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What is vmnat.exe & What is it Used For?
Find out all about the process and some quick fixes
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
When we have toomany background processes running the PC, the performance takes a hit. Surprisingly, it’s just a few that cause problems, while the others consume minimal resources. And vmnat.exe is one of these.
Many found the process in the Task Manager and had no idea what it did. Some users reportedhigh CPU usagedue to vmnat.exe. Besides, for a few, third-party antiviruses like Malwarebytes and Bitdefender flagged the process as malware. Keep reading to find out all about it!
What is vmnat?
The vmnat.exe process is linked to VMWare Workstation, avirtual machine software, that enables users to run different operating systems on the PC. Its primary role is to ensure network connectivity on the virtual machine and allow users to browse the Internet.
But, many are unsure whether it’s a legitimate process or a malware in disguise. To verify that, you will need to verify the file location. For those wondering where vmnat.exe is located, the path is:C:\Windows\SysWOW64
So, if you have VMWare Workstation installed, and the executable file is found in theSysWOW64folder, vmnat.exe is not a virus. Also, you could check the file’s digital signature to verify the same.
But it still makes sense to run a malware scan, given the advanced nature of viruses these days. Besides, we have a few solutions for other issues pertaining to the process.
How do I fix vmnat.exe issues?
Before we proceed, here are a few quick tricks to try:
If none work, move to the solutions listed next.
1. Scan for malware
If Malwarebytes blocks vmnat.exe or flags it as a threat, we recommend you scan the PC using Windows Security, the built-in antivirus. When it comes to identifying issues, Windows Security is usually more reliable than its third-party counterparts.
And if it, too, delivers the same results, you need to delete the executable file.
Otherwise, it’s also beneficial to employ an alternative antivirus that offers great compatibility and standout detection technology to find and remove any malware threats.
⇒Get ESET Internet Antivirus
2. Reset the network settings
Since vmnat.exe is responsible for network-related functions, any issues with the latter can triggerhigh CPU usageas well as lead to frequent crashes. So,reset the network settings.
3. Perform a system restore
If it’s a recent issue, performing a system restore usually works. You may lose a few apps, but the personal files remain unaffected.
4. Delete vmnat.exe
In case nothing else works, the last option is to delete the program and the vmnat.exe file. Do that only if you don’t heavily rely on it and can use anotherreliable Virtual Machine. Or you could againdownload Workstationto do a clean install.
Before you leave, check some quicktips to make emulators run faster on the PC.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, use the comments section below.
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
