Aggregatorhost.exe: Is It a Virus & What Does It Do?

In a previous article, we discussed the Bloom.exe file, which is malware, but in this guide, we will focus on the AggregatorHost.exe file.

You may have seen several processes running in the background in the Windows OS Task Manager; these processes are silent and perform specific tasks. They are essential for properly operating the Windows Operating System.

If you disable any of these processes without knowing how they are used, your system may experience several errors. Aggregator Host is one of these background operations discussed in this article.

What is AggregatorHost.exe?

The AggregatorHost.exe is a file that is connected to the Windows Defender. It is a background procedure that aids in gathering and aggregating information about threats and security incidents. This information is then used to strengthen its defense against malware and other threats.

Some of the essential functions of AggregatorHost.exe include:

• Data synchronization – AggregatorHost.exe assists in synchronizing and compiling data from various sources in the Microsoft Store app.
• Getting updates for installed apps – This process also ensures that any app you download from the Microsoft Store receives regular updates.
• Oversee application metadata – It helps to control and monitor application metadata.
• Application license management – This process is also responsible for managing application licenses. This helps to safeguard your interest and rights while using applications.
• Oversees communication between the Microsoft Store app and backend servers – Additionally, this procedure guarantees efficient backend server and Store app communication.

Where is AggregatorHost.exe located?

The genuine AggregatorHost.exe file is found by default in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If you discover the file in a different location, it is likely a malicious file disguised as AggregatorHost.exe.

Is AggregatorHost.exe safe?

Yes, AggregatorHost.exe is a safe file; however, some malware might disguise itself as a legitimate file, so be careful when dealing with this process. There are some things to look out for if you suspect a malicious file is disguised as an AggregatorHost.exe file. Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Location of the file – The location by default for the AggregatorHost.exe file is the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If you discover that the file is stored in a strange location, you can know with certainty that it is malicious software.
• File size – A genuine AggregatorHost.exe file should be around 100kb. If you notice that the file is unnecessarily large or taking up too much space, you should carry out a virus scan, as this could be malware.
• The publisher must be Microsoft – If you check and discover that the publisher is not Microsoft or there is no publisher at all, immediately delete this file as it is not legitimate.
• Must have a digital signature from Microsoft – If there is no digital signature from Microsoft, remove this file as it is not genuine.

How do I fix AggregatorHost.exe related PC performance issues?

1. Run the SFC scan

1. Hold the Windows + R keys together to launch the Run dialogue, then hold Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the command prompt as an administrator.
   
2. In the command prompt, paste the command below.
   sfc /scannow
   
3. Allow this process to finish, then check if the error persists. If it does, use the next step below.

2. Run the DISM scan

1. Hold the Windows + R keys together to launch the Run dialogue, then hold Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the command prompt as an administrator.
   
2. Paste the following commands in your command prompt and hit Enter after each one.
   DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   
3. Allow the command to finish, and verify if this step worked.

3. Run a virus scan

1. Click the upward-facing arrow at the bottom right corner of your taskbar to choose your antivirus program, right-click on it, and pick the option that opens up the application.
   
2. Click the button that performs the virus scan (This will vary depending on the antivirus software you are using). If you want reliable antivirus software, check out our list of the best antivirus without ads for PC.
   
3. After completing the scan, check whether your PC performance has improved.

4. Run the Windows memory diagnostic tool

1. Open your search bar by pressing Windows + S simultaneously, type Windows memory diagnostic in the text field, and choose the relevant option.
   
2. Pick the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option.
   
3. Allow your PC to reboot, once it restarts, the memory diagnostic will begin automatically. Allow the process to finish, then restart your computer.
   
4. After logging in, the test result will appear on your desktop.
   

5. Clean boot your PC

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialogue, type msconfig in the text field, and hit Enter.
   
2. Navigate to the Services tab, click the check box next to the Hide all Microsoft services option, and choose the Disable all button.
   
3. Click OK to confirm the changes.
   
4. In the System Configuration pop-up menu, select Restart.
5. Once your PC comes up, it will be in a clean boot.

To conclude, this article has explained what the AggregatorHost.exe file is, what it does, how to identify when malicious software is disguised as the file, and how to resolve any problem related to it. We hope this information has helped you fix any error related to the AggregatorHost.exe file.

Tell us in the comment section below if this guide was helpful to you.