Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe
Warning
Multiple App-V related processes may run
Each virtualized app can spawn helper processes; appvshnotify.exe coordinates shell events
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling may impact App-V integration. If you do not use App-V, you can disable or remove the client safely.
What is appvshnotify.exe?
appvshnotify.exe is a Microsoft App-V Shell Notify component that runs in user sessions to coordinate shell integration and notifications for virtualized applications. It helps Windows reflect App-V state in the Start menu, taskbar, and icons.
It communicates with the App-V Client Service via inter-process channels to surface state changes to the Windows shell, enabling correct launcher behavior and accurate status indicators for each virtualized app.
Quick Fact: App-V introduced shell notify capabilities to keep the user informed about running virtualized apps without intrusive prompts.
Types of App-V Notify Processes
- Shell Notification Handler: Monitors App-V package state and updates the Windows shell accordingly
- App-V Client Sync: Keeps app state synchronized with the App-V service
- Activation Listener: Responds to app launch/unlaunch events from the App-V client
- Background Notifier: Displays non-intrusive prompts or status icons related to virtualized apps
- Session Utility: Runs per user session to coordinate with the graphical shell
- Service Communicator: Interfaces with the App-V service via IPC
Is appvshnotify.exe Safe?
Yes, appvshnotify.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Microsoft installed as part of the App-V Client.
Is appvshnotify.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real appvshnotify.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names, so verify signature and location.
How to Tell if appvshnotify.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid Microsoft Corporation signature.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low (1-4% CPU, 10-60 MB). Constant high resource use may indicate a problem.
- Behavior: Should load at user logon or when App-V client is active. If it runs invisibly without App-V activity, investigate.
Red Flags: If appvshnotify.exe is outside the App-V client folder, lacks a valid digital signature, or runs when App-V is not installed, scan with antivirus and verify with your IT admin.
Why Is appvshnotify.exe Running on My PC?
appvshnotify.exe runs when the App-V client is active, user sessions require shell integration, or Windows is updating App-V state for virtualized apps.
Reasons it's running:
- Active App-V Client Use: The App-V client and shell integration are actively managing virtualized apps in your session.
- Virtualized Apps Launch: Launching or updating App-V packages triggers notify processes to reflect state changes.
- Background Notifications: Shell status icons and prompts are updated in the background to reflect app activity.
- Startup Program: The App-V client or its shell notify component starts at logon to provide seamless integration.
- Policy-Driven Tasks: Group Policy or System Center configurations may trigger App-V state checks and notifications.
Can I Disable or Remove appvshnotify.exe?
Yes, you can disable appvshnotify.exe. If you do not use App-V, you can stop or remove the App-V client safely, but be aware virtualized apps will not launch properly.
How to Stop appvshnotify.exe
- End Per-User Notify: End the process in Task Manager under the App-V Notify category.
- Stop Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'App-V Client' or 'Microsoft App-V Client', set Startup type to Disabled, then stop the service.
- Prevent Startup: Open Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable 'Microsoft App-V Client' if present.
- Uninstall App-V Client: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft App-V Client > Uninstall (requires admin).
How to Uninstall App-V Client
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Microsoft App-V Client -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Microsoft App-V Client -> Uninstall
- ✔ Note: uninstalling App-V may affect virtualization-enabled apps and company deployment.
Common Problems: App-V Notify Issues
If appvshnotify.exe has problems:
Common Causes & Solutions
- App-V client not installed: Install or repair the App-V Client from your organization’s deployment package.
- Outdated App-V components: Update App-V Client to the latest version via Windows Update or enterprise software center.
- High foreground shell activity: Reduce number of virtualized apps or check for stuck activation tasks.
- Corrupt configuration: Repair App-V configuration or reset to defaults via control panels.
- Antivirus or monitoring conflict: Add App-V client directories to exclusion lists in your antivirus software.
- Network policy discarding keys: Verify Group Policy settings or SCCM/Intune configurations for App-V state checks.
Quick Fixes:
1. Restart App-V Client service via services.msc
2. Check for App-V Console updates
3. Verify that the App-V client folders exist
4. Run System File Check (sfc /scannow) if suspect OS-level corruption
5. Ensure domain policies allow App-V activity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is appvshnotify.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate appvshnotify.exe is part of the Microsoft App-V Client. Verify its location at C:\Program Files\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe and check digital signatures.
What does appvshnotify.exe do?
It coordinates Windows shell integration for virtualized apps, updating icons, taskbar entries, and prompts when App-V packages start or stop.
Can I disable appvshnotify.exe?
Disabling may impact App-V functionality. If you don’t use App-V, you can disable or remove the client via Services or Settings.
Where is appvshnotify.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft App Virtualization\Client\appvshnotify.exe.
How do I remove App-V completely?
Uninstall the App-V Client from Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features or Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall. This will remove the rollover for virtualization.
Why is appvshnotify.exe running at startup?
The App-V Client may start on login to provide shell integration for virtualized apps, ensuring quick access to App-V resources.