Quick Answer
intel-service.exe is safe. It's Intel's legitimate background service that checks for driver updates, hardware info, and ensures DS Assistant can notify you of new drivers.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe
Warning
Multiple Intel DS Assistant processes may run in background
If you see unexpected parent processes, verify signed by Intel and avoid duplicates
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling DS Assistant may stop automatic driver checks; you can disable startup and background checks via Intel settings
What is intel-service.exe?
intel-service.exe is the executable for Intel's Driver & Support Assistant service. It runs in the background to detect your hardware, check for driver updates, collect system information for diagnostics, and push timely notifications about recommended updates. It helps keep Intel components current and functioning smoothly.
This component operates with a small set of Windows services to coordinate update checks, UI prompts, and telemetry without blocking foreground tasks. It communicates securely with Intel servers to fetch available drivers for your platform and device IDs.
Quick Fact: Intel DS Assistant pioneered non-intrusive background update checks to streamline driver management across Intel platforms.
Types of Intel Processes
- DSA Core Service: Main service that coordinates driver checks and UI notifications
- Update Checker: Queries Intel servers for driver update availability
- Telemetry/Diagnostics: Gathers anonymized hardware data for support
- Background Listener: Watches for system events to trigger checks
- Notification Handler: Dispatches update prompts to the user
Is intel-service.exe Safe?
Yes, intel-service.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Intel downloaded from official sources (intel.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
Is intel-service.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real intel-service.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate names; verify digital signature and location.
How to Tell if intel-service.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be located in C:\Program Files\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe. Any intel-service.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click intel-service.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Intel Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU and 30-150 MB memory. High usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Intel DS Assistant should only run when scanning for updates or a user-initiated check. Constant high activity or startup without user action is suspicious.
Red Flags: If intel-service.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when no Intel software is installed, lacks a valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with reputable antivirus. Look for similarly-named files like "intel-service.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is intel-service.exe Running on My PC?
intel-service.exe runs to manage Intel driver checks and background hardware telemetry. It may run when DS Assistant is enabled or when Windows starts, to keep Intel components up to date.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Driver Checks: Runs to verify if new Intel drivers are available for your hardware.
- Background Hardware Monitoring: Monitors processor, chipset, and graphics to ensure compatibility.
- Startup Launch: Launches with Windows or when Intel software is installed.
- Notifications & Updates: Triggers prompts to install recommended driver updates.
- Telemetry & Support Data: Collects anonymized data to help resolve compatibility issues.
Can I Disable or Remove intel-service.exe?
Yes, you can disable intel-service.exe. It's safe to disable DS Assistant background checks if you prefer manual updates, and you can uninstall the Intel software to remove all related components.
How to Stop intel-service.exe
- End Intel DS Assistant Tasks: Open Task Manager, find Intel DS Assistant processes, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Intel Driver & Support Assistant
- Turn Off Background Checks: In DS Assistant settings, disable background driver checks and notifications.
- Block Network Access (Advanced): Use firewall to block Intel DS Assistant network access (not recommended unless necessary).
- Uninstall Intel Software: Windows Settings > Apps > Intel Driver & Support Assistant > Uninstall
How to Uninstall Intel DS Assistant
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Intel Driver & Support Assistant → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Intel Driver & Support Assistant → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the PC after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If intel-service.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Driver Checks: In DS Assistant, disable auto-checks for less-used hardware.
- Background Checks Enabled: Disable some optional drivers checks.
- Stale Cache: Clear Intel DS Assistant cache or reinstall.
- Conflict with Antivirus: Add Intel DS Assistant to exceptions or temporarily disable antivirus.
- Outdated DS Assistant: Update DS Assistant to latest version.
- Software Bug: Reset Intel DS Assistant settings or reinstall.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify heavy Intel DS Assistant processes
2. Open DS Assistant settings and disable background checks
3. Update Intel DS Assistant to latest version
4. Uninstall and reinstall Intel DS Assistant if problems persist
5. Restart system
Frequently Asked Questions
Is intel-service.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate intel-service.exe from Intel is not a virus. Verify the file is located at C:\Program Files\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe and has a valid digital signature from Intel Corporation.
Why is intel-service.exe using CPU?
High CPU can occur during driver checks or updates. Use Task Manager to identify active checks, update DS Assistant, and limit background checks if needed.
Can I delete intel-service.exe?
You can uninstall Intel Driver & Support Assistant if you do not want updates. Deleting the file manually may leave residual components; use the official uninstall method.
Can I disable intel-service.exe?
Yes. Disable startup and background checks in DS Assistant settings or Task Manager. This will stop automatic updates but may reduce driver update awareness.
Why is intel-service.exe running at startup?
If Intel software is installed with Windows startup enabled, intel-service.exe can run to check for updates as soon as the system boots.
Where is intel-service.exe located?
Common locations include C:\Program Files\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant\intel-service.exe.