What is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe?
network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe is the crash reporting executable for the Network Monitor software. It collects diagnostic data when the network monitor experiences crashes and sends anonymous reports to the software publisher to aid in troubleshooting. It runs quietly in the background.
This process operates as a background service that captures crash data, error codes, and environment details, packaging them for transmission to the vendor. It does not render UI and runs with the main Network Monitor application.
Quick Fact: Network Monitor uses a modular crash reporter to isolate fault data and prevent disruption to monitoring activity.
Types of Network Monitor Processes
- Monitor UI Process: Main window and control panel (1 instance)
- Data Collector Process: Gathers network metrics and logs
- Crash Reporter Process: Sends crash reports to the vendor
- Worker/Helper Process: Background tasks and logging
- Update Helper Process: Applies updates to the crash reporter component
- Telemetry Processor: Processes telemetry data before transmission
Is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe Safe?
Yes, network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official Network Monitor publisher installed from the vendor's site or bundled with the product.
Is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe is NOT a virus. Malware masquerades with similar names; verify the publisher and file path.
How to Tell if network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Network Monitor\\CrashReporter\\network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe or a valid vendor path. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a publisher like "NetMonitor Technologies".
- Resource Usage: Typically low CPU/memory when idle (e.g., 0-3% CPU, 20-60 MB). High usage without Network Monitor running is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run when Network Monitor is active or performing crash reporting. Persistent background activity with no associated app is suspicious.
Red Flags: If network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when the network monitor isn't installed or lacks a valid signature, scan with antivirus and compare with vendor hashes.
Why Is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe Running on My PC?
The crash reporter runs to collect diagnostics during crashes and to support post-mortem debugging for the Network Monitor suite. It may also start during software updates to capture post-update state.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Network Monitor Use: You have the Network Monitor tool open; the crash reporter can run to capture relevant data for any issues.
- Background Crash Reporting: Crash reports or telemetry can run in the background even when the UI is closed.
- Startup and Update Activities: The component may launch at system startup to ensure crash reports are ready after updates.
- Background Telemetry: Telemetry collection can be enabled, sending aggregated data to improve reliability.
- Diagnostics and Client Sessions: It may run during diagnostic sessions to gather environment information.
Can I Disable or Remove network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe?
Yes, you can disable network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe. Disabling prevents automatic crash reporting, but you may lose diagnostic insight. You can disable or remove via proper channels.
How to Stop network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe
- End Crash Reporter from UI: If Network Monitor UI is open, exit the application; the reporter will stop after a clean shutdown.
- End Task in Task Manager: Open Task Manager > Processes > find network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe > End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Network Monitor if present
- Disable Background Telemetry: Within Network Monitor settings, turn off crash reporting or telemetry
- Uninstall Network Monitor: If you no longer need the package, uninstall Network Monitor to remove the reporter
How to Uninstall Network Monitor (and the Reporter)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Network Monitor → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Network Monitor → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe is consuming excessive resources or behaving oddly:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active crash reporting for active issues: Check the Network Monitor UI for ongoing crash prompts and review recent crash logs.
- Background telemetry enabled: In settings, disable crash reporting or telemetry to reduce background activity.
- Too many concurrent monitoring sessions: Close unused monitor sessions or panels; reduce data collection scope.
- Outdated software: Update Network Monitor to the latest version to fix bugs and optimize memory usage.
- Misbehaving plugins: Temporarily disable optional plugins or adapters within the monitor configuration.
- Malware masquerading as reporter: Run a full antivirus scan and verify the executable path against vendor hashes.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Network Monitor and review recent crash logs
2. Disable crash reporting in settings
3. End the crash reporter process in Task Manager if needed
4. Update to the latest version
5. Run a malware scan to rule out spoofing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe safe?
Yes, when the file is located under C:\Program Files\Network Monitor\CrashReporter\network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe and signed by the legitimate publisher. If in doubt, verify the digital signature and compare hashes with the vendor.
Why is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe running in the background?
To collect crash data and telemetry for the Network Monitor suite, enabling faster diagnostics and reliability improvements.
Can I disable it without affecting Network Monitor?
Disabling stops crash reporting; the core monitoring functions may still work, but diagnostics will be limited.
Where is network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Network Monitor\CrashReporter\network-monitor-crash-reporter.exe. If found elsewhere, verify authenticity.
How do I uninstall Network Monitor and its reporter?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Network Monitor → Uninstall and follow prompts; a restart may be required.
What should I do if the reporter uses too much CPU?
Check for active crashes, disable telemetry, update to latest version, and scan for malware if needed.