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You might have seen multiple processes running in the background in the Task Manager on Windows OS. These background processes perform some particular tasks. Hence, these processes are essential for the proper functioning of the Windows Operating System. Disabling any one of these processes without knowing what that process is used for may lead to several errors in your system. AggregatorHost.exe is one of the processes that run in the background and in this post we will talk about this file.
What is AggregatorHost.exe in Windows 11/10?
The way to identify or learn more about any process is as follows:
- Open Task Manager
- Locate the process which in this case is AggregatorHost.exe
- Right-click in it and select Open file location
- Where does it take you? The System32 folder I presume.
- Now locate the AggregatorHost.exe file and right-click on it
- Select and open Properties and then open the Details tab
- Do you see Product Name or Copyright as Microsoft?
- You don’t? Then it is NOT a Windows OS file!
Checking the File location and Properties gives the real picture, but remember-
- Just because a file is located in the Windows or System32 folder does not make it a legit Microsoft or Windows OS file!
- Just because a file name is similar to another which belongs to a legit software, does not mean that this file could be associated with that software.
Microsoft and most legit software companies will always digitally sign their file. So checking the Details tab is also important.
A legit Windows OS file will always mention the details as shown above.
You may also Check for Verified Publisher or File Integrity with Hash Value. This post will show you how to check if a file is malicious or not in Windows.
This is what AggregatorHost.exe Properties look like:
The Details tab of AggregatorHost exe Properties is blank and that could be a cause for concern!
So then what is this AggregatorHost.exe file? I found no real answers on the web but I am guessing that it could be an internal Windows tool or process involved in aggregating the Windows API commands across Win32/Win64 applications.
But folks on the web have said that maybe it is a temporary file that is used in Windows Insider Builds, maybe it is used by Windows Defender, maybe it is associated with Adobe products, maybe it is some benign legit file – or maybe it is a virus!
In this case, what you need to do is run a full antivirus scan. You may also use a 3rd party on-demand standalone AV scanner like Kaspersky or Dr WebCureIt. Additionally, you may upload this AggregatorHost.exe file to an online service that scans files with multiple antivirus definitions – like virustotal.com or jotti.org. If you see it in your Startup list, remove the file from it in any case.
Stay safe!
Read next: Dllhost.exe is showing High Disk Usage.
Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.
I noticed this too and ended up here. I looked at the AggregatorHost.exe file in System32 (it’s 280 KB). It looks like a Microsoft file. Lots of references to API and processes/threads. My guess is it has something to do with aggregating the Windows API commands across Win32/Win64 applications.
Edit: I just discovered something… maybe it IS related to Windows Defender. If you use a third party AV tool (I use NOD32 for example), you don’t need Defender poking it’s head in on top: that resulted in some major slowdowns in Win11 for me! Try this. Open «Virus and threat protection». Click on Defender and turn ON «Periodic scanning»: you have to do that to see the other Defender options. Then turn off all other Defender options like realtime scanning, cloud, tamper protection, etc. After turning all that crap off, turn off «Periodic scanning» again. After I did all this and checked Task Manager, the following three tasks were no longer running: Antimalware service executable (2 copies), and the Aggregatorhost was gone too and didn’t come back! File Manager no longer «stalled» when accessing disk drives either.
HomeWhat IsAggregator Host on Windows: What Is It and What Are Its Functions?
Use the virus scan to know if the aggregate host is harmful to your device
In the Task Manager on Windows OS, you may have noticed several processes running in the background; these processes operate silently and carry out specific functions. As a result, these processes are necessary for the Windows Operating System to run correctly.
Several errors in your system could result from disabling any of these processes without understanding what it is used for. Aggregator Host, which we’ll discuss in this post, is one of these background processes.
What is Aggregator Host?
The Aggregator Host is a file that has to do with Windows. The file’s properties window is usually blank. Users have reported that this process connected to Windows Defender appears and vanishes at random.
Similar files with the name aggregator.exe also exist, which are accessible through LG Smart Share or Adobe software. These two files, which are typically located in different locations, are frequently confused by users.
The main job of the Aggregator Host is listed below.
- Getting updates for installed apps – The Aggregator Host is responsible for getting updates on any app that you have installed using the Microsoft Store.
- Application license management – This process is also responsible for managing app license that protects your interest while using applications.
- Oversee application metadata – The Aggregator Host controls and monitors application metadata.
- Control communication between Microsoft Store app and backend servers – This process also ensures smooth communication between the Store app and backend servers.
- Data synchronization – This process helps to synchronize and aggregate data from various sources within the Microsoft Store app.
However, it would be best if you were very careful when dealing with this file, as many malicious programs could disguise themselves as a genuine program to compromise your system.
Is Aggregator Host a Virus?
You must check the file location to know if the Aggregator Host is a virus. If the file is located in the path below, it is genuine, and you do not have to worry about it.C:\Windows\System32
However, if the file is located somewhere strange on your system, you must be careful as this could be malware disguised as the Aggregator Host.
If you notice that a virus is disguising itself as the aggregate host on your device, take the following steps to troubleshoot this problem.
1. Open your device in a clean boot
- Hold the Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialogue, type msconfig in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Go to the Services tab click the check box next to the Hide all Microsoft services option and select the Disable all button.
- Click the OK button to save the changes you have made.
- Choose Restart in the System Configuration pop-up menu.
- Once your device restarts, it will be in a clean boot.
2. Check file location
- Hold the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open your Task Manager.
- Look for the Aggregator Host.exe, right-click on it, and select Open file location.
- If the file location takes you to the C:\Windows\System32 folder, this process is genuine, and you do not need to worry.
3. Use the SFC scan
- Hold the Windows + S keys simultaneously to open the search menu, type cmd in the search field, right-click on the required result, and choose Run as administrator.
- In the command prompt, type the command below and hit Enter.
sfc /scannow
- Wait for the process to finish, reboot your device, and check to see if the Aggregator Host is still operating.
4. Run the DISM scan
- Hold the Windows + S keys simultaneously to open the search menu, type cmd in the search field, right-click on the required result, and choose Run as administrator.
- Enter the following commands below and hit Enter after each one.
DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Allow the scan to finish, then reboot your computer to implement changes.
5. Perform a virus scan
- Click on the upward-facing arrow at the bottom right corner of your taskbar to select your antivirus program, right-click on it, and choose the option that opens up the application.
- Next, click on the button that performs a virus scan.
- After completing this program, check whether the aggregate host file works. If it is still in operation, this process is safe.
6. Use the Windows memory diagnostic tool
- Press the Windows + S keys together to open the search bar, type Windows memory diagnostic in the search bar, and click the required option.
- Choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
- Allow the computer to reboot. Once it is restarted, the memory diagnostic will automatically begin, allow the process to finish, and restart your PC.
- After logging in, the test result will be displayed on your desktop.
In conclusion, Aggregator Host is a genuine Windows process unless a malicious program has infected it. Most time, the process will not cause any harm or consume a high volume of system resources. It is best not to tamper with this process unless it is causing problems for your device.
We have discussed other files, like the NPSMSvc service, that you may want to read about.
Tags :Task Manager
David Ogbor
David is a tech guru with extensive knowledge in technical articles. He is passionate about writing and presents technical articles in an easy-to-understand format for easy comprehension. He aims to present easy solutions for day-to-day problems encountered while using PC.
In his spare time, he likes traveling, playing sports, and singing.
However, it happens from time to time that we see some programs that are making use of system resources about which we have absolutely no knowledge. One of these processes is the aggregator host.exe which has caused some fuzz around users lately.
Some of these processes may be legitimate Windows requirements, but others may be malicious programs that are operating in the background and causing problems without the user’s knowledge or consent.
Follow along as we will show you how to check if the aggregator host.exe is safe or a virus, right after we see five of the ways in which you can launch Task Manager in Windows 11. Keep up with us!
How can I launch Task Manager in Windows 11?
It is no longer possible to access Task Manager from the taskbar by right-clicking on it in Windows 11. Here are five other ways to launch it instead, depending on whether you’re troubleshooting or simply keeping a check on your system’s resource usage.
The tried-and-true Task Manager keyboard shortcut continues to function properly in Windows 11. To bring it up, simply press the keys CTRL + SHIFT + ESC on your keyboard at the same time. The window will open right away.
The Start button on your taskbar can be activated by right-clicking it if you do not want to use the keyboard to launch it. Select Task Manager from the menu that displays (which is sometimes referred to as the power users menu), and it will be launched.
Alternatively, you can launch it from the Command Prompt. When the CMD window appears, type taskmgr (for taskmgr.exe, which is the actual application’s filename) on an empty line and press Enter to launch the program. The manager will be launched immediately.
You can also launch the app from the Windows Run box. Press on Windows + R to bring up the Run window, then type taskmgr into the search box, and then press OK or Enter. The Task Manager application will be launched.
Finally, if none of the previously mentioned alternatives worked for you, you may also access it from the CTRL + ALT + DELETE screen by pressing ESC. The result of pressing the keys together on your keyboard is a blank screen with a few options from which you will have to click on Task Manager.
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How can I know if aggregator host.exe is safe in Windows 11?
1. Run the SFC scan
After the scan is complete, restart your computer to ensure that all of the modifications made by the scan are fully implemented. If the aggregator host.exe process is still operating, it is almost certain that the malware was not the cause of the problem.
2. Run the DISM scan
Relax and wait patiently for the process to be completed in its entirety. The process could take up to ten minutes, so please keep this in mind. Following completion of this step, restart your computer to confirm that the modifications have been applied properly.
3. Run a virus scan
It is possible that new files will be generated by virus programs, which will interfere with the operation of existing files. By doing a system scan, you will almost certainly discover whether or not this was the root cause of your problem.
We strongly recommend that you use a professional antivirus software that will take care of your computer’s security such as ESET.
4. Check the location of the file
Why do I need an antivirus?
It is inevitable that antivirus software will be required for the foreseeable future as long as computers are used and will continue to be used, whether or not they are connected to the Internet.
A moment will never come when people, whether foolish youngsters seeking a thrill or hardened cybercriminals attempting to abuse billion-dollar corporations, will cease their search for new ways to perpetrate fraud, cause broad damage, or simply enjoy the rush of hacking.
Antivirus software is a critical instrument in the fight against such assaults and can assist to prevent them. Although it cannot prevent every sort of cyberattack, it is a valuable asset when attempting to prevent an intrusion into a computer’s data storage system.
It is true that not every breach into a computer is intended to cause damage or steal valuable information, but that does not rule out the possibility of a dangerous attack.
All incursions into a computer take advantage of what is known as a vulnerability, which is a flaw in the computer’s operating system or other software that can be used as an entry point for an attack to occur.
When even the most harmless of intrusions take use of a vulnerability, it effectively sends a signal to the rest of the network that this computer has been compromised. This leaves the door wide open for far more serious attacks.
When searching to acquire antivirus software, make sure to purchase a subscription-based package that is reputable and well-known in the industry. Due to the fact that real-time updates are available, the developers of this type of software will be able to keep their members’ computers secure.
We recommend that you take a look at our post on five of the best antiviruses for Windows 11 to ensure your computer’s privacy.
Alternatively, we have prepared a list of 10 of the best antiviruses with a low CPU usage if you encounter sluggishness along the way.
And lastly, users have reported that their virus and threat protection is not working in Windows 11, to which we have responded with a guide on how to fix it. Make sure to check the article linked below if you encounter the same problem.
Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section below whether this guide was helpful for you. Thanks for reading!
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If ever you find your Windows PC to be working slow or in case an application has acted up and you wanted to close it, fire up the Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc, select the application, and hit the End Task button. Lately, users have come across a process that goes by the name AggregatorHost.
What is AggregatorHost.exe?
You might be wondering why are we mentioning this process. It looks quite like other processes, isn’t it? Before we move any further, perform the following steps –
1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Locate the AggregatorHost process. You’ll likely find it under Background processes
3. Right-click on it and click on the Open file location
4. You’ll likely land up in your File Explorer and see that the path is C:\Windows\System32
5. Again, head to AggregatorHost. It will most likely be selected. If that’s the case, simply right-click on it and select Properties
6. Click on the Details tab
7. Head to the Copyright section
Now stop at this very point. Copyright is the section where you can find the publisher of an application. In the case of various other processes, you will otherwise find the name of Microsoft. But, what about AggregatorHost? Why isn’t there a name of Microsoft? Is it or isn’t it a Windows legit process?
Some Assumptions and When Is AggregatorHost A Threat?
- It is a temporary file used in Windows Insider builds
- It is a file associated with Windows Defender
- It is a file associated with Adobe product
When is AggregatorHost A Malicious Process Or When Is AggregatorHost.exe, a Malicious File?
In the above cases, the AggregatorHost.exe file will harmlessly run in the background. But, what if it is a virus and when should you enforce measures to check it for malicious threats? Let’s say, the AggregatorHost file didn’t appear in the System32 folder. That is the time you should scan it for any impending malicious threat. Also, in case, AggregatorHost.exe is a malicious file, your Antivirus tool will catch it in real-time.
How To Deal With AggregatorHost, In Case It’s Malicious Threat Or Virus?
– Use An Antivirus Tool
An Antivirus tool is capable of identifying and removing a threat in real-time before it can sneak past your system’s security. And, since we are talking about Windows operating systems, especially the new Windows 11, you need a powerful Antivirus program like Systweak Antivirus which is capable of detecting and neutralizing threats of all kinds. YouIn fact, you should always select an Antivirus program that is capable of differentiating between right and wrong processes.
In This Regard, Why Opt For Systweak Antivirus?
Systweak Antivirus installs new database definitions regularly because of which even if a malicious threat disguises as a legit process, Systweak Antivirus will easily identify it and remove it, or, the least it would do is put it in quarantine so that till the time, an action is taken upon it, it stays away from the rest of your files and causes them no harm.
How To Use Systweak Antivirus To Remove Virus From Windows 11/10
– Using Windows Defender
Some users have been able to get rid of AggregatorHost.exe by following the steps mentioned below –
1. Open Virus and threat protection
2. Click on Microsoft Defender Antivirus options
3. Turn the Periodic scanning slider to the right to turn it On
4. Turn off all other Defender options. You will find these when you click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings –
- Real-time protection
- Cloud-delivered protection
- Tamper Protection
5. Now, turn off Periodic scanning once again. Here we’d urge you to have a secondary Antivirus ready so that meanwhile no vulnerability can expose your computer to virus attacks
Are you still seeing the AggregatorHost
3. Try and Kill The Process In Safe Mode
“Safe Mode” is a place in Windows, where you can corner any suspicious files and remove them. If the concept of booting into Safe Mode is new to you, you can refer to this post.
Now, if you suspect that the AggregatorHost is a notorious process or AggregatorHost.exe is a malicious file, restart your Windows 11/10 PC in Safe Mode, open the Task Manager, locate the AggregatorHost process and click on the End Task.
Wrapping Up
Did you find the information helpful? If yes, do let us know in the comments section below. For more such content, keep reading WeTheGeek.