Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Windows\System32\msi-crash-reporter.exe or C:\Program Files\Windows Installer\msi-crash-reporter.exe
Warning
Crashes can trigger reports
Multiple installer actions may generate reports; no UI is shown by default
Can I Disable?
4 YES
You can reduce or disable crash reporting via registry or policy; see can_disable section for steps
What is msi-crash-reporter.exe?
msi-crash-reporter.exe is the Windows Installer crash reporting utility. It captures crash data from MSI-based installers and patches to help diagnose failures in the Windows Installer engine. It runs as a lightweight process and typically activates during or after MSI operations.
MSI Crash Reporter operates as a small, event-driven component of the Windows Installer. It logs error codes, execution context, and system state to assist developers in diagnosing MSI-related crashes and improving installer reliability.
Quick Fact: MSI crash reporting helps identify patterns across multiple MSI failures, enabling targeted fixes in the Windows Installer engine.
Types of MSI Processes
- Bootstrap/Service Process: Initial MSI engine startup and crash reporter coordination (1 instance)
- Execution Process: Each installer action or script may run in its own process
- Rollback Process: If installation fails, rollback operations may spawn processes
- UI Process: User interface interactions during the install/update flow
- Logging/Telemetry Process: Crash reporter collects and transmits crash data
- Utility/Background Process: Background tasks related to MSI operations and reporting
Is msi-crash-reporter.exe Safe?
Yes, msi-crash-reporter.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft located in the Windows System32 directory or as part of the Windows Installer package.
Is msi-crash-reporter.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real msi-crash-reporter.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names in suspicious folders.
How to Tell if msi-crash-reporter.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\msi-crash-reporter.exe or C:\Program Files\Windows Installer\msi-crash-reporter.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-3% CPU and 5-20 MB memory; constant high usage or activity when no MSI is running is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should not create persistent network traffic or UI prompts unless an MSI crash occurs.
Red Flags: If msi-crash-reporter.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32 with no verified signature), runs when MSI isn't active, or shows no digital signature, scan your system with antivirus software. Look for similarly named files like "msi-crash-report.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is msi-crash-reporter.exe Running on My PC?
The Windows Installer crash reporter runs to capture data when MSI-related activity or crashes occur, or when a policy is configured to report issues. It helps developers diagnose installer problems and improve reliability.
Reasons it's running:
- Active MSI Install in Progress: An MSI installation or update is currently running; the crash reporter logs data to assist troubleshooting.
- Background Crash Reporting: System or user-configured settings may allow crash data to be collected in the background without visible UI.
- Startup or System Launch: Windows startup or scheduled tasks may trigger MSI components, which can include crash reporting initialization.
- Rollback or Repair Operations: If an MSI installation crashes, rollback or repair steps may start and trigger the crash reporter to log details.
- Software Updates: MSI-based updates or patches can initiate crash reporting to help diagnose update failures.
Can I Disable or Remove msi-crash-reporter.exe?
Yes, you can disable msi-crash-reporter.exe. It can be stopped and prevented from running at startup by adjusting policies or registry settings; fully removing is not typical as it is part of Windows Installer.
How to Stop msi-crash-reporter.exe
- End the Process: Open Task Manager, locate msi-crash-reporter.exe, and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → disable any entry related to Windows Installer crash reporting
- Registry Policy: Set HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer\DisableMSIReporting to 1 (DWORD)
- Group Policy: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Installer → Disable MSI Crash Reporting
- Restart: Reboot the system to apply policy changes
How to Uninstall or Remove msi-crash-reporter.exe
- ✔ There is no separate uninstall for msi-crash-reporter.exe because it is part of the Windows Installer framework.
- ✔ To reduce its presence, disable Windows Installer crash reporting via registry or Group Policy as shown above.
- ✔ If you are managing a corporate image, ensure changes align with deployment policies and Windows Installer behavior.
Common Problems: MSI Crash Reporter
If msi-crash-reporter.exe misbehaves or causes installer issues, try these common causes and solutions.
Common Causes & Solutions
- No MSI activity detected but reporter runs: Verify there is no stray startup task; disable crash reporting via policy to stop background activity.
- High CPU during MSI installs: Update Windows Installer and disable unnecessary actions; review logs for failed custom actions.
- Reporter runs at system startup: Check startup items and group policy; disable MSI crash reporting if not required.
- Unknown file location: Validate file path against C:\Windows\System32\msi-crash-reporter.exe; verify digital signature from Microsoft.
- No digital signature: If a non-signed file is found, quarantine and scan; replace with a legitimate Windows Installer component.
- Missing crash data when MSI fails: Ensure network access for telemetry or enable appropriate diagnostic logging for Windows Installer.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and end msi-crash-reporter.exe if it is unexpectedly running
2. Disable MSI crash reporting via Group Policy or registry (see can_disable section)
3. Run Windows Update to ensure Windows Installer components are current
4. Check Event Viewer for MSI-related errors to identify failing installers
5. Scan for malware if the file location or signature looks suspicious
Frequently Asked Questions
Is msi-crash-reporter.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate msi-crash-reporter.exe is part of the Windows Installer subsystem. Verify its location at C:\Windows\System32\msi-crash-reporter.exe and ensure a Microsoft signature.
Why is msi-crash-reporter.exe using CPU?
CPU usage usually occurs during MSI installations or crash logging. If it runs when no MSI activity is present, check for startup tasks or malware impersonating the file.
Can I disable msi-crash-reporter.exe?
Yes. You can disable crash reporting via Group Policy or registry keys, and end the process if necessary. This may limit crash data collection for MSI installations.
Where is msi-crash-reporter.exe located?
Common legitimate locations are C:\Windows\System32\msi-crash-reporter.exe or within the Windows Installer package directories under C:\Program Files. Verify the digital signature.
Is it safe to delete msi-crash-reporter.exe?
You should not delete this file in normal use; it is part of Windows Installer. If troubleshooting, disable it first or remove it via policy rather than deleting it manually.
Will disabling it affect Windows Installer?
Disabling crash reporting may reduce diagnostics for MSI failures, but Windows Installer functionality remains, and critical installations will still run. Re-enable if you need diagnostics.