Microsoft .NET Framework Native Image Generator
mscorsvw.exe is safe. It is the .NET Framework Native Image Generator that precompiles managed assemblies into native code to speed startup and improve performance; it runs briefly during updates and may spike CPU momentarily.
mscorsvw.exe is the Native Image Generator used by the Microsoft .NET Framework. It precompiles managed assemblies into native code to shorten startup time and reduce JIT work during runtime. It runs mainly during framework or Windows updates and can briefly spike CPU and memory while optimizing, but it is a legitimate Microsoft component.
mscorsvw.exe runs a background optimization: it precompiles .NET assemblies into native images to reduce startup overhead. It executes during framework update cycles and can launch multiple instances temporarily; normal operation is brief and resource-bounded.
Quick Fact: The Native Image Generator helps future starts be faster by avoiding repeated JIT compilation; it’s a standard part of .NET optimization.
Yes, mscorsvw.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Microsoft located in the .NET Framework directories and signed by Microsoft.
The real mscorsvw.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can mimic names; verify location and signature to be sure.
Red Flags: If mscorsvw.exe is located outside the .NET Framework folders, runs continuously when no updates are pending, has no valid digital signature, or resembles other names (e.g., mscorsvw.exe32), run a full antivirus scan.
mscorsvw.exe runs as part of the .NET Framework Native Image Generator optimization. It precompiles published assemblies into native code to speed startup and reduce Just-In-Time compilation overhead. It may start during Windows or .NET updates and can spike CPU briefly.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can stop mscorsvw.exe. It's generally safe to end the process if it spikes, but it will re-run when updates or framework changes occur. Do not attempt to permanently remove it, as it is part of the .NET Framework.
If mscorsvw.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager to identify mscorsvw.exe activity and confirm legitimate spikes.
2. Allow optimization to run to completion; avoid repeated terminations.
3. Restart after updates and ensure Windows Update is fully applied.
4. Check for pending .NET Framework updates and install them.
5. Run a malware scan if you notice suspicious behavior or locations.
No, the legitimate mscorsvw.exe is a Microsoft component of the .NET Framework. Verify it is located in C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\ or C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\ and signed by Microsoft.
CPU spikes occur during Native Image Generator optimization when precompiling assemblies. This is a normal, temporary behavior during .NET updates or framework installation.
No, you should not delete mscorsvw.exe. It is part of the .NET Framework and is required for optimal performance of .NET apps. You can stop it temporarily if needed, but it will run again when updates occur.
Permanent disabling is not recommended because NGen optimization benefits startup performance. You can safely terminate it temporarily after which it will resume during updates.
Typically located under C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\ or C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\, depending on 64-bit vs 32-bit .NET Framework installations.
NGen runs during .NET Framework updates, Windows updates that include .NET components, or when new assemblies are installed that require precompilation.