Typically found in subfolders under C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\ or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\ .
It is frequently associated with "Loaders" that deliver payloads like the RedLine Stealer , which targets cryptocurrency wallets, browser passwords, and system information. Behavior: Malicious versions often: Record keyboard and mouse inputs (keylogging). Inject code into other processes.
Employ evasion tactics like checking for debuggers or sleeping to bypass antivirus scans. loader.exe
The most common legitimate version is . This is a core component of Power Query used in Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
Because "loader" is a general term for a program that starts another application, many malware variants use this name to hide in plain sight. Inject code into other processes
It manages the background loading and evaluation of data queries from external sources.
Users often report high CPU, RAM, or disk usage when this process runs, even if no query appears to be actively refreshing in the foreground. 2. Malicious and Unwanted Software This is a core component of Power Query
Communicate with Command & Control (C2) servers to download further threats.
Typically found in subfolders under C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\ or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\ .
It is frequently associated with "Loaders" that deliver payloads like the RedLine Stealer , which targets cryptocurrency wallets, browser passwords, and system information. Behavior: Malicious versions often: Record keyboard and mouse inputs (keylogging). Inject code into other processes.
Employ evasion tactics like checking for debuggers or sleeping to bypass antivirus scans.
The most common legitimate version is . This is a core component of Power Query used in Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
Because "loader" is a general term for a program that starts another application, many malware variants use this name to hide in plain sight.
It manages the background loading and evaluation of data queries from external sources.
Users often report high CPU, RAM, or disk usage when this process runs, even if no query appears to be actively refreshing in the foreground. 2. Malicious and Unwanted Software
Communicate with Command & Control (C2) servers to download further threats.