Apple Inc.•Safe
coreaudiodWhat is coreaudiod?
coreaudiod is a legitimate macOS system process from Apple that handles audio on your Mac. It is normally safe and expected to run in the background, ...
Process & .exe directory
Find out what a process is, whether it's safe, and how to fix high CPU or disk usage
Apple Inc.•Safe
launchdWhat is launchd?
launchd is a core macOS system process from Apple. It is one of the first things macOS starts at boot, and it manages background services, app launche...
Apple Inc.•Safe
mDNSResponderWhat is mDNSResponder?
mDNSResponder is a legitimate Apple macOS background service that helps your Mac find devices and services on local networks, such as printers, AirPla...
Apple Inc.•Safe
kernel_taskWhat is kernel_task?
kernel_task is a normal macOS system process from Apple. It is part of the operating system, not an app you installed. If you found it in Activity Mon...
Apple Inc.•Safe
mds_storesWhat is mds_stores?
mds_stores is a legitimate macOS system process from Apple. It is part of Spotlight, the built-in search feature on your Mac, and helps keep search re...
Apple Inc.•Safe
WindowServerWhat is WindowServer?
WindowServer is a core macOS system process from Apple that handles everything you see on screen, including windows, menus, transparency, animations, ...
Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
audiodg.exeWhat is audiodg.exe?
audiodg.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It is part of the Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation service, which helps manage ...
Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
rundll32.exeWhat is rundll32.exe?
rundll32.exe is a legitimate Windows system file from Microsoft. It is used to launch functions stored in DLL files, which lets Windows and some progr...
Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
ctfmon.exeWhat is ctfmon.exe?
ctfmon.exe is a legitimate Microsoft Windows process related to text input features such as the language bar, speech, handwriting, and alternative key...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
csrss.exeWhat is csrss.exe?
csrss.exe is a legitimate Windows system process called the Client Server Runtime Subsystem. It is part of Windows itself and is normally safe to see ...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
explorer.exeWhat is explorer.exe?
explorer.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It powers the Windows desktop, taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, and desktop ico...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
lsass.exeWhat is lsass.exe?
lsass.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft called the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service. It helps Windows sign you in an...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
conhost.exeWhat is conhost.exe?
conhost.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It stands for Console Window Host and helps Command Prompt and other console apps d...
Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
RuntimeBroker.exeWhat is RuntimeBroker.exe?
RuntimeBroker.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It helps Windows check and manage app permissions, especially for Microsoft S...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
ntoskrnl.exeWhat is ntoskrnl.exe?
ntoskrnl.exe is a legitimate Windows system file from Microsoft. It is the Windows NT kernel, which is a core part of the operating system that helps ...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
dwm.exeWhat is dwm.exe?
dwm.exe is a legitimate Windows system process called the Desktop Window Manager. It helps draw the visual effects you see on your screen, such as tra...
Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
wsappxWhat is wsappx?
wsappx is a legitimate Windows process from Microsoft that helps install, update, and manage apps from the Microsoft Store. If you found it in Task Ma...
Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
WmiPrvSE.exeWhat is WmiPrvSE.exe?
WmiPrvSE.exe is the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Provider Host, a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It helps Windows and i...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
MsMpEng.exeWhat is MsMpEng.exe?
MsMpEng.exe is the Antimalware Service Executable for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows. It is a legitimate Microsoft security process that help...
Microsoft Corporation•Safe
svchost.exeWhat is svchost.exe?
svchost.exe is a genuine Windows system process from Microsoft that helps run many built-in Windows services. It is normal to see several copies of it...
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