pickerhost.exe Controlled Folder Access

I use Controlled Folder Access (and have used it since first available) and don't approve access to anything I don't research and understand first. Just upgraded to Windows 11 the other day. Today, I get a message that pickerhost.exe was denied access. I see that pickerhost.exe is a Windows system file, but that the same file name has been used to infect computers.

I have a few questions:
1. What does pickerhost.exe actually do? I can't find it's actual purpose stated anywhere? Maybe I don't need to give it access?
2. Why after years of using Controlled Folder Access, this is the first time this file has been accessed (obviously it must be related to my upgrade to Win 11)
3. How can I tell whether the file wanting access is the real and legitimate pickerhost.exe?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Hi and welcome to the forum
This link might give you some answers to your question

HTH
And have a nice day

Thanks. I saw that site when I did my original searches. Just wanted to know a little more. It's purpose? Why it executed now and not before? I haven't allowed it in CFA and don't notice anything that's not working -- at least so far. I try to not allow anything past CFA unless I absolutely need it for some reason.

Again, thanks.