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.
If the file is located in C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\ or similar user profile folders, it is likely malicious or unwanted. 3. Other Legitimate Uses loader.exe
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
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.
Employ evasion tactics like checking for debuggers or sleeping to bypass antivirus scans. Other Legitimate Uses Users often report high CPU,
Communicate with Command & Control (C2) servers to download further threats.