vsserv.exe

Kaspersky Security Service (vsserv.exe)

CPU Usage

N/A

Memory

N/A

Location

N/A

Publisher

N/A

Notes

Vsserv.exe is a legitimate Kaspersky security service. Keep your product updated and verify signatures if you suspect tampering. Disabling real-time protection should be temporary and followed by re-enabling protection.

Publisher

Kaspersky Lab

What is vsserv.exe?

vsserv.exe is the real-time protection service associated with Kaspersky security products. It launches with Windows, coordinates the antivirus engine, file reputation checks, cloud lookups, and rule updates to keep defenses current. As a core background process, it enables continuous threat detection while the system runs normal user tasks.

Vsserv.exe operates as a Windows service started by Kaspersky's protection suite. It interfaces with the AV engine (avp) and cloud services to evaluate files and processes, applying signatures and behavior-based rules to block or quarantine threats.

Is it Safe?

Is it a Virus?

Why is it Running?

Reasons it's running:

Real-time protection: vsserv.exe powers live scanning and protection decisions, inspecting files as they are opened or executed.
Definition and module updates: It coordinates updates to virus definitions and protection modules, ensuring detections stay current.
Scheduled and on-demand scans: The service triggers or participates in scheduled scans and user-initiated scans initiated from the Kaspersky UI.
Cloud reputation checks: vsserv.exe communicates with Kaspersky cloud services to validate file reputations and risk levels in real time.
Startup and health checks: During boot, the service initializes protection components and verifies the integrity of core protection modules.

Can I Disable or Remove It?

Common Problems

Common Causes & Solutions

: Allow the scan to complete, schedule heavy scans for off-peak hours, verify the product version is up to date, and consider adjusting scan depth in the settings.
: Ensure there is sufficient RAM, free up background processes, and update to the latest Kaspersky build which optimizes update handling.
: Update Kaspersky to the latest version compatible with the OS, reinstall if necessary, and check for conflicting security software.
: Run the installer as Administrator, verify services.msc shows the Kaspersky service, and repair the installation if needed.
: Check the digital signature, ensure the executable is located in a Kaspersky Lab folder, and submit the file to Kaspersky for verification if needed.
: Add exceptions for vsserv.exe and related Kaspersky processes in Windows Firewall or your corporate firewall, and verify network access.