intel-dsa.exe

What is intel-dsa.exe?

intel-dsa.exe is the executable that powers Intel's Data Streaming Accelerator (DSA) software on supported systems. It coordinates hardware-accelerated data movement, copying, and memory operations by offloading work from the CPU. You may see it spawn multiple lightweight processes when DSAs tasks are active.

DSA uses a dedicated PCIe engine to perform memcpy, memmove, and certain crypto tasks via queued jobs. The intel-dsa.exe service manages queue submission, completion notification, and driver interaction with the DSA hardware.

Intel DSA Process Types

• DSA Service: Manages the DSA driver and service lifecycle.
• DMA Engine Worker: Executes data movement tasks offloaded to the DSA hardware.
• Queue Manager: Maintains work queues and coordinates job submission.
• Driver Interface: Interaction layer between user-mode utilities and the DSA kernel driver.
• Monitoring Process: Gathers performance telemetry from DSA operations.
• Crypto Offload Task: Handles cryptographic operations offloaded via DSA if supported.

Is intel-dsa.exe Safe?

Yes, intel-dsa.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Intel file from Intel sources (intel.com) or pre-installed by OEMs.

Is intel-dsa.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real intel-dsa.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes misnames files to mimic legitimate processes.

How to Tell if intel-dsa.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Intel\DSA\intel-dsa.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\DSA\intel-dsa.exe. Any intel-dsa.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click intel-dsa.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Intel Corporation".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically 0-15% CPU and 50-200 MB memory when idle; unusually high or constant usage may indicate malware.
4. Behavior: Intel DSA runs as a system service or background task and should not require frequent internet access.

Why Is intel-dsa.exe Running on My PC?

intel-dsa.exe runs when Intel DSA features are enabled and workloads benefit from hardware-accelerated data movement or when the DSA service is configured to run in the background.

Reasons it's running:

• Active DSA Workload: You are performing data transfers or cryptographic tasks that can be offloaded to the DSA engine.
• Background DSA Service: The DSA service runs in the background to manage queues and hardware interaction even when apps are idle.
• Startup or Auto-Launch: DSA components are configured to start automatically at Windows boot or user login.
• Driver/Kernel Interaction: DSA driver loads to coordinate communication between user-mode utilities and the hardware.
• Driver Updates: Recent Intel/OEM updates may restart or reload the DSA components, causing brief activity.

Can I Disable or Remove intel-dsa.exe?

Yes, you can disable intel-dsa.exe. If you don’t rely on Intel DSA hardware offloads, you can stop the service and remove the component.

How to Stop intel-dsa.exe

• End DSA Tasks: Open Task Manager and terminate any Intel DSA related processes, if present.
• Stop DSA Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate Intel Data Streaming Accelerator Service, stop it, and set Startup type to Disabled.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Intel Data Streaming Accelerator entry.
• Uninstall the Package: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Intel Data Streaming Accelerator → Uninstall.
• Reboot: Restart the computer to ensure changes take effect.

How to Uninstall Intel DSA Completely

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Intel Data Streaming Accelerator → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Intel Data Streaming Accelerator → Uninstall
• ✔ If remnants remain, use the OEM driver cleanup tool or Intel's official cleanup utility

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If intel-dsa.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Active DSA Workloads: Too many offloaded tasks can spike CPU and memory. Pause or cancel intensive transfers and verify which apps are using DSA.
• Outdated or Corrupted Driver: Update the Intel DSA driver package to the latest version from Intel or OEM site.
• Conflicting Extensions or Software: Check for software that may conflict with DSA; disable or uninstall conflicting utilities.
• Malware masquerading as Intel DSA: Run a full system antivirus/antimalware scan and verify file signatures and locations.
• Hardware Incompatibility: If your hardware does not support DSA, disable DSA features in BIOS/UEFI or uninstall the package.
• Background Telemetry: Review which apps request DSA offloads; disable unnecessary telemetry or background tasks if possible.

Related Processes