How to Get Rid of the Chrome Software Reporter Tool (software_reporter_tool.exe)

If you monitor the processes that run the machine when you run Google Chrome on a Windows PC, then you may run across the Software Reporter Tool at a certain point. Coming with the executable file software_reporter_tool.exe, the Software Reporter is a tool which is distributed with Google Chrome by the head company.

It represents a part of the Chrome Cleanup Tool, which is a piece of software used by Chrome to remove programs which cause certain issues. Google mentions modified startup, crashes, unexpected advertisement or new tab pages among the specifics. This tool is used to remove anything that might interfere with a user’s browsing experience.

The Software Reporter Tool works by scanning your PC’s drive, after which it will report the findings of these scans to Google. Then, Chrome uses the scans to determine if it should let you know that you have to remove unwanted software from the computer because it might affect your browsing experience.

You might encounter two issues, however, with the Software Reporter Tool. First, it may use a lot of CPU power, more than 30% increases being reported, and then the tool reports to Google, which may cause privacy concerns. So, if you want to block it, here’s how to do it.

The Software Reporter Tool can be found by following this path: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\UserData\SwReporter\VERSION\software_reporter_tool.exe.

You should know that, by blocking it, you may prevent Google from getting rid of harmful software but you may use antivirus software to do this job instead. While deleting the folder represents a temporary solution, Google will push it back on your system when your browser is updated.

The better option is to right-click the ‘SwReporter’ folder and go to Properties. Go to the Security tab, select Advanced and then click ‘Disable inheritance’. Select “remove all inherited permissions from this object” and apply. Two ok’s later you are good to go.

Henry R. Lares

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

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About the Author: Henry R. Lares

Henry Lares is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including Tech Crunch and the Huffington Post.  In regards to academics, Henry earned an engineering degree from Apex Technical School. Henry has a passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.

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