What is Software Reporter Tool in the Google Chrome Folder?

Learn what is Google Chrome software reporter tool and what does it do? Is software_reporter_tool safe? How to disable software reporter tool in Windows 10?

Are you wondering what is software reporter tool in the Google Chrome folder? Or, what does Google Chrome software reporter tool (software_reporter_tool.exe) do?

Well, Google Chrome is one of the best web browsers used by millions of people around the globe to access the World Wide Web. We all use this popular and fastest web browser to access the internet but most of us don’t know that there are many supporting files and folders which come with the Chrome software.

If you have ever looked into the Google Chrome folder which is available on your computer, you have seen many folders which you didn’t know of. And one of the many things (file, folder, application, and other data) which you will notice in the data folder of Google Chrome is software reporter tool.

software reporter tool

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If you think that you have seen a software_reporter_tool.exe file and are wondering what it is all about then you are at the right place as today we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the Google Chrome software reporter tool.

What is software_reporter_tool.exe in the Chrome Folder?

When you install Google Chrome on your Windows computer, a new software component named software_reporter_tool also gets downloaded with it which will be visible under SwReporter folder of Chrome app data folder.

Software reporter tool (software_reporter_tool.exe) is an executable file signed by the Google and downloaded as a component under Google Chrome’s app data folder. This tool is particularly used to report whether an unwanted software is present on the computer or not so that Google Chrome can immediately prompt the user to run the Chrome cleanup tool to scan the computer and remove software that might affect chrome.

If you want to see Google Chrome software reporter tool on your Windows 10 laptop or desktop computer then firstly, open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R keys together and then type %localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter in it and hit Enter key.

Or, you can also find the software_reporter_tool.exe by following the below-given path in Windows 10 and older versions of Windows:

C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter\VERSION\software_reporter_tool.exe

Now that you know what is software reporter tool in the Google Chrome folder and what does it do? Let’s find out whether chrome software reporter tool is safe to use or not.

Is Software Reporter Tool Safe to Use?

Yes, it is safe to use because the software reporter tool is downloaded during the Google Chrome installation and none of the antivirus scanners report anything malicious about the software_reporter_tool.

When the scan is performed with this tool, internet connectivity is not required i.e. your scan data won’t be shared with Google so you are on a safe side. However, if you have opted for metrics reporting then results will be sent to Google. As all your data is being sent to Google, if you have opted for metrics reporting, you don’t need to worry about anything.

In case, if you are worried about the information sent by Chrome Cleanup tool to Google then you can check the logs which are being sent by following the path %localappdata%\Google\Chrome Cleanup Tool using the Run dialog box.

What is the Difference between Google Software Reporter Tool and Chrome Cleanup Tool?

We now know that software reporter tool is downloaded by default when you install Google Chrome on your PC but what about the Chrome cleanup tool?

First of all, let’s clarify that software reporter tool isn’t the updated version of Chrome Cleanup Tool. Both the tools are associated with each other.

Chrome Cleanup Tool (formerly known as Software Removal tool) helps you in scanning and removing the malicious software that may cause problems with Chrome, such as crashes, unusual startup pages or toolbars, unexpected ads you can’t get rid of, or otherwise changing your browsing experience.

While the software reporter tool only scans the computer drive and reports these scans to Google. And according to the scan results, Google Chrome determines whether it should prompt the user to run the Chrome Cleanup Tool to remove unwanted software from the computer as it impacts the browsing experience.

How to Disable Google Chrome Software Reporter Tool

Is it possible to remove software reporter tool? Or, Can we uninstall software reporter tool?

Well, “Yes” you can easily remove, uninstall, or delete the content of the entire folder, or even rename  software_reporter_tool executable file itself, but doing so offers only temporary relief as Google will push the software reporter tool to the system back again whenever you update the Chrome web browser.

In such cases, removing permissions is the most helpful option. Because once you will remove the permissions then no user will be able to access the folder or run the software reporter tool anymore.

Important note: Blocking access to the entire folder may restrict Google Chrome from removing problematic software from the computer or from informing you about it. In this case, you should start using a powerful antivirus software or malware removal tool to remove threats or potentially unwanted programs from your system.

Here’s how to block Google Chrome software reporter tool in Windows 10 PC:

Step (1): First of all, right-click on the SwReporter folder and then select Properties from the menu.

Step (2): On the SwReporter Properties dialog box, go to the Security tab and then click on the Advanced button.

software_reporter_tool

Step (3): Now on the Advanced Security Settings dialog box, click on Disable inheritance button.

google chrome software reporter tool

Step (4): Next, on the Block Inheritance window, click on the “Remove all inherited permissions from this object” option.

disable software reporter tool

Step (5): Finally, click on the Apply and then OK button.

Once done, now no group or another user will have access to the software_reporter_tool, and therefore no updates would be applied to it. After disabling or blocking this tool, we suggest you to use any anti-virus protection software to protect your computer from unwanted programs.

Conclusion

Google Chrome software reporter tool high CPU usage and privacy implications are the only few reasons to block it from running. Otherwise, SRT (software_reporter_tool.exe) is a great application which can be used for making your computer and Google chrome safe.

We hope, now you know everything about the Google Chrome software removal tool. What are your views about this application? Tell us using in the comments section below.

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