Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry-related processes may show as multiple instances
Normal for Windows Diagnostics; ensure legitimate path
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling via Privacy & Diagnostics settings can limit data collection
What is network-monitor-telemetry.exe?
network-monitor-telemetry.exe is a Windows telemetry component responsible for collecting network diagnostic data, such as connection events, throughput, and latency metrics, and sending it to Microsoft as configured by OS privacy and diagnostics settings.
It runs in the background, using lightweight threads to capture network state and performance telemetry, batching data before submission to Microsoft telemetry endpoints under user consent.
Quick Fact: Windows telemetry components are designed to minimize impact; network-monitor-telemetry.exe typically stays idle unless network diagnostics are needed.
Types of Windows Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Orchestrator: Coordinates data collection from various network sensors
- Network Monitor: Monitors connectivity and throughput events
- Telemetry Sender: Packages and sends data to Microsoft endpoints
- Diagnostics Helper: Provides support for network-related troubleshooting
Is network-monitor-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, network-monitor-telemetry.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Microsoft file located in C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe and digitally signed by Microsoft Corporation.
Is network-monitor-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real file is not a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify signature and location.
How to Tell if network-monitor-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe. If found elsewhere like C:\Users\YourName\Downloads or AppData, it is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file (C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe) -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show signer as "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU and memory when idle. Unusually high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: The process should primarily be idle and only activate during network diagnostics or OS telemetry collection.
Red Flags: If network-monitor-telemetry.exe is not in C:\Windows\System32, lacks a valid signature, or runs unusually high when idle, scan with Windows Defender or a reputable AV.
Why Is network-monitor-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
The telemetry component runs to collect and report network performance data as part of Windows diagnostics and privacy settings. It may start when you use the network, or during periodic maintenance.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Network Diagnostics: Running diagnostic checks during connectivity issues or after network changes.
- Background Telemetry: Collects and queues data for Microsoft telemetry submission as configured.
- OS Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks trigger data collection and submission.
- Connectivity Event Triggers: Triggered by changes in network adapters, VPNs, or Wi‑Fi networks.
- Privacy/Diagnostics Policy: Runs according to the current Diagnostics & Feedback privacy settings chosen by the user.
Can I Disable or Remove network-monitor-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can limit or disable telemetry. It is generally safe to disable or adjust diagnostics data collection via Windows Privacy settings, though some OS features may rely on telemetry for troubleshooting.
How to Stop network-monitor-telemetry.exe
- Adjust Diagnostics Settings: Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, and choose Basic or Decreased data collection.
- Disable Background Activity: Windows may disable network telemetry automatically when privacy settings are set to minimal data.
- Task Manager: End the process if it is consuming resources, though it will restart as part of OS telemetry.
- Group Policy (Advanced): For enterprise devices, configure Telemetry via Administrative Templates (Configure telemetry to Security or None).
- Reboot: Reboot after changing settings to ensure changes take effect.
Can I Uninstall Windows Telemetry?
- ✔ You cannot fully uninstall Windows telemetry, but you can limit data collection via Privacy settings and Group Policy.
- ✔ You can disable OS telemetry features via Settings and policies depending on Windows edition.
- ✔ Consider alternatives: adjust to minimal data collection settings rather than removal.
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If network-monitor-telemetry.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Low-impact but visible activity during diagnostics: This is expected during network checks; monitor resource use and adjust privacy settings to reduce telemetry.
- Multiple network adapters or VPNs: Disable unnecessary adapters or VPNs and update network drivers.
- Misconfigured diagnostics: Reset network diagnostics settings to default and apply recommended policy.
- Malware impersonation: Verify digital signature and file location; run a full malware scan if in doubt.
- Outdated OS: Install latest Windows updates to fix telemetry issues.
- Third-party monitoring software: Disable or uninstall conflicting software; ensure telemetry is not duplicated.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and reduce data sharing
2. Check Task Manager for resource-heavy processes and end them if needed
3. Run Windows Update to ensure telemetry components are current
4. Verify file location: C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe
5. Scan for malware if suspicious behavior persists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is network-monitor-telemetry.exe?
It is a Windows telemetry component that collects network performance and connectivity data to help Microsoft diagnose issues; it runs under OS privacy settings.
Is network-monitor-telemetry.exe safe or a virus?
When located in C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe and digitally signed by Microsoft, it is safe. Malware may imitate names, so verify signature and path.
Why does network-monitor-telemetry.exe run in the background?
It collects network telemetry to improve diagnostics and performance; it can run during connectivity changes or maintenance tasks.
Can I disable network-monitor-telemetry.exe?
Yes. You can adjust Diagnostics & feedback settings to reduce or stop data collection; you may still benefit from OS diagnostics without it fully disabled.
Where is network-monitor-telemetry.exe located?
Typically at C:\Windows\System32\network-monitor-telemetry.exe. If you find it elsewhere, verify its signature and legitimacy.
How can I verify if it’s legitimate?
Check the file location, verify the digital signature (Microsoft Corporation), check Get-AuthenticodeSignature, and confirm it’s not parented by a suspicious process.