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What is SquirrelTemp? Is it a virus?

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  • 2 min read

Windows and Windows programs use hundreds if not thousands of different background services to keep the operating system together. Now while some of these background services are critical and can’t exactly be stopped, others are more optional. 

In this article, we’re talking about SquirrelTemp, what it does, whether it’s a virus or not and telling you everything you need to know. 

Also read: What is AAFP Motherboard? Everything you need to know


What is SquirrelTemp?

Simply put, SquirrelTemp is a framework for installing and updating Windows programs. It’s used by several different programs, including Microsoft Teams, Slack, Brave Browser and Atom, among others. 

The program often works with a log file that records any major program events and failures. Since logs contain personally identifiable information, any data recorded by SquirrelTemp isn’t sent to Microsoft. 

SquirrelTemp is often installed alongside any programs that use it, and one machine can have multiple instances of the updater running side by side. 

Is it a virus?

While many threat actors name their malware or virus after legitimate Windows services to hide them in plain sight, they usually have typo-squatted names. SquirrelTemp is completely legitimate and safe to have on your system. 

Since the program is responsible for finding and installing updated versions of its accompanying programs, we recommend leaving it as interfering with it can cause you to miss out on important updates. 

Also read: How to fix ‘Err_network_changed’?


Is it safe to remove SquirrelTemp?

While we don’t recommend it, you can remove SquirrelTemp if you want. All you have to do is follow these steps. 

Step 1: Navigate to the root installation folder of the program you want to remove. For example, if you’re trying to remove SquirrelTemp from Discord, head to the following path. 

C:\Users\[insert username here]\AppData\Local\Discord
What is squirreltemp? Is it a virus?

Step 2: Once you’re in the folder, remove any files and folders named SquirrelTemp, and you’re good to go. 

What is squirreltemp? Is it a virus?

Also read: What is USB power delivery? All you need to know

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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