Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Windows\System32\msi-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry runs in background
Typical for Windows Installer telemetry to operate during MSI tasks
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling may affect MSI diagnostics; not recommended for typical users
What is msi-telemetry.exe?
msi-telemetry.exe is a background Windows process that collects telemetry data related to Windows Installer (MSI) operations. It helps diagnose installation failures, performance issues, and compatibility problems by sending anonymized data to Microsoft as part of Windows quality programs. It runs automatically with Windows and may activate during MSI tasks.
This component executes within the Windows Installer framework, gathering event data, timing metrics, and error details while MSI operations run. Telemetry data is designed to be anonymized and used to improve MSI reliability and installer performance.
Quick Fact: Windows Installer telemetry traces MSI events to help Microsoft analyze installer behavior and improve future MSI packages.
Types of msi-telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Host Process: Main background service coordinating data collection for MSI telemetry
- Event Collector: Gathers install/uninstall events and timing data from MSI transactions
- Error Reporter: Captures MSI errors and crash details for reporting
- Data Sender: Prepares and transmits anonymized MSI data to Microsoft telemetry endpoints
- Config Loader: Loads telemetry configuration and privacy settings
- Resource Monitor: Monitors resource usage to minimize impact on system performance
Is msi-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, msi-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft located in C:\Windows\System32.
Is msi-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real msi-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may imitate names; verify file location and digital signature.
How to Tell if msi-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\msi-telemetry.exe (or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msi-telemetry.exe on 64-bit systems). Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer or Task Manager's Open File Location -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is modest: 1-5% CPU during MSI tasks, 40-200 MB total memory. Constant high usage or spikes when idle are suspicious.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run in conjunction with MSI actions; persistent background activity with no MSI activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If msi-telemetry.exe is located outside System32, lacks a valid digital signature, or exhibits unusual network activity when MSI is idle, scan with trusted antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files.
Why Is msi-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
msi-telemetry.exe runs as MSI installation or update tasks occur and as Windows collects telemetry to improve the Windows Installer experience. It can also activate during background MSI events or reporting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active MSI Install/Repair: You're currently installing or repairing software via Windows Installer; telemetry captures status, timing, and outcome metrics.
- Background MSI Telemetry: Telemetry tasks operate in the background to monitor MSI events and collect anonymized data for quality improvements.
- Startup or System Event: Windows may trigger MSI telemetry to run at startup or during system events related to MSI operations.
- Update or Compatibility Checks: Telemetry collects information during MSI updates or compatibility checks to help validate installer behavior.
- Background Reporting: Telemetry aggregates data for error reporting and product quality, even when MSI actions are minimal.
Can I Disable or Remove msi-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable msi-telemetry.exe. It may reduce visibility into MSI issues; if privacy concerns exist, you can limit telemetry via Windows settings or Group Policy, but the component remains part of Windows.
How to Stop msi-telemetry.exe
- End or Disable Telemetry via Task Manager: Open Task Manager > Startup tab and disable items labeled MSI Telemetry or Windows Installer Telemetry if present
- Disable in Services or Task Scheduler: If a related service or scheduled task exists, set Startup type to Disabled or disable the task
- Group Policy: Open gpedit.msc and set Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Data Collection and Preview Builds > 'Turn off Windows Telemetry' or 'Allow Telemetry' to 0 where available
- Registry Policy: Set HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\DataCollection\\AllowTelemetry to 0 and restart
- Check MSI Tasks: After changes, monitor with Task Manager to confirm telemetry activity has reduced
How to Uninstall or Remove Windows Telemetry Components
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Privacy -> Diagnostics & Feedback -> Turn off data collection where available
- ✔ Group Policy or registry options to limit telemetry; note that full uninstall is not supported for core Windows components
- ✔ Consider using a local account and privacy-focused configuration
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage (MSI Telemetry)
If msi-telemetry.exe seems heavy on resources, try targeted actions to reduce MSI telemetry impact without disabling essential Windows Installer diagnostics.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active MSI Tasks: Most resource use occurs during MSI install/repair; allow the operation to finish or cancel in MSI event windows
- Background Telemetry Traffic: Limit telemetry via privacy settings; ensure you understand that some data collection remains for security
- Stale MSI Sessions: Close lingering MSI sessions and restart the Windows Installer service if needed
- Corrupted Installer Cache: Clear MSI cache: Run wusa /uninstall or use DISM to refresh components as appropriate
- Outdated Windows Version: Update Windows to the latest version to ensure telemetry modules are current
- Background Tasks Scheduling: Disable or adjust scheduled tasks that trigger MSI telemetry during idle times
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager to identify MSI telemetry-related processes during MSI operations
2. Restart the Windows Installer service: net stop msiserver && net start msiserver
3. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix Windows components
4. Check for Windows updates and install latest MSI-related fixes
5. Review Privacy Settings: Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & Feedback and adjust data collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Is msi-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate msi-telemetry.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. Verify file location at C:\Windows\System32\msi-telemetry.exe and ensure a valid digital signature from Microsoft Corporation.
Why is msi-telemetry.exe using CPU?
CPU usage can spike during MSI installations or updates as telemetry collects event data and performance metrics. If idle, check for stuck MSI tasks or malware masquerading as the file.
Can I disable msi-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can reduce or disable telemetry, but full disabling may reduce diagnostic visibility. Use Task Manager, Group Policy, or registry settings to limit telemetry while preserving essential Windows stability.
Where is msi-telemetry.exe located?
The legitimate file should be in C:\Windows\System32\msi-telemetry.exe (or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\msi-telemetry.exe on 64-bit systems). Any other location is suspicious.
Can I uninstall Windows Installer telemetry?
Telemetry is a built-in Windows component tied to the Windows Installer. It cannot be fully uninstalled, but you can minimize or disable its data collection using privacy and telemetry controls.
How can I verify msi-telemetry.exe is legitimate?
Check the digital signature in Properties -> Digital Signatures to confirm Microsoft Corporation, verify the file path, inspect publisher details, and scan with a trusted antivirus tool.