Quick Answer
intel-proset-wireless-exe is safe. It is part of Intel PROSet/Wireless Software that configures Intel wireless adapters, manages profiles, and enables enterprise features.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\PROSet Wireless\ or C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSet Wireless\IntelPROSetWlan.exe
Warning
Multiple processes may run
Each network profile or adapter can spawn a worker process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling the PROSet UI/service reduces features like profile management; you can stop the service if not needed
What is intel-proset-wireless-exe?
intel-proset-wireless-exe is the executable that launches Intel PROSet/Wireless Software, which provides a centralized interface for managing Intel wireless adapters, profiles, security settings, and connection policies. It coordinates driver interactions and enterprise features.
The component runs as part of the Intel PROSet/Wireless suite, including a user interface, background services, and driver helpers to configure and monitor Intel wireless devices.
Quick Fact: Intel PROSet/Wireless supports enterprise-grade security and profile management, and often updates along with Intel WLAN drivers.
Types of Intel PROSet/Wireless Processes
- Driver/Service Components: Core wireless driver interactions and background services
- User Interface (GUI): PROSet UI for managing networks, profiles, and policies
- Profile Manager: Stores and applies wireless profiles and preferences
- Update Agent: Checks for and applies driver/software updates
- Notification/Telemetry: Sends connect/disconnect events and health telemetry
Is intel-proset-wireless.exe Safe?
Yes, intel-proset-wireless.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Intel downloaded from official sources (intel.com) or pre-installed by the system manufacturer.
Is intel-proset-wireless.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real intel-proset-wireless.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate names to mislead users.
How to Tell if intel-proset-wireless.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\PROSet Wireless\ or C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSet Wireless\IntelPROSetWlan.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Intel Corporation.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 50-150 MB RAM per process. Unusually high resource use when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: The process should idle when not managing wireless connections. Constant activity with no wireless connection could indicate malware.
Red Flags: If intel-proset-wireless.exe is found outside Intel directories (e.g., Temp, AppData), lacks a digital signature, or constantly consumes resources, run a full system antivirus scan. Be wary of similarly named files like "intelprosetwireless.exe".
Why Is intel-proset-wireless.exe Running on My PC?
intel-proset-wireless.exe runs when Intel PROSet/Wireless software is active, when you connect to wireless networks, or when the PROSet background services initialize during startup.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Wireless Connection Management: The PROSet UI and background services manage profiles, power settings, and enterprise policies for Intel wireless adapters.
- Background Profile and Update Tasks: Profile synchronization, driver checks, and update tasks run in the background to maintain connectivity and security.
- Startup Initialization: If Intel PROSet is configured to launch at startup, the related processes will start when Windows boots.
- Enterprise Policy Enforcement: In domain environments, PROSet enforces WPA/WPA2/WPA3 profiles and network policies pushed by IT.
- Dual-NIC or Virtual Adapters: If multiple Intel wireless components or virtual adapters are present, multiple PROSet subprocesses may run.
Can I Disable or Remove intel-proset-wireless.exe?
Yes, you can disable intel-proset-wireless.exe. It is safe to disable PROSet features if you don’t rely on Intel wireless management; however, you may lose enterprise and advanced configuration options.
How to Stop intel-proset-wireless.exe
- Stop PROSet Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'Intel PROSet/Wireless Service' and click Stop
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable 'Intel PROSet/Wireless UI' if present
- Prevent Background Tasks: In PROSet UI, go to Settings → General → uncheck 'Start with Windows' and disable automatic check for updates
- Close the UI: Close the PROSet window or use the tray icon to exit
- Uninstall (optional): Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall Intel PROSet Wireless
How to Uninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Intel PROSet/Wireless Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Intel PROSet/Wireless Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider using Windows Update to ensure drivers remain compatible with your OS
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If intel-proset-wireless.exe is consuming excessive resources, use these checks to identify and resolve the issue.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many network profiles or active scans: Limit profiles in PROSet UI and disable aggressive network scanning in Settings; remove unused profiles
- Outdated PROSet or WLAN driver: Update PROSet/Wireless Software and Intel WLAN driver from Intel's official site
- Conflicting VPN or security software: Temporarily disable VPN clients or firewall software to see if CPU usage drops
- Background update checks: Disable automatic updates in PROSet settings or schedule updates during off-peak hours
- Corrupted PROSet installation: Repair or reinstall Intel PROSet/Wireless Software
- Multiple adapters or virtualization: If multiple Intel wireless adapters are present, disable unused ones in Device Manager or PROSet
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and review active profiles
2. Update the WLAN driver and PROSet software from Intel's site
3. Disable unnecessary profiles or adapters in PROSet
4. Restart Intel PROSet/Wireless Service
5. Run a full system antivirus scan to rule out malware
Frequently Asked Questions
Is intel-proset-wireless.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate intel-proset-wireless.exe from Intel is not a virus. Verify that the file is located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\PROSet Wireless\ or C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSet Wireless\ and has a valid Digital Signature from Intel Corporation.
Why is intel-proset-wireless.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage can occur during profile changes, driver updates, or network scans. Check PROSet tasks via Task Manager, limit active profiles, and ensure drivers are up to date.
Can I delete intel-proset-wireless.exe?
Uninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless Software via Windows Settings or Control Panel if you no longer need it. Doing so may remove advanced wireless configuration features.
Can I disable intel-proset-wireless.exe?
Yes, you can disable the PROSet UI/service via Services.msc or Task Manager Startup, but enterprise policies and wireless features might be affected.
Where is intel-proset-wireless.exe located?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\PROSet Wireless\ or C:\Program Files\Intel\PROSet Wireless\, with the main executable named accordingly. Use Digital Signatures to verify.
How do I update Intel PROSet Wireless?
Update via Intel Driver & Support Assistant or download the latest PROSet/Wireless Software and WLAN drivers from Intel's official site, then install following prompts.