService.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer’s security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Best practices for resolving SecurityHealthService issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with SecurityHealthService. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows’ 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or, for Windows 8 and later versions, executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To help you analyze the SecurityHealthService.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. BMalwarebytes Anti-Malware detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Other processes
hmpalert.dll ccd.exe aact.exe SecurityHealthService.exe raregistry.exe secupdutilsvc.exe rzsurroundvadstreamingservice.exe browserdefender.dll x10nets.exe opvapp.exe steelseriesengine3.exe [all]
If you are facing problems with Windows Security and seeing a message that says Windows Security Service or SecurityHealthService.exe started and then stopped working, then this post is sure to help you.
Why does securityhealthservice.exe crash in Windows 11?
The reason why securityhealthservice.exe is crashing quite often probably has a lot to do with corruption or missing system files. Sometimes, your Windows 11 computer may require an update to get things back on track.
If you have encountered a problem with SecurityHealthService.exe crashing, then the suggestions here should help a great deal.
- Restart Windows Security Service via Services Manager
- Reset the Security Health Service
- Reinstall Windows Security using the Powershell command
- Run SFC and DISM
1] Restart Windows Security Service via Services Manager
Restarting the Windows Security Service is the first thing we should do here, and it must be done via the Service Manager. So, with that in mind, let us explain what needs to be done.
- To begin, you must right-click on the Windows key, then select Run from the context menu.
- After that, type services.msc, then hit the Enter key.
- Doing the above should open the Services Manager window.
- Go ahead and scroll down to the bottom until you come across Windows Security Service.
- Double-click on it to open the Properties window.
- From this window, please click on the Stop button, then select Apply > OK.
Restart your computer and Windows Security Service should automatically restart. If that doesn’t happen, then follow the steps above and return to the Properties window where you can simply click on the Start button.
READ: Security Intelligence Update not installing automatically
2] Reset the Security Health Service
We must now move to reset the Security Health Service in hopes things will return to normal.
To do this, you must open PowerShell.
Please run it as an administrator.
From there, please copy and paste the following command directly into PowerShell:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.SecHealthUI* | Reset-AppxPackage
After that, hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
When the process has run its course, go ahead, and restart the computer.
See this post for additional ways to reset the Windows Security app. Resetting Windows Security will also reset this Service and all other related components.
Similar: Reset Windows Security Settings to default values
3] Reinstall Windows Security using the Powershell command
Another way to set things right where Windows Security Service is concerned is to reinstall it via PowerShell. How do we get this done? well, let us explain.
First, you must open PowerShell by clicking on the Windows key, then search for PowerShell.
Once done, please open the tool as an Admin.
Next, you must type the following command:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Windows.SecHealthUI* | Reset-AppxPackage
Hit the Enter key on your keyboard to execute the command. All you have to do now is wait a few seconds, then close PowerShell to complete the process.
4] Run SFC and DISM
Another method to fix the issue relating to Windows Security Service is to run an SFC scan. Not only that, but we also suggest running a DISM scan as well, so let us explain how to accomplish these tasks.
To run an SFC scan, you must open the PowerShell application.
From there, type the following command:
sfc /scannow
Hit the Enter key on your keyboard, then wait.
In terms of running DISM in a bid to fix the Windows 11/10 system image, we suggest running DISM to repair Windows System Image along with Windows Component Store.
READ: Windows Security Service missing after malware attack
How do I fix Windows Security?
The best way to fix issues relating to Windows Security is to repair and reset the service. To repair it, please press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu. From there, select App, then go to Installed Apps.
- Press the Windows key +I to open the Settings app.
- From the left side, click on App Settings.
- Search for Windows Security under Installed Apps.
- Select Advanced Options after clicking the three-dotted button.
- On the next page, click on the Repair button in Settings. Next, click on the Repair button, then select Repair again to confirm your choice.
If that doesn’t work, then go ahead and reset Windows Security, and that should complete the job.
Windows Security Service handles unified device protection and health information.
This service also exists in Windows 10.
Startup Type
| Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 23H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 24H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Windows Security Service |
| Service name: | SecurityHealthService |
| Type: | own |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\SecurityHealthService.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Windows Security Service is running as LocalSystem in its own process of SecurityHealthService.exe. It doesn’t share its process with other services. If Windows Security Service fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the SecurityHealthService service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Windows Security Service is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type for Windows Security Service
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsSecurityServiceWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the SecurityHealthService.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Windows Security Service handles unified device protection and health information.
The Windows Security Service does not exist in:
- Windows 10 Home 1507
- Windows 10 Pro 1507
- Windows 10 Education 1507
- Windows 10 Enterprise 1507
- Windows 10 Home 1511
- Windows 10 Pro 1511
- Windows 10 Education 1511
- Windows 10 Enterprise 1511
- Windows 10 Home 1607
- Windows 10 Pro 1607
- Windows 10 Education 1607
- Windows 10 Enterprise 1607
Default Settings
| Startup type: |
|
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| Display name: | Windows Security Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service name: | SecurityHealthService | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service type: | own | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Error control: | normal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Object: | LocalSystem | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\SecurityHealthService.exe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SecurityHealthService | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
Windows Security Service is a Win32 service. It is starting automatically when the operating system starts in all editions of Windows 10 1703, Windows 10 1709, Windows 10 1803. This service is starting only if the user, an application or another service starts it in all editions of Windows 10 1809, Windows 10 1903, Windows 10 2004, Windows 10 20H2, Windows 10 21H1, Windows 10 21H2, Windows 10 22H2.
When the Windows Security Service is started, it is running as LocalSystem in its own process of SecurityHealthService.exe. If Windows Security Service fails to start, the failure details are being recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 10 will start up and notify the user that the SecurityHealthService service has failed to start due to the error.
Dependencies
Windows Security Service cannot be started under any conditions, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Security Service
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Security Service depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.
1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Depending on the version of your operating system, copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER.
For Windows 10 1703 Home, Windows 10 1703 Pro, Windows 10 1703 Education, Windows 10 1703 Enterprise, Windows 10 1709 Home, Windows 10 1709 Pro, Windows 10 1709 Education, Windows 10 1709 Enterprise, Windows 10 1803 Home, Windows 10 1803 Pro, Windows 10 1803 Education, Windows 10 1803 Enterprise:
sc config SecurityHealthService start= auto
sc start SecurityHealthService
For Windows 10 1809 Home, Windows 10 1809 Pro, Windows 10 1809 Education, Windows 10 1809 Enterprise, Windows 10 1903 Home, Windows 10 1903 Pro, Windows 10 1903 Education, Windows 10 1903 Enterprise, Windows 10 1909 Home, Windows 10 1909 Pro, Windows 10 1909 Education, Windows 10 1909 Enterprise, Windows 10 2004 Home, Windows 10 2004 Pro, Windows 10 2004 Education, Windows 10 2004 Enterprise, Windows 10 20H2 Home, Windows 10 20H2 Pro, Windows 10 20H2 Education, Windows 10 20H2 Enterprise, Windows 10 21H1 Home, Windows 10 21H1 Pro, Windows 10 21H1 Education, Windows 10 21H1 Enterprise, Windows 10 21H2 Home, Windows 10 21H2 Pro, Windows 10 21H2 Education, Windows 10 21H2 Enterprise, Windows 10 22H2 Home, Windows 10 22H2 Pro, Windows 10 22H2 Education, Windows 10 22H2 Enterprise:
sc config SecurityHealthService start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The SecurityHealthService service is using the SecurityHealthService.exe file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 10 installation media.
When you open the Task Manager on your Windows computer, you may come across a process called “SecurityHealthService” running in the background. This process might raise some questions and concerns about its purpose and whether it is a legitimate component of your system. In this article, we will delve into the details of the SecurityHealthService process, its functions, and why it is running in Task Manager.
Understanding the SecurityHealthService Process
The SecurityHealthService process is a part of the Windows Defender Security Center, which is a built-in security feature in Windows 10. It is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the security of your system by performing various tasks related to antivirus protection, firewall management, and system health checks.
Windows Defender Security Center combines multiple security features into a single interface, providing users with a centralized location to manage their security settings and monitor the overall health of their system. The SecurityHealthService process plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of these security features.
Functions of the SecurityHealthService Process
The SecurityHealthService process performs several important functions to keep your system secure:
- Real-time Protection: The process continuously monitors your system for any suspicious or malicious activities. It scans files, programs, and network connections in real-time to detect and block potential threats.
- Virus and Malware Scanning: It regularly scans your system for viruses, malware, and other malicious software. This helps in identifying and removing any existing threats.
- Windows Defender Firewall Management: The process also manages the Windows Defender Firewall, which acts as a barrier between your computer and the external network. It controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect your system from unauthorized access.
- System Health Checks: SecurityHealthService performs periodic system health checks to ensure that your system is up to date with the latest security patches and updates. It also checks for any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Why Is SecurityHealthService Running in Task Manager?
The presence of the SecurityHealthService process in Task Manager indicates that Windows Defender Security Center is actively protecting your system. It is a legitimate component of Windows 10 and is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your computer.
However, it is worth noting that the process may consume system resources, especially during virus scans or when performing intensive security checks. This can temporarily slow down your system, but it is a necessary trade-off for ensuring the security of your computer.
Should You Be Concerned?
If you see the SecurityHealthService process running in Task Manager, there is generally no need to be concerned. It is a legitimate process that is designed to protect your system from various security threats.
However, if you notice any unusual behavior or suspect that your system might be infected with malware, it is always recommended to perform a thorough scan using reliable antivirus software. Malwarebytes Free is a popular choice for scanning and removing malware.
Conclusion
The SecurityHealthService process running in Task Manager is an integral part of the Windows Defender Security Center. It performs essential functions such as real-time protection, virus scanning, firewall management, and system health checks to ensure the security of your system.
While the process may consume system resources, it is a necessary trade-off for maintaining a secure computer environment. If you encounter any concerns or suspect malware infection, it is always recommended to perform a thorough scan using reliable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free.
By understanding the role and importance of the SecurityHealthService process, you can have peace of mind knowing that your system is being actively protected against security threats.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
-
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It’s essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
-
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
-
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you’re agreeing to before you click «Next.»
-
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
-
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
-
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it’s your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it’s easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn’t make messages more trustworthy.
-
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
-
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
-
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
-
Don’t use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it’s important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.