Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Windows\System32\lodctr.exe (or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\lodctr.exe on 64-bit systems)
Warning
Often run during system maintenance
Not a background service; invoked by scripts or command line to repair or configure counters
Can I Disable?
✔ NO
lodctr.exe is a system utility used for performance counter management; there is no persistent service to disable. You can restrict usage via permissions if desired.
What is lodctr.exe?
lodctr.exe is a Windows command-line utility that loads and manages the Performance Counter registry information used by the Windows Performance Monitor and related tooling. Administrators rely on it to repair or configure performance counters during maintenance or deployment.
lodctr.exe reads counter definitions from files or defaults and writes registry keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Perflib. It is commonly run with /R to rebuild counters after corruption or during software installations that add new counters.
Quick Fact: lodctr.exe has been a core Windows utility for perf counters, aiding system administrators to ensure counter data remains accurate and consistent across reboots and updates.
Types of lodctr Operations
- Registry Load: Imports counter strings into the registry from a file or default resources
- Counter Rebuild: Recreates missing or corrupted performance counter entries
- Counter Registration: Registers new performance counters installed by software
- Diagnostics: Used in scripts to verify or repair performance counter data
- Maintenance: Part of OS maintenance tasks and deployment scripts
- Platform Compatibility: Operates across 32-bit and 64-bit Windows environments
Is lodctr.exe Safe?
Yes, lodctr.exe is safe when located in the legitimate system path (C:\Windows\System32\lodctr.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\lodctr.exe) and signed by Microsoft.
Is lodctr.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real lodctr.exe is not a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to mislead users.
How to Tell if lodctr.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\lodctr.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\lodctr.exe. Any lodctr.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: lodctr.exe typically uses minimal resources and is not a long-running process.
- Behavior: Usually invoked by a command or script; if it runs unexpectedly as a persistent process, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If lodctr.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without user action, or lacks a valid signature, scan with antivirus software and verify system integrity.
Why Is lodctr.exe Running on My PC?
lodctr.exe runs when a system or application maintenance task requires performance counter data or when counters are being installed, updated, or repaired.
Reasons it's running:
- Counter Registry Repair: OS or software updates may repair or restore performance counter definitions
- New Software Installing Counters: Applications that expose performance metrics may invoke lodctr to register counters
- Maintenance Scripts: Automated deployment or IT maintenance scripts may run lodctr to ensure counters are correct
- System Diagnostics: Admins may run lodctr to verify counters before performance analysis
- Platform-Specific Checks: Certain Windows features or language packs may trigger counter validation during setup
Can I Disable or Remove lodctr.exe?
Not normally necessary, lodctr.exe is a utility used for performance counter maintenance. It is not a persistent service. You can limit usage by restricting permissions or avoid invoking it, but removal is not recommended.
How to Stop Lodctr Usage
- Restrict Access: Set NTFS permissions on C:\Windows\System32\lodctr.exe to limit execution to administrators
- Audit and Group Policy: Use AppLocker or Windows Defender Application Control to permit only trusted scripts to call lodctr.exe
- Avoid Manual Invocation: Do not run lodctr.exe unless you are performing a known maintenance task
- Disable Related Tasks: Review scheduled tasks and startup items that may trigger performance counter maintenance
- Restore by OS Reinstall: If you suspect corruption after removal attempts, consider repairing Windows via system restore or OS repair options
How to Uninstall Lodctr (Not Recommended)
- ✔ There is no standard uninstall for lodctr.exe as it is a built-in Windows utility. Consider OS repair or reinstallation if you believe it is compromised or causing issues.
- ✔ Do not delete system files; instead, use system maintenance tools to repair the counter registry.
- ✔ Use system backups to recover if a corruption occurred after removal attempts.
Common Problems: Performance Counter Issues
If performance counters are missing or report incorrect data, lodctr.exe is often part of the fix. Below are typical scenarios and remedies.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Counter registry corruption: Run lodctr /R to rebuild the performance counter registry from default definitions and re-import any installed counter packs
- Missing or corrupted counter files: Restore the necessary .ini or counter definition files from a known-good backup or reinstall the software that provides them
- Insufficient permissions: Open an elevated Command Prompt and retry lodctr operations with administrative rights
- Mismatched 32/64-bit environment: Use the appropriate copy of lodctr.exe (System32 for 64-bit, SysWOW64 for 32-bit components on 64-bit Windows) and ensure path correctness
- Language pack or locale mismatch: Verify system language settings and reinstall corresponding performance counter locals if needed
- Software uninstall left orphaned counters: Rebuild counters and remove stale entries, then validate with Performance Monitor (perfmon)
Quick Fixes:
1. Open an elevated Command Prompt
2. Run: lodctr /R to rebuild counters
3. Verify counters appear in perfmon and performance logs
4. Check for related software updates that install counters
5. If persistent issues, consult system administrator or vendor support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lodctr.exe safe?
Yes, lodctr.exe is a legitimate Windows utility signed by Microsoft. Ensure it resides in C:\Windows\System32 (or SysWOW64 on 64-bit systems) and has a valid Microsoft signature.
What does lodctr.exe do?
It loads, registers, or rebuilds Windows performance counter definitions used by Performance Monitor and related tools, which helps ensure accurate system and application metrics.
Can I delete lodctr.exe?
No, lodctr.exe is a built-in Windows utility required for proper performance counter maintenance. Deleting it can impair performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
How do I run lodctr.exe safely?
Open an elevated Command Prompt (Run as administrator) and use trusted maintenance steps, such as rebuilding counters with lodctr /R or applying vendor-provided counter definitions.
Why would lodctr.exe run at startup or during maintenance?
It runs as part of maintenance scripts or software installs that install or repair performance counters; it is not typically a constantly running background process.
What if performance counters still show wrong data after using lodctr?
Check for corrupted counter files, verify permissions, ensure correct 32/64-bit counterparts, and consider reinstalling the software that provides the counters or repairing Windows.