TrustedInstaller is the ultimate expression of the modern OS relationship. It is a silent admission by Microsoft that the user is the greatest security threat to the machine. It is paternalistic, frustrating, and occasionally infuriating when you just want to delete a leftover folder.

The TrustedInstaller acts as a bodyguard for system files. Here is how it works:

The legitimate TrustedInstaller.exe is a safe, essential Windows component. However, because malware often disguises itself, if you see this process consuming 100% CPU or running from a location other than C:\Windows\servicing\ , you should run a virus scan.