Quick Answer
package-manager-telemetry.exe is safe. It's a Microsoft telemetry component for Windows Package Manager that collects anonymous usage data to improve winget, updates, and related features.
What is package-manager-telemetry.exe?
package-manager-telemetry.exe is the Windows Package Manager Telemetry service. It runs in the background to collect anonymous usage data from winget and related components to help Microsoft improve the package manager experience.
It operates as a lightweight background process that communicates securely with Microsoft telemetry endpoints. It minimizes user impact by batching events and respecting user consent settings.
Quick Fact: Telemetry data helps Microsoft optimize commands, performance, and reliability for Windows Package Manager.
Types of Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Service: Core service coordinating data collection and submission
- Event Processor: Aggregates usage events from winget invocations
- Network Communicator: Handles secure data transmission to Microsoft endpoints
- Background Scheduler: Manages periodic telemetry submissions
- Policy Listener: Applies privacy and telemetry policy updates
Is package-manager-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, package-manager-telemetry.exe is safe when it originates from Microsoft and is part of the Windows Package Manager ecosystem.
Is package-manager-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real file is NOT a virus. Malware can impersonate names, so verify details.
How to Tell if package-manager-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be located at C:\Windows\System32\package-manager-telemetry.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\package-manager-telemetry.exe.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low (1-5% CPU, tens of MB). Persistent high resource use warrants inspection.
- Behavior: Telemetry runs in background with no UI. Unexpected network activity or UI prompts are suspicious.
Red Flags: If the file is not in System32/SysWOW64, lacks a valid digital signature, or shows constant high resource usage or suspicious network endpoints, run antivirus and system scan.
Why Is package-manager-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
package-manager-telemetry.exe runs to collect usage data for Windows Package Manager (winget) and related features, improving stability, performance, and user experience. It may run on startup or during winget activity.
Reasons it's running:
- Active winget usage: Invocations of winget or related commands trigger telemetry events for monitoring success and errors.
- Background data collection: Telemetry aggregates usage metrics in the background to optimize command responses.
- Startup initialization: Component may start with Windows or during user login to ready telemetry pipelines.
- Periodic submissions: Telemetry may batch and send data on a schedule to Microsoft servers.
- Policy and update checks: Telemetry updates and privacy policies may trigger as configuration changes occur.
Can I Disable or Remove package-manager-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable telemetry collection. Disabling reduces data sent but may limit performance improvements. It is not easily uninstalled since it is a core Windows component related to winget telemetry.
How to Stop package-manager-telemetry.exe
- End the process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) find package-manager-telemetry.exe End Task
- Disable startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > disable any Windows Package Manager Telemetry entry if present
- Disable background tasks: Task Scheduler: locate related telemetry tasks under Microsoft > Windows > Package Manager Telemetry and disable
- Block network access: Windows Firewall: create outbound rule blocking telemetry endpoints (e.g., telemetry.winget.microsoft.com)
- Group Policy adjustments: gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Data Collection and Window Telemetry → Set to Basic or Security.
How to Uninstall package-manager-telemetry.exe
- ✔ There is no separate uninstaller; telemetry is integrated into Windows and Winget experiences. You can only disable collection and background activity.
- ✔ Use Privacy settings to limit data collection: Settings → Privacy → Diagnostics & feedback → Basic or Off (if available).
- ✔ Disable related tasks via Task Scheduler and Startup as described above.
- ✔ Keep Windows updated to ensure compatibility and security.
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If package-manager-telemetry.exe is consuming noticeable resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Excess telemetry events due to frequent winget commands: Limit winget usage or schedule telemetry collection via policy; disable if needed.
- Background task misbehavior: Review Task Scheduler entries and disable unnecessary telemetry tasks.
- Malware masquerading as telemetry: Verify file location and digital signature; scan with antivirus.
- Outdated Windows build: Keep Windows updated; telemetry optimization comes with updates.
- Network-driven mode: Block endpoints or adjust policies to limit network activity.
- Conflicting extensions or system apps: Review installed software for conflicts; disable suspicious components.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and locate package-manager-telemetry.exe to observe activity
2. Disable or adjust telemetry-related tasks in Task Scheduler
3. Limit data collection in Privacy settings
4. Run Windows Update to install latest optimizations
5. Block telemetry endpoints via Windows Firewall
Frequently Asked Questions
Is package-manager-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate package-manager-telemetry.exe is a Microsoft Windows component associated with winget telemetry. Verify its path and digital signature from Microsoft.
What data does package-manager-telemetry.exe collect?
It collects anonymous usage data to help improve winget commands, performance, and reliability. It does not typically collect personal data unless enabled by policy.
Can I disable telemetry without breaking Windows or winget?
Disabling telemetry reduces data collection and can be safe, but may limit optimizations. Follow steps to disable tasks and policy settings without removing the component.
Where is package-manager-telemetry.exe located?
Common locations include C:\Windows\System32\package-manager-telemetry.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\package-manager-telemetry.exe.
How can I reduce telemetry data while keeping winget functional?
Adjust privacy settings, use Basic diagnostics, disable background telemetry tasks, and configure Group Policy to limit data submissions.
Does telemetry impact performance?
Telemetry can have a small impact, especially on systems with many winget operations. Disabling or limiting telemetry reduces this impact.