livekd.exe

What is livekd.exe?

livekd.exe is the LiveKd kernel debugger helper from Sysinternals. It enables live kernel debugging by exposing a Windows kernel interface to your debugger (WinDbg/KD) without rebooting. It runs as a lightweight user-mode host that coordinates kd session data and memory info.

LiveKd provides a live kernel debugging surface by presenting kernel memory, structures, and symbol data to Windbg or KD during an active session. It does not analyze offline dumps; it facilitates real-time kernel inspection.

Types of LiveKd Interfaces

• Kernel Debugging Client: WinDbg or KD connect to LiveKd to inspect live kernel data
• Kernel Data Access Layer: LiveKd exposes kernel memory, data structures, and symbol data for debugging
• Remote Debugging Bridge: Supports local debugging sessions and potential remote debugging workflows

Is livekd.exe Safe?

Yes, livekd.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Sysinternals LiveKd tool downloaded from official sources (via Microsoft Sysinternals).

Is livekd.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real livekd.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may try to mimic names, so verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if livekd.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Sysinternals\LiveKd\livekd.exe. Any livekd.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer from 'Sysinternals' or 'Microsoft Corporation'.
3. Resource Usage: LiveKd runs briefly during a debugging session; normal CPU usage is minimal when idle.
4. Behavior: Should not self-update or perform network activity unless used in a debugging session.

Why Is livekd.exe Running on My PC?

livekd.exe runs when you initiate a live kernel debugging session or when debugging infrastructure is active, providing a bridge between the target kernel and your debugger.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Kernel Debugging: You started a live kernel debugging session with WinDbg or KD; LiveKd exposes the kernel interface.
• Debugger Connection: Windbg/KD connects to LiveKd to read live kernel memory and data structures.
• Remote Debugging Scenario: LiveKd can facilitate debugging of a remote target if configured; a local debugger attaches to the remote kernel data.
• Background Discovery: Diagnostics tools may probe kernel state and initialize LiveKd for quick inspection.
• Driver/Crash Analysis: Developers or IT pros use LiveKd to inspect kernel drivers or crash dumps in real time.

Can I Disable or Remove livekd.exe?

Yes, you can disable livekd.exe. If you're not debugging, close your debugger and terminate the process. You can remove it by deleting the LiveKd folder.

How to Stop livekd.exe

• End Debugger Session: Close WinDbg or KD to stop LiveKd
• End Process: Open Task Manager, locate livekd.exe, right-click > End Task
• Delete LiveKd Folder: Delete C:\Sysinternals\LiveKd to remove the tool
• Uninstall (optional): If you installed LiveKd via a package, use its uninstall option
• Verify No Residual Services: Check for any startup tasks or services that reference LiveKd and remove them

How to Uninstall LiveKd

• ✔ Delete the LiveKd folder: C:\Sysinternals\LiveKd
• ✔ If you installed via a package manager, run the uninstall command
• ✔ Reboot to complete cleanup

Common Problems: LiveKd Debugging Issues

If livekd.exe causes issues during a debugging session, try the following fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Debugger cannot connect to LiveKd: Ensure Windbg/KD is configured for KD connection and listener is enabled in LiveKd
• LiveKd not found at expected path: Reinstall LiveKd to C:\Sysinternals\LiveKd and ensure the path matches
• Permission denied when launching: Run your debugger and LiveKd as Administrator
• Incompatible Windbg version: Update Windbg to a compatible version for the LiveKd interface
• Missing symbols: Install matching symbol files and configure symbol path in Windbg
• Antivirus blocking: Temporarily whitelist LiveKd executable or vendor-signed components

Related Processes