tree.exe

What is tree.exe?

tree.exe is the Windows Directory Tree Utility, a lightweight command-line tool that prints a visual ASCII tree of folders and files starting from a specified path. It’s typically invoked from the Command Prompt or batch scripts to quickly reveal the folder structure without opening each directory.

It enumerates directories using Win32 API calls and prints a text-based tree. It runs in the foreground, does not preload data, and relies on path enumeration to render the hierarchical layout of folders and files under a given root.

Types of Tree Processes

• Main Process: Single tree.exe instance when run from Command Prompt or PowerShell.
• Batch Script Process: Invoked from batch files or automation scripts; each run creates its own process.
• Remote Execution: Executed via remote admin tools or remote sessions, spawning separate instances.
• Automation Tool: Used by automation frameworks to log or document directory structures.
• User Initiated Listing: Direct runs by users to quickly view a folder tree in the console.

Is tree.exe Safe?

Yes, tree.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Windows binary located in C:\Windows\System32\ or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and signed by Microsoft.

Is tree.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate tree.exe is not a virus. However, malware can masquerade as tree.exe in user folders. Always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if tree.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\tree.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\tree.exe. Any tree.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click C:\Windows\System32\tree.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a Microsoft-signed publisher such as "Microsoft Windows" or "Microsoft Corporation".
3. Version & Publisher: Check version information: use PowerShell: (Get-Item 'C:\Windows\System32\tree.exe').VersionInfo.FileVersion to verify a legitimate build.
4. Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal. If tree.exe uses high CPU when idle, inspect for rogue scripts or malware.

Why Is tree.exe Running on My PC?

tree.exe runs when you explicitly list directories or when a script or tool calls it. It can also run as part of maintenance tasks or admin tooling.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Directory Listing: You or a script initiated a directory listing to generate a tree view for review or logging.
• Batch or Script Invocation: A batch file or automation task calls tree.exe to capture a directory structure.
• Automation or Build Tools: Build or deployment scripts leverage tree.exe to audit folders as part of logging.
• System Maintenance or Logging: Maintenance tasks may enumerate folders to check for changes or generate reports.
• Malware or Unwanted Software: A malicious script could spawn tree.exe to enumerate files and directories as part of reconnaissance.

Can I Disable or Remove tree.exe?

Not easily removed as it's a built-in Windows utility; you can avoid calling it or restrict usage via policy.

How to Stop tree.exe

• Close Active Sessions: Close Command Prompt or PowerShell windows running tree.exe.
• Identify and Remove Calls: Find scripts or scheduled tasks invoking tree.exe and modify or delete them.
• Block via Policy: Use AppLocker/Software Restriction Policies to block C:\Windows\System32\tree.exe.
• Check Startup Items: Inspect Task Scheduler and Startup folders for entries that run tree.exe and disable them.
• Alternative Tools: If you need directory views, use other built-in tools like PowerShell's Get-ChildItem.

How to Uninstall Tree

• ✔ Tree is a built-in Windows utility; it cannot be uninstalled. If you replaced it with a custom tool, uninstall that replacement via Programs & Features.
• ✔ You may disable use by policy (APPLocker) but the binary remains in System32.
• ✔ If you want directory listings, use alternative commands such as Get-ChildItem in PowerShell.

Common Problems: Unexpected Behavior with tree.exe

If tree.exe misbehaves, here are common problems and practical fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too large directory trees: Run against a narrower path or pipe output to a file, e.g., tree.exe C:\Projects > tree.txt
• Permission denied on folders: Run elevated or restrict listing to accessible paths; consider using Get-ChildItem for PowerShell with -Directory
• Invoked by malicious scripts: Scan for malware and remove suspicious scripts; verify the source of scripts invoking tree.exe
• Output flooding the console: Redirect output to a file and use /A for ASCII to reduce formatting; tree.exe C:\Path /A > log.txt
• Misleading binary name in user directories: Ensure the executable is C:\Windows\System32\tree.exe; delete any rogue copies elsewhere
• Policy blocks execution: Adjust AppLocker or group policy to allow legitimate usage or remove conflicting rules

Related Processes