"Should I be concerned about httpproxy.exe running in Task Manager?"
Hey folks,
So I noticed httpproxy.exe chillin’ in my Task Manager, and I’m kinda sketched out. Never seen it before, and it’s using a bit of network bandwidth.
Is this thing legit? Or should I be worried?
I did a quick Google search, but answers were all over the place—some say it’s part of a VPN or some software, others say it could be malware.
Anyone else dealt with this? How do I tell if it’s safe or if I should nuke it?
Thanks in advance!
(Also, sorry if this has been asked before—my search skills might be trash lol.)
Hey! I had the same issue last week. httpproxy.exe popped up outta nowhere. Turns out it was part of my VPN client (NordVPN).
If you’re not using a VPN or proxy software, it’s sus. Check the file location—right-click it in Task Manager > Open file location. If it’s in a weird folder like Temp or AppData, red flag.
Try scanning with Malwarebytes just to be safe. Free version works fine.
httpproxy.exe can be legit, but it’s also a common malware disguise.
Quick way to check:
- Open CMD as admin and run `tasklist /svc` to see what’s running it.
- Upload the file to VirusTotal (virustotal.com) for a scan.
If it’s malware, nuke it with HitmanPro or RogueKiller.
lol i freaked out too when i saw httpproxy.exe. mine was from some sketchy "optimizer" tool i installed. uninstalled that crap and it vanished.
if you don’t recognize the software tied to it, yeet it. better safe than sorry.
Not all httpproxy.exe processes are bad. Some apps like CCleaner or certain antiviruses use it for network stuff.
But if you’re unsure:
1. Check the digital signature (right-click file > Properties > Digital Signatures).
2. No signature? Sus.
3. Run a full scan with Windows Defender + SuperAntiSpyware.
Thanks everyone! Super helpful. I checked the file location, and it was in some random AppData folder—no digital signature.
Scanned with Malwarebytes, and boom, it flagged as adware. Deleted it and ran ADWCleaner like someone suggested. All good now.
Weird thing is, I have no idea how it got there. Maybe a dodgy download? Anyway, appreciate the tips!
Bro, same. Mine was malware. It was stealing bandwidth for botnet crap.
Here’s what I did:
- Killed the process in Task Manager.
- Deleted the file from its location.
- Ran ADWCleaner (free tool) to clean leftovers.
Fixed it. If you didn’t install it, don’t trust it.
httpproxy.exe is often bundled with crapware or adware. Check your installed programs list for anything fishy.
If you’re tech-savvy, use Process Explorer (Microsoft’s tool) to dig deeper. Shows parent processes and more details than Task Manager.
If httpproxy.exe is eating your bandwidth, that’s a red flag. Could be a sneaky crypto miner or spyware.
Try this:
- Disable startup programs (msconfig).
- Boot in Safe Mode and see if it’s still there.
- If yes, malware. If no, probably a legit background app.
It’s wild how many fake httpproxy.exe files are out there. I’d recommend:
- Checking the file hash (use HashTab) against known legit versions.
- Cross-referencing with forums like BleepingComputer.
If it’s malware, don’t just delete—use a proper removal tool like Spybot S&D.
