Process Explorer

Advanced Process Analysis Command Center

Essential ToolBeginner Friendly

An advanced Task Manager replacement providing deep system analysis capabilities. Essential for malware detection, resource monitoring, and incident response investigations.

Key Capabilities

Real-time Monitoring

Process tree visualization
CPU & memory usage tracking
Handle & DLL inspection
Thread activity monitoring

Security Features

VirusTotal integration
Digital signature verification
Process termination controls
Malware detection alerts

Practical Usage Examples

Basic Commands

# Launch Process Explorer with admin privileges
procexp.exe
# Enable VirusTotal checking
Options → VirusTotal.com → Check VirusTotal.com
# View process tree with full details
View → Show Lower Pane → Handles or DLLs

Malware Detection Workflow

1. Launch Process Explorer as Administrator
2. Enable Options → VirusTotal.com → Check VirusTotal.com
3. Look for processes highlighted in red (unsigned/suspicious)
4. Right-click suspicious process → Properties
5. Check Image tab for file path and verification
6. Use Strings tab to analyze embedded text
7. Terminate malicious process if confirmed threat

Performance Investigation

1. Sort by CPU column to identify high-usage processes
2. Double-click process to view detailed properties
3. Check Threads tab for thread activity
4. Use TCP/IP tab to view network connections
5. Monitor over time to identify patterns

Cybersecurity Applications

Malware Detection

Process Explorer's VirusTotal integration automatically flags suspicious processes, making it invaluable for initial malware triage.

Indicators: Unsigned processes, suspicious file paths, high VirusTotal scores, unusual network activity, process injection signs

Incident Response

Rapidly identify and terminate malicious processes during active incidents, while gathering forensic evidence about attack vectors.

Actions: Process termination, evidence collection, parent-child relationship analysis, command line investigation, memory dump collection

Threat Hunting

Proactively search for signs of compromise by analyzing process behavior patterns, resource usage anomalies, and suspicious system interactions.

Techniques: Baseline deviation analysis, process hollowing detection, DLL injection identification, suspicious service analysis

Quick Info

File Name:procexp.exe

Size:~2.8 MB

Requires Admin:Yes

GUI/CLI:GUI

Category:Essential

Download

Official Download Sysinternals Live

Related Tools

→ Process Monitor → Autoruns → TCPView→ Handle (Soon)

Pro Tips

💡 Always run as Administrator for full visibility
💡 Use Ctrl+H to highlight processes
💡 Replace Task Manager via Options menu
💡 Save process information for later analysis
💡 Use Find → Find Handle to locate file locks