Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Located in C:\Windows\System32\bootvid.dll and signed by Microsoft
Warning
Not a user-facing process during normal operation
Runs during boot; not interacted with by users
Can I Disable?
✔ NO - Essential boot component
Disabling may break startup visuals or prevent Windows from booting properly
What is bootvid.dll?
bootvid.dll is the Windows boot video DLL responsible for rendering the startup animation and OEM splash graphics during the initial boot sequence. It is loaded before the Windows desktop appears, and coordinates with the GPU during the early boot phase to present visuals.
This DLL operates in a restricted boot context and is not a user-mode application. It ensures a smooth startup experience by handling the early video output and coordinating with boot-time display drivers as Windows initializes.
Quick Fact: bootvid.dll is part of the Windows startup pipeline and is often signed by Microsoft to prevent tampering.
Types of Bootvid Components
- Startup Animation Module: Renders the initial Windows OEM splash graphics during boot
- Display Driver Interface: Coordinates with GPU drivers to render boot visuals
- Recovery/Repair Visuals: Displays boot visuals in recovery environments when Windows loads recovery tools
- System Initialization Hand-off: Hands off control from the boot manager to the Windows kernel
- Memory-Mersisted Boot Context: Remains mapped in memory to support early-stage rendering
Is bootvid.dll Safe?
Yes, bootvid.dll is safe when it is the legitimate Microsoft Windows system file located in the proper System32 path and signed by Microsoft.
Is bootvid.dll a Virus or Malware?
The real bootvid.dll is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify the path and digital signature.
How to Tell if bootvid.dll is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\bootvid.dll. Any bootvid.dll elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from Microsoft Windows.
- Resource Usage: As a boot-time module, it should not continuously consume CPU after startup; check with Task Manager if available.
- Behavior: Should only be active during boot. Persistent activity after login could indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If bootvid.dll is located outside the System32 folder, lacks a valid signature, or appears in unusual startup locations, scan for malware and verify integrity of Windows system files.
Why Is bootvid.dll Running on My PC?
bootvid.dll is loaded as part of the Windows boot sequence to render the startup visuals. It runs during the early boot phase and is not a regular user process once Windows has loaded.
Reasons it's running:
- Startup Phase: Bootvid.dll is invoked by the boot sequence to render the OEM splash and initial visuals before user logon.
- OEM Customization: OEM manufacturers customize boot visuals; bootvid.dll coordinates with those assets during startup.
- Recovery Environment: In recovery scenarios, bootvid.dll may participate in rendering boot visuals if recovery tools are invoked.
- GPU/Display Coordination: Works with the display driver stack to ensure the boot animation renders correctly across hardware.
- Post-Boot Handling: After Windows fully loads, the module is typically inactive, with resources released or repurposed.
Can I Disable or Remove bootvid.dll?
No, you should not disable bootvid.dll. It is a core boot component that renders startup visuals. Disabling can prevent Windows from booting correctly or lead to missing startup animations.
How to Suppress Boot Visuals (Not Recommended)
- BIOS/UEFI OEM Splash Screen: Enter BIOS/UEFI (often F2/Del during boot) and disable the OEM splash screen to remove custom boot animation. This does not delete bootvid.dll.
- Disable Startup Logo (OEM settings): Look for 'Quiet Boot' or 'OEM Logo' options and disable them to reduce boot visuals.
- Repair Windows instead of removing: If you suspect corruption, run System File Checker and DISM to repair boot components.
- Update BIOS/UEFI firmware: Ensure firmware updates do not cause boot visual issues and are compatible with Windows boot components.
- Safe boot or Recovery testing: If boot visuals fail, try Safe Mode or Windows Recovery to isolate the issue rather than removing bootvid.dll.
How to Repair or Restore bootvid.dll
- ✔ Open an elevated Command Prompt and run: sfc /scannow
- ✔ Run DISM: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- ✔ Check Windows Update for latest fixes and optional quality updates
- ✔ If necessary, perform a System Restore to a point before the issue started
Common Problems: Boot Video Issues
If bootvid.dll is causing startup visuals problems, use these checks to diagnose and fix boot-time rendering issues.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Corrupted bootvid.dll: Run SFC/DISM to repair Windows system files and restore bootvid.dll from a known-good copy.
- Missing bootvid.dll: Perform a system repair or replace bootvid.dll from a good Windows installation media.
- Digital signature mismatch: Verify the signature of C:\Windows\System32\bootvid.dll; if damaged, restore via SFC/DISM or Windows Update.
- OEM splash screen conflicts: Disable OEM splash screen in BIOS/UEFI to avoid boot animation conflicts.
- Graphics driver incompatibility: Update GPU drivers and ensure compatibility with the current Windows version; reboot to test.
- Malware masquerading as bootvid.dll: Scan with Windows Defender or a reputable offline scanner; quarantine or remove any suspicious copies.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run SFC: Start -> type cmd -> Run as administrator -> sfc /scannow
2. Run DISM: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Check BIOS/UEFI options for OEM splash screen and disable if appropriate
4. Update graphics drivers from the vendor website or Windows Update
5. Perform Windows Update to apply latest boot-related fixes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bootvid.dll safe?
Yes, bootvid.dll is a legitimate Windows system component located in C:\Windows\System32 and signed by Microsoft. If found elsewhere or unsigned, investigate for tampering.
Where is bootvid.dll located?
The standard location is C:\Windows\System32\bootvid.dll. Some 64-bit systems may have a 32-bit copy in C:\Windows\SysWOW64\bootvid.dll, but the primary file is System32.
Can bootvid.dll be replaced by malware?
Malware can masquerade with similar names. Always verify the path, digital signature, and integrity of the file before trusting it.
Does bootvid.dll affect Windows 11 or newer versions?
Yes in concept, as boot visuals are part of the boot sequence; modern Windows versions still utilize a boot video component, though visuals may vary by OEM.
Why is bootvid.dll loaded before the desktop appears?
Bootvid.dll runs during the early boot process to render the startup visuals before the Windows kernel and user session are fully initialized.
How can I fix boot startup problems related to bootvid.dll?
Run system repair utilities (SFC/DISM), verify signatures, update drivers, and consider disabling via BIOS options only if you understand the boot impact; avoid deleting the file.