Symantec LiveUpdate data
File type: Various data file
The hct file extension identifies data files used by Symantec LiveUpdate.
LiveUpdate was distributed with Norton and other Symantec applications to download and install product updates. An hct file is an internal data file, not a user document.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: October 22, 2026
Symantec LiveUpdate is an update utility distributed with Norton and other Symantec applications. The hct file extension is associated with LiveUpdate installations for Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security on Microsoft Windows.
An hct file stores data used by LiveUpdate while it manages updates for the associated product. Its contents are intended for the software rather than for direct use by the user.
This is a product-specific data format, not a general interchange format. An hct file found in a Windows Norton installation should normally be left in place so that LiveUpdate can use it.
An hct file is intended to be used internally by Symantec LiveUpdate and does not normally need to be opened separately. On Microsoft Windows, allow the associated Norton Antivirus or Norton Internet Security installation to manage the file.
Editing or renaming the file may interfere with the associated product's update functions.
An hct file cannot be meaningfully converted to a common document or data format. It contains internal LiveUpdate data rather than user-editable content.
If the associated Norton product needs new update data, LiveUpdate should obtain and manage it. The original file should generally be retained rather than exported or converted.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving hct files:
Microsoft Windows
Language