Quick Answer
lxssmanager.dll is a legitimate Windows component that manages the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). It coordinates the startup, lifecycle, and resource sharing of Linux distributions running under Windows.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located at C:\Windows\System32\lxssmanager.dll with a valid Microsoft signature
Warning
Usually expected during WSL activity
High activity correlates with Linux distributions starting or file operations between Windows and Linux
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling WSL will stop lxssmanager.dll usage; you can disable the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature if you do not use Linux
What is lxssmanager.dll?
lxssmanager.dll is a core Windows DLL that manages the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). It oversees the lifecycle of Linux distributions, coordinates resources, and ensures proper isolation between Windows and Linux environments. The module is loaded by the LxssManager service and participates in starting, stopping, and scaling WSL workloads.
It implements the LxssManager service logic, handles distro lifecycle, registration, and IPC with Windows host processes, coordinating file system mounting and kernel integration for WSL.
Quick Fact: lxssmanager.dll helped standardize WSL lifecycle management and interop, coordinating startup and shutdown of Linux distributions within Windows.
Types of Lxss Manager Roles
- Lxss Manager Service: Coordinates WSL lifecycle across all Linux distributions.
- WSL Distribution Handler: Manages individual Linux distribution instances (start/stop).
- IPC/Interop Layer: Facilitates communication between Windows host and Linux environments.
- Filesystem Mount Listener: Manages mounting of Windows drives into WSL and vice versa.
- Kernel Integration Bridge: Oversees interaction with the WSL kernel interface for commands.
Is lxssmanager.dll Safe?
Yes, lxssmanager.dll is safe when it is the legitimate file from Microsoft and located at C:\Windows\System32 and signed by Microsoft Corporation.
Is lxssmanager.dll a Virus or Malware?
The real lxssmanager.dll is NOT a virus. Malware may impersonate DLL names; verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if lxssmanager.dll is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\lxssmanager.dll. Other locations are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click lxssmanager.dll in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Look for "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU and modest memory when idle. Unusually high usage when WSL is not active may indicate tampering.
- Behavior: Expected to be part of WSL services. If the file runs without WSL or Windows components, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If lxssmanager.dll is found outside C:\Windows\System32, lacks a valid signature, or shows persistent activity when WSL is disabled, scan with Windows Defender or your antivirus.
Why Is lxssmanager.dll Running on My PC?
lxssmanager.dll runs as part of WSL operations and Windows startup to prepare and manage Linux distributions. It may stay active to enable fast startup and IPC between Windows and Linux apps.
Reasons it's running:
- WSL is Active: You launched a Linux distribution or Linux-compiled app; LxssManager handles lifecycle.
- Background WSL Tasks: Background services like file sharing, auto-mounts, or distro watchers keep it alive.
- WSL Startup and Auto-Start: If WSL is enabled to start on boot, the manager will start early.
- Interop and File System Access: Crossover of Windows and Linux file systems requires ongoing coordination.
- Resource Readiness for Quick Launch: Keeping LxssManager running reduces startup time for WSL distributions.
Can I Disable or Remove lxssmanager.dll?
Disabling lxssmanager.dll is not recommended. It is required for WSL to run. If you no longer use WSL, you can turn off the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature, which stops related services.
How to Stop lxssmanager.dll
- Disable WSL feature: Open Windows Features and uncheck 'Windows Subsystem for Linux'.
- Stop WSL services: Open Services (services.msc) and stop the LxssManager service.
- Disable WSL startup: In Task Manager > Startup, disable any WSL-related entries.
- Uninstall Linux distros: Apps & Features -> remove installed Linux distributions from Microsoft Store or Settings.
- Reboot: Restart to apply changes.
How to Uninstall Windows Subsystem for Linux
- ✔ Windows Features → uncheck 'Windows Subsystem for Linux' → Restart
- ✔ Optional: Uninstall installed Linux distributions from Apps & Features
- ✔ Re-enable WSL only if you plan to use it again
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If lxssmanager.dll or related WSL components are consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- WSL Distros Running in Background: Close or shutdown active Linux distributions with 'wsl --shutdown' or exit the distro.
- Background File System Interop: Limit cross-OS file I/O; adjust /etc/wsl.conf to control automount and set appropriate mount options.
- Too Many Linux Processes: Identify heavy processes in the Linux distro and terminate or optimize them.
- Outdated Windows/WSL: Run Windows Update and execute 'wsl --update' to get the latest WSL components.
- Malicious Extensions or Daemons inside WSL: Scan WSL distributions for malware, remove suspicious startup scripts, and reset affected distros.
- Misconfigured Startup Behavior: Disable WSL auto-start and ensure distros start only when invoked by the user.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run wsl --shutdown to stop all Linux distros
2. Check for updates: Windows Update and wsl --update
3. Review WSL distribution activity in Task Manager and Windows Security
4. Disable unnecessary WSL distributions or auto-start features
5. Reboot to apply changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lxssmanager.dll a virus?
No, the legitimate lxssmanager.dll from Microsoft is a key component of Windows Subsystem for Linux. Ensure the file is located at C:\Windows\System32\lxssmanager.dll and has a valid Microsoft signature.
Why is lxssmanager.dll using so much CPU?
CPU usage usually spikes when WSL is actively running Linux processes or I/O-heavy tasks. Use wsl --shutdown to stop all distros and check for rogue processes within any running distro.
Can I delete lxssmanager.dll?
You should not delete lxssmanager.dll. It is part of Windows and required for WSL. If you don't use WSL, disable the WSL feature in Windows Features or uninstall WSL distros.
Can I disable lxssmanager.dll?
Disabling the WSL feature will stop lxssmanager.dll usage. Do not disable it if you rely on WSL for Linux workloads.
Why is lxssmanager.dll running at Windows startup?
WSL may be configured to start on boot to speed up distro availability. You can disable this in the WSL settings or Windows startup configurations.
How many processes are associated with WSL?
WSL uses multiple processes: Lxss Manager service, Linux distros, and IPC/shim processes. You can inspect with Task Manager or 'wsl --list --verbose' to understand distro activity.