What is remote-desktop-telemetry.exe?
remote-desktop-telemetry.exe is a Windows system component that collects telemetry data related to Remote Desktop connections, performance, and diagnostics. It runs in the background to monitor remote sessions, log connection quality, and help Microsoft improve compatibility across devices, networks, and enterprise environments.
The process feeds anonymized session metrics, network conditions, and error reports to Microsoft's telemetry pipeline. It operates under Windows data collection policies and uses sandboxed tasks to minimize impact on the host.
Quick Fact: Remote Desktop Telemetry supports diagnosing connection issues and performance across diverse networks and endpoints.
Types of Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Service: Core coordinator handling data collection for Remote Desktop usage.
- Data Collector: Gathers metrics on session quality, input latency, and dropouts.
- Diagnostics Dispatcher: Dispatches anonymized reports to Microsoft diagnostic endpoints.
- Background Telemetry Task: Periodically collects system and session health data outside active sessions.
- Event Log Monitor: Watches Remote Desktop related events for troubleshooting.
Is remote-desktop-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, remote-desktop-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Microsoft file from an official source. It is digitally signed by Microsoft and located in the System32 directory.
Is remote-desktop-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real remote-desktop-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may imitate the name. Verify the file location and digital signature to confirm legitimacy.
How to Tell if remote-desktop-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\remote-desktop-telemetry.exe or, on some 32-bit systems, C:\Windows\SysWOW64\remote-desktop-telemetry.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from Microsoft or Microsoft Windows.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU and 50-150 MB memory. Sustained high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run primarily during Remote Desktop sessions or when diagnostics are active. Constant background operation without Remote Desktop activity warrants closer inspection.
Red Flags: If remote-desktop-telemetry.exe is located outside C:\Windows\System32 or SysWOW64, runs when Remote Desktop is not used, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus and consider malware removal.
Why Is remote-desktop-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
remote-desktop-telemetry.exe runs to support Remote Desktop service health monitoring, performance measurement, and diagnostic reporting. It may run during active remote sessions or as part of Windows telemetry maintenance.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Desktop Usage: You're connected to or hosting a Remote Desktop session, so telemetry collects metrics to ensure performance and reliability.
- Background Telemetry Tasks: Telemetry data collection can operate in the background to gather diagnostics even when no session is actively used.
- Diagnostics and Performance Monitoring: The service collects network quality, latency, and session health data to help diagnose remote session issues.
- Enterprise Management: In managed environments, telemetry data assists IT admins in monitoring remote access health and compatibility across devices.
- System Startup and Readiness: The telemetry component may start at boot to be ready for remote connections and early diagnostics.
Can I Disable or Remove remote-desktop-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable telemetry. However, it is a built-in Windows component, and disabling may reduce diagnostic visibility for Remote Desktop issues.
How to Stop remote-desktop-telemetry.exe
- Stop Telemetry Service: Open Services (services.msc) → locate 'Remote Desktop Telemetry Service' → Stop
- Disable Startup: In Services, set 'Startup type' to Disabled for the Telemetry Service
- Adjust Privacy Settings: Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback → set data collection to Basic or Off as available
- Group Policy (Advanced): Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Data Collection and Preview Builds → Allow Telemetry: Basic or Disabled
- Registry (Advanced): HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection\AllowTelemetry = 0 (reboot required)
How to Uninstall Remote Desktop Telemetry
- ✔ You cannot uninstall built-in Windows telemetry components; use privacy settings and policy options to limit data collection.
- ✔ Apply enterprise management policies to reduce telemetry exposure and data sharing.
- ✔ Regularly review privacy settings after major Windows updates to ensure preferences persist.
Common Problems: Telemetry-Related Issues
If remote-desktop-telemetry.exe causes performance or privacy concerns, use these focus areas to identify and fix the issue.
Common Causes & Solutions
- High data volume due to extensive remote sessions: Limit Remote Desktop sessions or adjust telemetry level via Settings or Group Policy.
- Background telecoms or diagnostic tasks: Disable nonessential background diagnostics in Privacy settings and policy.
- Network instability causing repeated telemetry retries: Stabilize network, or configure telemetry to reduce network traffic in enterprise policies.
- Outdated Windows build: Update Windows to the latest version to ensure telemetry components are current.
- Antivirus/firewall blocking telemetry communication: Create an exception for remote-desktop-telemetry.exe in security software.
- Corrupted telemetry data store: Run Windows Troubleshooter for Data Collection issues or reset diagnostics data via Settings.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify remote-desktop-telemetry.exe activity during a Remote Desktop session.
2. Update Windows to the latest build to fix known telemetry issues.
3. Disable nonessential telemetry features in Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback.
4. Add an exception for remote-desktop-telemetry.exe in your antivirus/firewall.
5. Review Group Policy or Registry settings to reduce telemetry data collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote-desktop-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate remote-desktop-telemetry.exe is a Windows component signed by Microsoft and located in C:\Windows\System32. Ensure the signature matches Microsoft.
Why is remote-desktop-telemetry.exe running so much?
Telemetry can run more during active Remote Desktop sessions or when diagnostic tasks are scheduled. Check for multiple Remote Desktop sessions and review telemetry settings in Windows.
Can I delete remote-desktop-telemetry.exe?
You cannot uninstall built-in Windows telemetry. You can reduce its activity via privacy settings and policy adjustments; deletion may impact system diagnostics.
Can I disable remote-desktop-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable or limit telemetry via Services, Group Policy, and Privacy settings. Some changes may require a reboot and could affect remote diagnostics.
Why is telemetry active at startup?
Certain telemetry components initialize at startup to monitor system health and remote session readiness. Disabling startup can reduce data collection but may affect diagnostics.
How can I reduce data sent by telemetry?
Use Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback to limit data, adjust group policy to lower telemetry level, and disable nonessential diagnostic features.