Weird process in Task Manager


  1. Posts : 345
    Windows 10x64 Pro
       #1

    Weird process in Task Manager


    Hi, I just discovered a weird process running in the background and I say weird because the name refers to Windows XP/8.1 as seen in the attached Task Manager screenshot. Any idea if it is legit? And if so is it needed? Thanks
    Weird process in Task Manager-2022-01-14_17-20-38.jpg
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #2

    Hello @antares,

    [1] I just investigated this for you and found this => What is SwUSB.exe =
    [2] Have you run a Virus, Spyware, and Malware Scan?

    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 21,421
    19044.1586 - 21H2 Pro x64
       #3

    Hello antares,

    antares said:
    Hi, I just discovered a weird process running in the background and I say weird because the name refers to Windows XP/8.1 as seen in the attached Task Manager screenshot. Any idea if it is legit? And if so is it needed? Thanks
    Weird process in Task Manager-2022-01-14_17-20-38.jpg
    Right-click and get the name and path of the executable anytime you see something odd like this. Then you can google it and feel free to post the details here.

    How to Upload and Post Screenshots and Files at Ten Forums
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 345
    Windows 10x64 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks everyone for your replies. Upon right click on the process in Task Manager, the file is named "SwUSB.exe" as Paul Black posted above and it seems to be legit as shown by the attached screenshot. I uploaded the file to VirusTotal and the report shows it's clean. Also, I ran a full scan with Windows Defender and my PC is also clean. I check the processs regularly and it seems not to use CPU, it seems to be of minimal impact. However, I don't like having non essential processes running in the background, I wonder if disabling it will cripple the system audio (Realtek drivers).
    Weird process in Task Manager-2022-01-14_21-51-50.jpg
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 21,421
    19044.1586 - 21H2 Pro x64
       #5

    If can disable it from Task Manager - Startup tab, do that and see what happens after you reboot.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 345
    Windows 10x64 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    steve108 said:
    If can disable it from Task Manager - Startup tab, do that and see what happens after you reboot.
    It cannot be disabled from Startup. The only Realtek process enabled in the Startup tab is the one related to the "Realtek Audio Universal Service" as seen in the screenshots below. I tested disabling the service from Services and the background task swusb.exe still shows, so they are non related.
    Weird process in Task Manager-1.jpgWeird process in Task Manager-2.jpgWeird process in Task Manager-3.jpg
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 21,421
    19044.1586 - 21H2 Pro x64
       #7

    Try downloading Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns and search to see how it's started and possibly disable it from there.

    If you don't already make backups Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:39.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums