"Has anyone else noticed httpproxy.exe running in Task Manager?"
Hey folks,
So I was checking my Task Manager earlier and spotted httpproxy.exe running in the background. Never noticed it before, and now I'm kinda paranoid.
Is this thing legit? Or should I be worried? Quick Google search gave mixed results—some say it’s part of a VPN or proxy software, others say it could be sketchy.
Anyone else seen this? If it’s safe, cool, but if not… how do I nuke it? lol
Thanks in advance!
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Hey! I had the same issue last week. httpproxy.exe popped up outta nowhere. Turns out it was from some sketchy "free VPN" I installed ages ago and forgot about.
I ran Malwarebytes (free version) and it flagged it as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). Removed it, no problems since.
Maybe check your installed programs for anything suspicious?
httpproxy.exe can be legit if you use proxy/VPN software, but it’s also a common malware disguise.
Quick way to check: right-click it in Task Manager > Open file location. If it’s in a weird folder like AppData/Local/Temp, red flag.
VirusTotal (virustotal.com) can scan the file if you upload it. Super handy!
lol same here! freaked me out at first. Mine was from some "optimizer" tool I downloaded.
If you’re unsure, try Process Explorer (Microsoft’s tool). Shows way more details than Task Manager. If httpproxy.exe is signed by a legit company, you’re probably fine. If not… yikes.
Ugh, httpproxy.exe is such a pain. Had it on my work laptop once—IT said it was from a dodgy adware bundle.
Try Autoruns (from Sysinternals) to see what’s launching it at startup. Also, HitmanPro is great for a second opinion scan.
httpproxy.exe could be anything, tbh. Mine was from a game launcher (??).
Try stopping the process in Task Manager and see if anything breaks. If not, nuke it. If you’re still paranoid, backup and reinstall Windows. Overkill, but peace of mind.
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Hey everyone,
Wow, didn’t expect so many replies—thanks! Tried VirusTotal like someone suggested, and httpproxy.exe came back clean, but it’s in a weird temp folder.
Gonna run Malwarebytes tonight just in case.
Quick Q: If it *is* malware, could it be stealing passwords? Or is that overthinking it? lol
If you didn’t install any proxy/VPN stuff, httpproxy.exe is *probably* malware.
Run a scan with Kaspersky’s free tool (tdsskiller). It’s lightweight and catches rootkits too.
Also, check your browser extensions—sometimes they sneak in proxy settings.
