Gamesqa has already received 4 requests to clarify the situation with regard to one dynamic library Gaming_spy.dll. The reason for the increased interest is frequent departures with messages that this dll file became the cause of the failure. Among the general system instability, it most often provokes Explorer crashes (the explorer.exe file). Against this background, users have quite natural questions whether Gaming_spy.dll is really an executable file or is it still a virus and poses a threat to the system. It is known that errors appear in Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. The material will help to understand this file.
What is gaming_spy.dll?
The real gaming_spy.dll is a Windows DLL used by a process called Avast Gaming Mode. Most likely it belongs to one of Avast’s antivirus applications. The library’s task is to analyze and configure the infrastructure used during the launch of games. The file can help reduce the likelihood of crashes, crashes, and unexpected disconnections.
Typically, the gaming_spy.dll library is run from the parent Avast application. It is at startup, that is, it is present from the moment the system is fully turned on.
Helpful! The experts were unable to find a single report in which the file is suspiciously using system resources.
Is gaming_spy.dll safe?
From the description of the file it is clear that the original library does not pose a threat to the integrity and security of the system. It should be understood that the OS may contain a fake element that was created by malware. It disguises dangerous processes as those that are known to users and antivirus, therefore they enjoy a positive reputation. Thus, they avoid detection by various antivirus programs and scanners.
You need to make sure that the file existing on the system is a real one, owned by Avast. A series of investigations to verify its integrity will help with this.
How to distinguish an original from a fake:
- Verify that the parent Avast application is installed on the system. The file can only be used by Avast antiviruses. It is worth going to the tray or to the “Control Panel” section called “Programs and Features” and find software from Avast. If the procedure is successful, there is no need to worry about the file. In the absence of an appropriate application, this is most likely malicious code.
- Find out the location of the file. This file is installed by default in C: Program Files AVAST Software Avast . If its actual location is different, for example, it is C: Windows or C: Windows System32, it is most likely a virus and you need to take appropriate action.
If you have any suspicions about the file, you should go to the site VirusTotal, download the file and wait for the service verdict. If threats are detected, it is worth taking up the fight against infection. Otherwise, you can do nothing, but the question is discussed in more detail in the section “Should I delete gaming_spy.dll?”.
Eliminating a security threat
It is possible that diagnostic measures have shown a depressing result – the file is a virus. In such a case, it is recommended to perform a security check of the system. It will allow you to identify threats and eliminate all damaged, infected Windows components.
Important! Malware successfully masquerades viruses as this file, so not all antiviruses are able to detect vulnerabilities.
If the system has licensed antivirus software, it is better to start scanning with it. An alternative is to turn to the free Malwarebytes app. It does a good job of catching even those viruses that successfully evade detection by other software.
Should you delete gaming_spy.dll?
The investigation may result in confirmation of the authenticity of the file. If it continues to cause errors, you can get rid of it. This will not affect the operation of the operating system in any way. It should be understood that the removal of an important Avast component that protects gaming sessions will negatively affect security. In the case of a virus masquerading as gaming_spy.dll, it should definitely be removed.
How to troubleshoot gaming_spy.dll related crashes?
Routine file deletion is not a sufficient measure of system recovery and protection from further errors. The library is likely to reappear, as it will be generated by the parent Avast application. The working solution is to completely remove the Avast complex and switch to another protection tool.
How to remove gaming_spy.dll?
If the user understands all the risks and has made a decision internally to remove gaming_spy.dll, it is worth doing it correctly.
Instructions:
- Press the Win + R key combination, insert the appwiz.cpl command and press the Enter key.
- Find Avast Antivirus from the Programs and Features list.
- Select the parent software, click on the “Delete” button and confirm the intention with the “Delete” button.
- To restart a computer.
Leaving Windows vulnerable to hackers is not the best solution. It is worth activating the built-in Windows Defender or using an alternative antivirus.