Quick Answer
pm-telemetry-service is a legitimate Windows telemetry component. It collects diagnostic data and usage signals to improve Windows and related software, running in the background with a modest resource footprint.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\PMTelemetry\TelemetryService.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PMTelemetry\TelemetryService.exe
Warning
Multiple background processes
pm-telemetry-service uses multiple worker processes for data collection, on-device privacy controls apply.
Can I Disable?
YES
You can disable telemetry collection or background execution via Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & Feedback and via services.msc.
What is pm-telemetry-service.exe?
pm-telemetry-service is a Windows telemetry component that collects diagnostic data, performance data, and basic usage signals to help improve Windows and related software. It runs in the background as a service, buffering data locally before transmission according to policy.
pm-telemetry-service operates as a background service with worker processes that gather non-personal diagnostic metrics and performance signals. It uses secure channels and respects privacy settings defined by policy and user choices.
Quick Fact: The telemetry service contributes to stability and quality metrics across Windows updates, while giving users control over data collection.
Types of PM Telemetry Processes
- Service Host Process: Primary Windows service hosting telemetry tasks (one or more instances)
- Data Collector Worker: Collects telemetry data from diagnostics channels
- Network Reporter: Transmits anonymized data to Microsoft telemetry endpoints
- Policy Enforcer: Applies user consent and privacy settings
- Background Scheduler: Schedules periodic data collection and reporting
- Update Helper: Coordinates updates to telemetry schemas and configurations
Is pm-telemetry-service Safe?
Yes, pm-telemetry-service is safe when it is the legitimate Microsoft service delivered via Windows Update or OEM image.
Is pm-telemetry-service a Virus or Malware?
The real pm-telemetry-service is not a virus. Malware can mimic names; verify digital signatures and location.
How to Tell if pm-telemetry-service is Legitimate
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\PMTelemetry\TelemetryService.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PMTelemetry\TelemetryService.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in Explorer or Task Manager → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Typical CPU 2-12% across processes and memory 60-180 MB. Constant high usage with no Windows updates is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should run as a background service and only transmit data as configured by policy. Persistent high network activity when idle warrants review.
Red Flags: If pm-telemetry-service is found outside the expected folders (e.g., Temp or AppData), lacks a valid digital signature, or shows persistent high network activity, scan with reputable antivirus and verify Windows Update integrity.
Why Is pm-telemetry-service Running on My PC?
pm-telemetry-service runs to collect health and usage telemetry that helps improve Windows and related software. It may also be active due to policy or scheduled reporting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Diagnostics: The service collects diagnostic metrics to identify issues and improve reliability.
- Background Data Transmission: Telemetry data is collected in the background and sent when network policy allows.
- Policy-Driven Execution: Privacy and diagnostic policies may enable scheduled reporting and adaptation to user consent.
- Startup and Background Tasks: The service may start with Windows or continue running after logon to support ongoing checks.
- System Health Monitoring: Telemetry monitors core system health signals such as performance counters and crash reports.
Can I Disable or Remove pm-telemetry-service?
Yes, you can disable pm-telemetry-service. You can adjust privacy settings or stop background data collection, and disable startup to prevent automatic execution.
How to Stop pm-telemetry-service
- Disable via Privacy Settings: Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & Feedback > Turn off data collection
- Stop Service: Open Services.msc, locate PMTelemetryService, set Startup type to Disabled, stop the service
- Disable at Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable PMTelemetryService
- Review Scheduled Tasks: Task Scheduler > Task Library > PMTelemetry > Disable tasks
- Ensure Windows Updates: Disabling telemetry may affect Windows Update feedback; re-enable if issues arise
How to Uninstall PM Telemetry
- ✔ There is no separate standalone uninstall for PM Telemetry as it is integrated with Windows; you can disable data collection and services via settings and policies, or perform a system refresh if needed.
Common Problems: High Telemetry Activity or Resource Usage
If pm-telemetry-service is consuming excessive resources or behaving unexpectedly:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent or large telemetry reports: Limit or adjust telemetry levels via Privacy settings; ensure updates are applied to minimize issues.
- Background data transmission: Verify network policies and firewall rules; ensure only legitimate endpoints are contacted.
- Stale or corrupted policies: Reset privacy settings and re-apply policies; check for corrupted user profiles.
- Outdated Windows version: Run Windows Update to get latest telemetry improvements and bug fixes.
- Conflicting extensions or apps: Review startup items and installed partners; disable conflicting apps.
- Malware masquerading as telemetry: Scan for malware with updated antivirus; verify digital signatures and file locations.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Services.msc and set PMTelemetryService to Manual or Disabled
2. Review Privacy settings and Diagnostics data; set to Basic or Off
3. Run Windows Update to ensure telemetry components are current
4. Check Task Scheduler for PMTelemetry tasks and disable if unnecessary
5. Scan for malware and verify file integrity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pm-telemetry-service?
pm-telemetry-service is a Windows telemetry component that collects diagnostic data to help improve Windows and related software, operating in the background with privacy controls.
Is pm-telemetry-service safe?
Yes, when it is the legitimate Microsoft service and located in its default directories with a valid signature.
Can I disable pm-telemetry-service?
Yes. You can disable telemetry, stop the service, or prevent startup via Services.msc or Task Manager.
Does pm-telemetry-service collect personal data?
Telemetry data is designed to be non-personal and anonymous by default, but configurable depending on policy and privacy settings.
How do I stop telemetry at startup?
Disable its startup entry in Task Manager > Startup or in Services.msc by setting the service to Disabled.
Can I uninstall Windows or prevent telemetry completely?
Telemetry is integrated into Windows; you can minimize data collection and stop the service, but a full uninstall is not supported.