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"MSASCuiL" in startup.

Anonymous
2021-07-21T11:00:16+00:00

Ok so i've noticed this on start up since yesterday, and god knows how long its been in my startup. I have NO idea what the program is, and when i right click it to view it, it has NO option for me to view file location and properties, i googled it where it should be, and apparently its supposed to be at C:/Program Files/Windows Defender, BUT IT IS NOT THERE. I also searched for it in my C: drive and my D: drive but such file doesnt exist/ I used windows defender and did all the scans and apparently my computer is safe. (I did a full scan, custom scam on the windows defender file, an offline microsoft defender scan, which for some reason didnt reach 100% but still finished, and apparently my computer is safe). But still im paranoid because i know for a fact windows defender isnt the 1# anti virus or whatever. I used autoruns64 to remove the file from startup, it did get removed, but when i shut down my pc and got it back on, it was back at start up on task manager. The Odd thing is as well, that when i used Autoruns to remove it, it said "MSASCuiL.exe file not found." which scares me even more, maybe because i Disabled it but i have no idea. I also looked up that the purpose of it is to show my windows defender icon in the taskbar which it does, BUT yet again i disabled it. Which scares me so much. Please, PLEASE can someone clarify what i should do, is it safe? is it a malware? Any solutions please. I know I may sound too stressed and overbearing, but note that I am not blaming you in anyway. I just dont want my details compromised. Thank You. Please Reply ASAP. John.![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/483a2560-22a7-4a8f-9439-79fd10f71bca?platform=QnA

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-21T12:04:04+00:00

    Hi Giannis54,

    Good day! This is Jhakesong an Independent Advisor and I will be happy to assist you with this.

    I am sorry to hear about the inconvenience. MSASCuiL is indeed part of windows defender and appears when you have a third party antivirus program installed in your computer and has configured Windows Defender to also do a periodic scanning. Switching OFF periodic scanning will also remove the MSASCuiL entry from task manager.

    Here's a reference thread, response by deleted:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/ksj...

    Reference article on how to turn Periodic scanning OFF:

    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/...

    Let me know how it goes. Have a great day!

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-21T13:22:12+00:00

    Hello Jhake, I accidentally marked your reply as an answer,I still have some more questions. I was the one who activated windows defender to do periodic scanning, so if that is the reason MSASCuiL showed up is fine. (I also do in fact have a third party antivirus in ESET which came with my computer). But, im still worried. Should i be worried that i cannot view MSASCuiL's file location or properties, and the fact that i cannot find the file in any of my drives despite the fact it is in my start up? , And do I HAVE TO turn off periodic scanning so MSASCuiL is removed, or i keep on periodic scanning for windows defender, MSASCuiL will not have an adverse effect on my computer in any way?All in All, id like you to explain to me why i cannot find the MSASCuiL.exe file in any of my drives, or why i cant view the file location and its properties(and if that is a sign of malware of course). id like you to also tell me if MSASCuiL remains in my startup and I DO NOT turn off periodic scanning for windows defender, will it have a bad effect on my PC or not? Please and Thank you, i am patiently waiting for your response. And what i need to do. Thank You,John.

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