exe extension on a filename indicates an executable file. MSNMsgr stands for Windows Live ( MSN) Me ssen ge r The legitimate 'msnmsgr.exe' was in 'C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger', (or 'Program Files (x86)' on 64-bit systems). The update that installed Skype removed 'msnmsgr.exe' and the underlying Microsoft service was eventually discontinued. Before Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.1 billion (USD) in 2012 and moved Windows Live Messenger users to it in 2013, 'msnmsgr.exe' was Windows Live Messenger, keeping its name from 'MSN Messenger' in 2006. Since 2013, (Octoin mainland China), 'msnmsgr.exe' is not a legitimate Microsoft executable process in Windows computers but more than 30 viruses, Trojans, and worms still use that name in various locations.
The genuine msnmsgr.exe file is a software component of Windows Live Messenger by Microsoft Corporation.