Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be within a legitimate Visual Studio installation directory, e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022\Community\Common7\IDE\VSIXInstaller.exe
Warning
Typically legitimate during extension install
Often runs when you install or update VSIX extensions or perform Visual Studio repair
Can I Disable?
✔ ES
Close Visual Studio to stop in-progress installs; manage extensions via Extensions and Updates
What is vsixinstaller.exe?
vsixinstaller.exe is the Visual Studio Extension Installer executable responsible for installing, updating, and registering VSIX extension packages within the Visual Studio IDE. It unpacks the extension, validates compatibility, and registers it with the IDE's extension manager during installation or repair tasks.
During a VSIX install, vsixinstaller.exe reads the VSIX manifest, verifies prerequisites, extracts files to the Visual Studio extension cache, and writes registry/config entries so the IDE can load the extension properly.
Quick Fact: VSIXInstaller is used by Visual Studio to manage extensions; it can be invoked by the IDE, a manual VSIX install, or a Visual Studio setup/repair operation.
Types of VSIX Installer Actions
- Install Extension: Adds a new extension from a .vsix package into Visual Studio
- Update Extension: Upgrades an existing extension to a newer VSIX version
- Uninstall Extension: Removes an installed extension from Visual Studio
- Repair / Re-Register: Repairs registration and metadata for extensions after IDE issues
Is vsixinstaller.exe Safe?
Yes, vsixinstaller.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Microsoft file from a VS installation (typically located under a Visual Studio IDE folder).
Is vsixinstaller.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real vsixinstaller.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade with similar names.
How to Tell if vsixinstaller.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in a Visual Studio installation path such as C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022\Community\Common7\IDE\VSIXInstaller.exe or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022\Community\Common7\IDE\VSIXInstaller.exe
- Digital Signature: Right-click VSIXInstaller.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show 'Microsoft Corporation'.
- Resource & Version Info: Open Properties -> Details to verify product name, version matching your VS version, and publisher.
- Behavior: VSIXInstaller.exe should only run during extension install/update; unusual silent installs or unexpected network activity warrants scanning.
Red Flags: If VSIXInstaller.exe is located in Temp, AppData, or System32, runs when Visual Studio isn’t installed, has no valid digital signature, or uses suspicious network activity, scan with antivirus immediately. Beware of similarly-named files such as "vsixinstaller.exe" in untrusted folders.
Why Is vsixinstaller.exe Running on My PC?
vsixinstaller.exe runs when you install, update, repair, or uninstall Visual Studio extensions, or when Visual Studio performs an extension-related background task.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Extension Install/Update: You are currently installing or updating a VSIX extension; the installer runs to complete the task.
- Visual Studio Setup or Repair: A Visual Studio setup or component repair may invoke VSIXInstaller to re-register extensions.
- Extension Re-Registration: After a failed install or IDE crash, VSIXInstaller may run to re-register the extension metadata.
- Background Extension Manager: Visual Studio may invoke the installer in the background to validate or index installed extensions.
- Bulk or Silent Install Scenarios: Automated deployment scripts or IT administrators may trigger VSIXInstaller to install multiple extensions across machines.
Can I Disable or Remove vsixinstaller.exe?
Yes, you can stop vsixinstaller.exe. If an extension install is in progress, close Visual Studio or end the VSIXInstaller process to stop the operation. You can manage extensions to prevent automatic installs.
How to Stop vsixinstaller.exe
- End In-Progress Task: Open Task Manager, locate VSIXInstaller.exe, and End Task
- Close Visual Studio: Exit all Visual Studio windows to halt any ongoing extension operations
- Retry or Schedule: Reopen Visual Studio later or schedule extension installations during maintenance windows
- Prevent Startup Extensions: In Visual Studio, manage extensions to avoid automatically installing updates or new items on startup
- Check for Pending Installs: After stopping, review Extensions and Updates to ensure no partial installs remain
How to Uninstall Extensions Installed by VSIXInstaller
- ✔ Open Visual Studio > Extensions > Manage Extensions > Installed
- ✔ Select the extension and click Uninstall, then restart Visual Studio
- ✔ Alternatively, use the official VSIXInstaller command with /uninstall for a specific package if needed
Common Problems: VSIX Installer Issues
If vsixinstaller.exe encounters errors during extension installation/update, try the following common causes and solutions.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Network or download failure while fetching the VSIX: Ensure a stable internet connection, retry installation, and consider downloading a fresh VSIX package from the official source
- Antivirus or Windows Defender blocking the installer: Add an exception for VSIXInstaller.exe or temporarily disable security software during install
- Incompatible VSIX version for the installed Visual Studio: Download the VSIX tailored for your Visual Studio version (e.g., 2022 Community vsix for 2022)
- Corrupted VSIX package: Re-download the VSIX from the Visual Studio Marketplace or trusted source and verify checksum
- Insufficient permissions: Run Visual Studio as Administrator or execute the VSIXInstaller with elevated privileges
- Conflicting or duplicate extensions: Uninstall conflicting extensions, restart, and then try the installation again
Quick Fixes:
1. Close Visual Studio and reopen with a fresh session
2. Retry the extension install with a stable internet connection
3. Disable unnecessary extensions that may conflict during install
4. Run Visual Studio as Administrator during installation
5. Ensure you are using the correct VSIX package for your VS version
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vsixinstaller.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate VSIXInstaller is a Microsoft tool used to install extensions into Visual Studio. Verify its location in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\<year>\<edition>\Common7\IDE\VSIXInstaller.exe and that the publisher is Microsoft Corporation.
Why is vsixinstaller.exe running on my PC?
It runs when you install, update, or repair a Visual Studio extension. It can also run during automated deployment or when Visual Studio performs maintenance tasks related to extensions.
Do I need Visual Studio to use VSIXInstaller?
VSIXInstaller is part of the Visual Studio installation. While there is a standalone installer for some scenarios, most VSIX installations are performed within Visual Studio or its official installer package.
How do I uninstall a VSIX extension?
Open Visual Studio > Extensions > Manage Extensions > Installed, select the extension, and click Uninstall. You may need to restart Visual Studio to complete removal.
What if VSIX installation fails with an error code?
Note the error code, verify VSIX package integrity, ensure compatibility with your VS version, check network connectivity, and retry. If issues persist, download a fresh VSIX from the Marketplace.
Can I run VSIX installer manually outside Visual Studio?
Yes, you can run VSIXInstaller.exe from the Visual Studio installation directory to install or uninstall VSIX packages, but for most users, using Visual Studio's Extensions manager is simpler.