Quick Answer
displayswitch.exe is safe. It’s Windows’ built-in Display Switch utility that toggles between projection modes (PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only) via Win+P and does not perform web content tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Windows\System32\Displayswitch.exe
Warning
Typically benign; may run briefly when you change display modes
Certain third-party tools or remote sessions may trigger it
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Do not attempt to uninstall; you can avoid invoking it by not using Win+P
What is displayswitch.exe?
displayswitch.exe is the Windows Display Switch utility. It is responsible for switching between display projection modes (PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, or Second screen only) when you pressWin+P or select a display option. It is a small, trusted system executable included with Windows.
displayswitch.exe interacts with the graphics subsystem to configure monitor outputs. It does not render content itself; it triggers mode changes through the Windows Display API and coordinates with the graphics drivers to enable or disable additional displays.
Quick Fact: Windows Display Switch has existed for many Windows versions and is the built-in tool for quickly changing monitor arrangements without third-party software.
Types of Displayswitch.exe Processes
- System Utility: Core Windows component for multi-monitor display switching
- User Interaction Handler: Triggered by Win+P or Display settings to apply modes
- Display Driver Interface: Interfaces with graphics APIs to reconfigure outputs
- Background Helper: Occasionally invoked by display changes or remote sessions
Is displayswitch.exe Safe?
Yes, displayswitch.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file located in C:\Windows\System32\Displayswitch.exe and signed by Microsoft.
Is displayswitch.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate displayswitch.exe is not a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if displayswitch.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\Displayswitch.exe. Any copies elsewhere are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a Microsoft‑signed certificate such as "Microsoft Windows".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal CPU/memory. Constant high usage outside of display switching is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run during display mode changes or related system actions. Persistent background activity is atypical.
Red Flags: If displayswitch.exe is located outside C:\Windows\System32, lacks a valid signature, runs constantly, or disguises itself as another file, run a full antivirus scan.
Why Is displayswitch.exe Running on My PC?
displayswitch.exe should be active primarily when you interact with display switching. It may also run briefly during monitor detection, driver updates, or remote sessions to apply display configurations.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Display Switch: You pressed Win+P or opened a projection option, triggering a mode change.
- External Monitor Changes: Connecting or disconnecting a display prompts reinitialization of outputs.
- Graphics Driver Reinitialization: Driver updates or reconfigurations can temporarily invoke the utility.
- Remote Desktop or Virtualization: Remote sessions may adjust local/remote displays, invoking displayswitch.exe.
- System or Background Services: Certain system tasks or background services query or enforce display settings, triggering it.
Can I Disable or Remove displayswitch.exe?
Not generally recommended or possible to uninstall. It is a built-in Windows utility used for display switching and is needed for Win+P functionality.
How to Stop Displayswitch.exe
- End Individual Activations: If it appears due to a specific action, end the related process in Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and reattempt a display switch.
- Prevent Triggering Win+P: Avoid using the Win+P shortcut; rely on Display settings instead.
- Terminate Process: Open Task Manager, locate displayswitch.exe, and choose End Task.
- Check for Malware: If you notice unusual behavior, run a full system antivirus scan.
- Apply Updates: Ensure Windows and graphics drivers are up to date to reduce unnecessary invocations.
How to Uninstall Displayswitch (Not Typical)
- ✔ Displayswitch.exe is a Windows component and cannot be uninstalled individually.
- ✔ If malware impersonates displayswitch.exe, isolate and remove the malicious file and restore from a clean system image.
- ✔ Use Windows Update to repair any corrupted system files that affect display switching.
- ✔ For persistent issues, consider a repair install or in extreme cases a Windows reset.
Common Problems: Display Switch Issues
If displayswitch.exe causes problems with monitor detection or projection modes, use these troubleshooting steps.
Common Causes & Solutions
- No response to Win+P or Display switch: Update graphics drivers and Windows. Check Display settings and reconnect displays.
- Wrong monitor detected after switch: Open Settings > System > Display, Detect displays, and set the correct primary monitor.
- Displayswitch.exe consumes high CPU during idle: Scan for malware, ensure system files are intact, and verify there are no rogue background tools.
- External monitor keeps disconnecting: Check cables, adapters, and power; reseat connections and update the monitor’s firmware if available.
- Displayswitch.exe missing or corrupted: Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair Windows system files.
- Display mode changes fail after driver update: Roll back graphics driver or perform a clean install of the latest driver from the GPU vendor.
Quick Fixes:
1. Press Win+P to verify available projection modes and switch as needed
2. Update graphics drivers and Windows to the latest versions
3. Run Windows Troubleshooter for Display and Hardware and Devices
4. Run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files
5. Restart the PC to reinitialize display components
Frequently Asked Questions
Is displayswitch.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate displayswitch.exe resides in C:\Windows\System32 and is signed by Microsoft. If found elsewhere or unsigned, treat as suspicious and scan your system.
Where is displayswitch.exe located?
The genuine file is located at C:\Windows\System32\Displayswitch.exe. Any other location should be considered suspicious.
What does Windows Display Switch do?
It switches between PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and Second screen only display modes, typically triggered by Win+P or Display settings.
Can I disable Displayswitch.exe permanently?
Not recommended or typically possible. It is part of Windows for handling display mode changes; you can avoid triggering it by not using Win+P.
Why does Displayswitch.exe sometimes run after a driver update?
Driver updates can prompt reinitialization of display outputs, temporarily invoking Displayswitch.exe to apply new configurations.
What should I do if Displayswitch.exe causes issues?
Update graphics drivers, run Windows Update, run sfc /scannow, check for malware, and consider a repair install if problems persist.