Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Program Files\KeyboardTelemetry
Warning
Telemetry tasks running in background
Multiple processes may appear due to kernel-mode driver telemetry and user-mode companion services
Can I Disable?
YES
Some telemetry can be disabled via Privacy settings, but disabling may reduce diagnostic data
What is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe?
keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe is the executable component used by Windows to monitor keyboard driver health, collect diagnostic data, and report keyboard input behavior. It runs in the background to help identify driver issues, firmware compatibility, and reliability improvements for compatible keyboards.
The process operates as a host for telemetry collection tied to the keyboard driver stack, using registered drivers and a small telemetry channel to transmit anonymized data. It runs under the system user and communicates with the OS telemetry service.
Quick Fact: Keyboard telemetry helps identify driver regressions after OS or firmware updates.
Types of Keyboard Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Host: Core process that collects keyboard driver health metrics
- Event Logger: Records keyboard events for diagnostics
- Data Transmitter: Sends anonymized telemetry to Microsoft services
- Updater Helper: Checks for driver telemetry updates
- Background Task: Ensures periodic health checks
- Crash Reporter: Logs crashes related to keyboard driver
Is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Microsoft component from official sources.
Is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names.
How to Tell if keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files\KeyboardTelemetry\keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Typically low CPU and memory. Abnormal spikes or sustained high usage may indicate issues.
- Behavior: Should run as part of the keyboard driver stack and not spawn unsolicited network connections.
Red Flags: If keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe is found outside standard folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when the keyboard driver isn't involved, has no digital signature, or excessively consumes CPU, scan with antivirus and verify updates from Microsoft.
Why Is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe runs to monitor keyboard driver health, collect diagnostic data, and support firmware updates. It may run after OS or driver updates and during normal operation.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Driver Diagnostics: The keyboard driver is performing health checks and collecting usage statistics for diagnostics.
- Startup and Background: Telemetry components may start with Windows or driver service initialization.
- Driver Updates: Telemetry may run to verify driver telemetry updates and health post-install.
- Error Reporting: If there are keyboard driver issues, telemetry will capture data for auto-diagnosis.
- Policy and Telemetry Settings: Windows privacy settings or OEM policies may enable keyboard-related telemetry by default.
Can I Disable or Remove keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe. Disabling may reduce diagnostic data but won't affect core keyboard input.
How to Stop keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe
- Disable Telemetry via Settings: Open Windows Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback → Basic or Required telemetry; choose minimal data or disable related options.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable related keyboard telemetry startup entries.
- Service Management: Run services.msc, locate Keyboard Telemetry Service, set Startup Type to Manual or Disabled if supported.
- Group Policy: If available, configure Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Diagnostics & telemetry to limit/disable keyboard telemetry.
- Check OEM Software: Some OEM input tools re-enable telemetry; ensure those apps are configured to minimize data.
How to Uninstall Keyboard Telemetry Components
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → locate Keyboard Telemetry components → Uninstall
- ✔ OEM utilities: many keyboards use vendor software; adjust telemetry settings there
- ✔ Consider a clean OS restore if telemetry cannot be disabled via settings
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Excessive keyboard events: Reduce input rate by minimally using high-efficiency keyboard features or temporarily disable samples
- Background telemetry: Limit telemetry data level via settings; reduce polling interval if available
- Driver update in progress: Wait for the update to complete, reboot if needed
- Faulty extension or OEM software: Update or uninstall problematic OEM keyboard software
- Corrupted telemetry cache: Clear cache in Application data folder used by telemetry; check vendor guidance
- Antivirus interactions: Ensure telemtry process is allowed; exclude folder if necessary
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager to identify telemetry-related processes
2. Limit keyboard telemetry data in Settings
3. Update keyboard drivers and OEM software
4. Restart the keyboard telemetry service if possible
5. Run full system scan for malware and verify OS updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe from Microsoft is a safe telemetry component used to monitor keyboard driver health and diagnostics.
Why is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe running on startup?
Telemetry components may launch during Windows startup to run diagnostics after driver updates or to monitor input health.
Can I disable keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable or minimize telemetry via Windows Privacy settings or OEM software options; do not disable essential keyboard functionality.
Where is keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe located?
Common locations include C:\Windows\System32\keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files\KeyboardTelemetry\keyboard-driver-telemetry.exe.
How can I check if it's legitimate?
Check digital signature to Microsoft Corporation, verify path, and ensure there is no suspicious network activity; use Task Manager to inspect behavior.
What should I do if I notice high CPU from telemetry?
Identify the related driver or app in Task Manager, update drivers, adjust telemetry settings, or temporarily disable data collection to reduce load.