What is "Hydrogen" and what are these "hbaked" files in C:\\Windows\\System32\Hydrogen\BakedPlugins ??

Yes it is malware IF you suspect you have been infected. A search for this file name returns the answer of what you read in this thread "used for mixed reality" from Microsoft the answer is "a system file, primarily so the OneDrive can sync itself to every file you want to back up, which means it updates without saving every single file again just the new ones added. It is encrypted to protect data privacy and security." True but.....

This is my reason for coming here and finding this question. I got hacked and .exe file Screen Connect by Connectwise was installed by the ****hole. Used to tunnel in and view everything on my computer. I wiped my hard drive and did a fresh install of Windows 11 24H2 installed Malware Bytes and turned off the switch for remote access. Malware Bytes found one file and put into quarantine. MS Defender 0. Strange things started happening today which Malware Bytes found 3 files - Defender 0, totally useless. After searching hidden files which were a lot, I saw halfbaked. I'm still infected! files are now in my personal vault apparently from the "system file answer" Personal Vault is supposed to be locked down by Microsoft! I can only assume that after when I moved my personal files from OneDrive documents to OneDrive Personal Vault, it moved the unknown hidden files along with them.

I strongly recommend everyone to search and find hidden files. Explorer>this pc>search bar>is: hidden

Click on any funky looking file name then "properties". True hacker files will not allow you to view anything - General/Security/Details/Previous Versions

As of today, Windows 11 242H2 has had an unrealistic number of crashes and other problems with and without a patch to fix those from The National Public Data breach and a software update from cybersecurity giant ​​CrowdStrike.

ive heard of foreign agents loading your computer with helium files so it is lighter to carry when they come and steal it.

But hydrogen files, I must take my leave to meditate on this, the plot has indeed thickened. And.. obviously purge these impure files.

Actually - hold up - these are created when you fully install mixed reality portal for VR stuff.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mixed-reality/enthusiast-guide/manage-windows-mixed-reality

here is the source of these suspect files, once again microsoft is the one who generated these system files!

way to be vigilent!

The best info appears to be here:

https://superuser.com/questions/1638273/what-are-hbaked-and-hbaked-files

Have you ever used a VR headset with that computer?

I'm still researching, but so far, the references I've found indicate that these are legitimate OS folders and files, possibly related to animations or "mixed reality" features.

The other reply did not provide any reference to support the claim that it's malware, but there's no harm in running the suggested scan.