mpcmdrun.exe

MPC-HC Command-Line Interface

Application ProcessSafeMedia Player

CPU Usage

0-5%

Memory

20-60 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\MPC-HC

Publisher

MPC-HC Team

Quick Answer

mpcmdrun.exe is safe. It's the command-line runner for MPC-HC that controls playback and features without launching the full GUI. Used by scripts and remote control utilities.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\MPC-HC or C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC\

Warning

CLI runner used by automation

Multiple simultaneous mpcmdrun.exe instances can appear when scripts or remote tools issue commands

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

If you do not use MPC-HC's CLI features, you can terminate mpcmdrun.exe or remove the automation that invokes it

What is mpcmdrun.exe?

mpcmdrun.exe is the command-line runner for MPC-HC (Media Player Classic - Home Cinema). It enables external programs, scripts, and remote controls to interact with MPC-HC by sending commands such as play, pause, seek, load file, and adjust settings without opening the full graphical interface. It is typically found alongside the main MPC-HC executable in its installation folder and is used in automation scenarios or batch workflows.

mpcmdrun.exe communicates with the MPC-HC GUI via IPC to issue playback commands. It does not render video itself; it delegates actions to the main process, allowing automation from scripts or other apps while MPC-HC is running or ready to receive commands.

Quick Fact: MPC-HC's mpcmdrun.exe provides a lightweight command interface that lets automation tools start, pause, or seek playback without launching the full window.

Types of MPC-HC Processes

Command Runner: Main mpcmdrun.exe process that sends commands to MPC-HC via IPC
IPC Client: Sends commands from scripts or external apps to MPC-HC
Automation Host: May be utilized by batch files or automation frameworks to orchestrate playback

Is mpcmdrun.exe Safe?

Yes, mpcmdrun.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from an official MPC-HC distribution (from mpchc.org or SourceForge).

Is mpcmdrun.exe a Virus or Malware?

The genuine mpcmdrun.exe is not a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify signature and location.

How to Tell if mpcmdrun.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be located in C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC\. Any mpcmdrun.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click mpcmdrun.exe in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "MPC-HC Team" or official signer.
Resource Usage: Normal idle usage is low. Consistently high CPU when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Should only run when automated commands are being issued or an MPC-HC control tool is active.

Red Flags: If mpcmdrun.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, System32), runs when no MPC-HC activity is present, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software and verify against the official MPC-HC release.

Why Is mpcmdrun.exe Running on My PC?

mpcmdrun.exe runs when you use MPC-HC with command-line control, when a batch file or automation script calls it, or when a remote control tool connects to MPC-HC to issue commands.

Reasons it's running:

Active Command Execution: You're issuing playback commands via CLI or a script to MPC-HC through mpcmdrun.exe.
Automation and Remote Control: Automation software or remote apps periodically control MPC-HC using the CLI interface.
Background Scripting: A script or service is configured to manage playback or media queues in the background.
Startup or Scheduled Tasks: A script or task triggers mpcmdrun.exe on Windows startup or on a schedule.
Integrations and Plugins: Plugins or middleware use the CLI to orchestrate playback across devices or workflows.

Can I Disable or Remove mpcmdrun.exe?

Yes, you can disable mpcmdrun.exe. If you do not use MPC-HC's CLI features, you can terminate the process or adjust automation scripts. To remove the tool, uninstall MPC-HC.

How to Stop mpcmdrun.exe

End Task in Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate mpcmdrun.exe, right-click, and choose End Task.
Close MPC-HC GUI: If MPC-HC is running, close the main window to stop ongoing CLI control.
Disable Startup Scripts: Check Task Scheduler or startup items for any script invoking mpcmdrun.exe and disable it.
Modify Automation: Edit or remove any batch files, services, or apps that call mpcmdrun.exe.
Uninstall MPC-HC: Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > MPC-HC > Uninstall to remove the CLI tool entirely.

How to Uninstall MPC-HC (and mpcmdrun.exe)

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MPC-HC → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MPC-HC → Uninstall
✔ After uninstall, remove any leftover MPC-HC folders in C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC or C:\Program Files\MPC-HC

Common Problems: CLI Control Issues with mpcmdrun.exe

If mpcmdrun.exe misbehaves or commands fail, check the command syntax, IPC channel status, and MPC-HC availability.

Common Causes & Solutions

Incorrect command syntax or unsupported command: Consult MPC-HC CLI documentation and ensure you pass valid commands and proper syntax to mpcmdrun.exe
IPC channel blocked by firewall or permissions: Allow IPC communication for MPC-HC or run under a user with sufficient privileges
MPC-HC not running: Start MPC-HC before issuing commands via mpcmdrun.exe
Outdated MPC-HC or CLI: Update to the latest MPC-HC release which includes compatible mpcmdrun.exe
Permission or UAC prompts: Run the CLI tool with elevated privileges or adjust UAC settings appropriately
Misplaced or renamed mpcmdrun.exe: Verify the file path is correct: C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\mpcmdrun.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC\mpcmdrun.exe

Quick Fixes:
1. Verify the path to mpcmdrun.exe is correct (C:\Program Files\MPC-HC or C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC)
2. Check command syntax against MPC-HC CLI docs
3. Ensure MPC-HC is running before issuing commands
4. Update MPC-HC to latest version
5. Restart MPC-HC and retry CLI commands

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mpcmdrun.exe safe?

Yes, the legitimate mpcmdrun.exe from MPC-HC is safe. Verify the file is located in C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\ (or C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC\) and has a valid signer such as "MPC-HC Team".

What does mpcmdrun.exe do?

It acts as a command-line interface for MPC-HC, sending playback commands (play, pause, seek), load requests, and configuration changes to the main MPC-HC GUI without opening the window.

Can I delete mpcmdrun.exe?

You can remove the CLI by uninstalling MPC-HC. Deleting only mpcmdrun.exe without uninstalling MPC-HC may break automated workflows that rely on it.

How do I use mpcmdrun.exe to control playback?

Invoke mpcmdrun.exe with supported commands (as documented by MPC-HC) from a script or command prompt to control the running MPC-HC instance.

Why is mpcmdrun.exe running after I close MPC-HC?

If there are automation scripts or services that reopen MPC-HC or trigger mpcmdrun.exe, they may keep the CLI active. End the script or disable the automation to stop it.

How do I reinstall MPC-HC?

Download the latest MPC-HC package from the official site, run the installer, and follow prompts to reinstall MPC-HC and its command-line tools.