Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Typically located in C:\Windows\System32\diagtrack.dll and signed by Microsoft.
Warning
Common in background services
DiagTrack loads diagtrack.dll into svchost.exe as part of telemetry; not an executable by itself.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can reduce telemetry via Windows Privacy and Diagnostics settings, but some components may still load diagtrack.dll.
What is diagtrack.dll?
diagtrack.dll is a Windows system library that participates in the Diagnostics Tracking Service. It provides telemetry-related capabilities, supporting basic product reliability data collection and feedback for Microsoft. It operates in the background and is loaded by service host processes to enable Windows diagnostics. It is not a user-facing application, but it helps Microsoft understand how Windows runs on diverse hardware and usage patterns.
diagtrack.dll is loaded into svchost.exe as part of the Diagnostics Tracking Service. It collects anonymized telemetry data to improve Windows updates, reliability, and features. It does not have a user interface and relies on Windows security models to protect data.
Quick Fact: Windows telemetry with diagtrack.dll began as a lightweight data-collection mechanism to help refine updates and reliability across hardware configurations.
Types of diagtrack Processes
- Diagnostics Tracking Service: Core Windows service coordinating telemetry collection (DiagTrack)
- Telemetry Loader: diagtrack.dll loaded into svchost.exe to enable telemetry tasks
- Background Diagnostics Task: Runs in background to perform data collection when the system is idle
- Feedback Uploader: Module responsible for sending telemetry data to Microsoft when allowed
- Reliability Telemetry Thread: Thread capturing crash and reliability data
- User Experience Telemetry: Collects feature usage data to improve UI and UX
Is diagtrack.dll Safe?
Yes, diagtrack.dll is safe when it is the legitimate Microsoft system file located in the official Windows directory and signed by Microsoft.
Is diagtrack.dll a Virus or Malware?
The real diagtrack.dll is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify location and signature.
How to Tell if diagtrack.dll is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\diagtrack.dll or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\diagtrack.dll. Any diagtrack.dll elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show publisher "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU and modest memory in background. Abnormally high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should not present a user interface or network prompts. Its activity is background telemetry and system data collection.
Red Flags: If diagtrack.dll is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or Program Files) or shows no digital signature, or consumes resources constantly, run a full antivirus scan. Be wary of similarly-named files like "diagtrack32.dll".
Why Is diagtrack.dll Running on My PC?
diagtrack.dll runs as part of Windows' telemetry and diagnostics framework. It enables data collection for reliability, feature usage, and feedback, and may load into multiple host processes during normal operation.
Reasons it's running:
- System Telemetry Enabled: Windows collects telemetry data to improve updates, reliability, and feature behavior.
- Background Data Collection: Telemetry tasks run background to monitor stability without user interaction.
- Service Host Integration: diagtrack.dll is loaded by svchost.exe to share telemetry across services.
- Feedback and Diagnostics: If Feedback Hub or diagnostic features are enabled, additional telemetry may be collected.
- System Startup and Maintenance: During startup or maintenance windows, telemetry components may execute to gather state information.
Can I Disable or Remove diagtrack.dll?
Yes, you can reduce telemetry, but you should not remove diagtrack.dll entirely. It is a core Windows component required for certain diagnostics and quality improvements.
How to Stop diagtrack.dll
- Adjust Telemetry Settings: Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & data collection > Set to Basic or 0-1 options depending on version.
- Disable Background Telemetry: Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback > Turn off 'Tailored experiences' and related options.
- Disable Startup Telemetry: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable related Windows telemetry components if available.
- Group Policy (Advanced): Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds > Let Microsoft sn… (set to Security or Basic)
- Check for Software Conflicts: Ensure security or privacy tools do not re-enable telemetry in conflict with your settings.
Can I Uninstall Windows Diagnostics Tracking?
- ✔ This component is not uninstallable as a separate program. You can reduce its data collection via Settings, but removal may impact diagnostics.
- ✔ Keep Windows up to date to receive proper security and reliability improvements.
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If diagtrack.dll-related telemetry is using excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Excessive telemetry due to feature usage: Reduce diagnostic data level in Settings and disable unnecessary telemetry features.
- Background telemetry tasks: Review and disable background diagnostics in Privacy settings; restart if needed.
- Outdated Windows version: Update Windows to the latest build to ensure telemetry modules are optimized.
- Corrupted system files: Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair system files.
- Malware masquerading as diagtrack: Run a full antivirus/ malware scan; verify file location and signature.
- Security software interference: Temporarily adjust security software settings or exclusions to see if resource usage drops.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback; reduce data collection level.
2. Disable Tailored experiences and unnecessary telemetry features.
3. Run Windows Update to obtain the latest telemetry optimizations.
4. Run a full malware scan to rule out impersonation.
5. Restart the system to ensure changes take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diagtrack.dll a virus?
No, the legitimate diagtrack.dll is a Microsoft system file located in C:\Windows\System32 (and C:\Windows\SysWOW64 on 64-bit systems) and signed by Microsoft Corporation.
Where is diagtrack.dll located?
The legitimate file is typically at C:\Windows\System32\diagtrack.dll (and C:\Windows\SysWOW64\diagtrack.dll on 64-bit systems).
Can I disable diagtrack.dll permanently?
You can reduce telemetry via Windows privacy settings, but disabling diagtrack.dll entirely is not recommended and may affect diagnostics.
What is the Diagnostics Tracking Service?
A Windows service that collects and transmits telemetry data to help Microsoft improve Windows reliability, performance, and features.
Why does diagtrack.dll use CPU when I’m not using Windows?
Telemetry components may run in the background to monitor system state; ensure settings are minimized and scan for malware if you notice unusual activity.
How do I fix diagtrack.dll errors?
Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow) and DISM to repair system files, ensure Windows is up to date, and verify the file’s digital signature.