Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe
Warning
Malware may mimic sethc.exe
Verify the file path and digital signature
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling affects accessibility at sign-in; use Settings to disable Sticky Keys instead of deleting the file
What is sethc.exe?
sethc.exe is the Windows Sticky Keys launcher, a small system utility that activates when you press the Shift key five times at the login screen to enable accessibility features. It is part of the Windows accessibility tools and should reside in the System32 folder for proper operation.
The binary is a legitimate Windows component that runs with system privileges during sign-in. It primarily handles the Sticky Keys toggle and keyboard shortcuts at the login UI, without exposing broad system access.
Quick Fact: Sticky Keys originated as an accessibility aid and uses sethc.exe to activate its prompt at the Windows sign-in screen.
Types of Sethc Processes
- Login Screen Handler: Launches Sticky Keys on the Windows sign-in screen
- Accessibility Feature: Activates keyboard accessibility prompts when requested
- System Integrity Helper: Operates under Windows protected process constraints
- Fallback Keyboard Relay: Ensures basic keyboard input during sign-in events
- Security/Monitoring Stub: Monitors for legitimate login shortcuts and prevents abuse
- No Network Component: Does not perform network activity
Is sethc.exe Safe?
Yes, sethc.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Windows file located at C:\Windows\System32 and signed by Microsoft.
Is sethc.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sethc.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with the same name to evade detection.
How to Tell if sethc.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Verify the file is at
C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe. Any sethc.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show a signer like Microsoft Corporation or Microsoft Windows.
- Resource Usage: Normal operation is minimal CPU/memory. If you see persistent background activity, investigate.
- Behavior: Should only activate during login or when Shift is pressed at the sign-in screen. Continuous operation is suspicious.
Red Flags: If sethc.exe is located outside C:\Windows\System32, lacks a valid digital signature, or runs constantly, scan for malware and verify system integrity.
Why Is sethc.exe Running on My PC?
sethc.exe runs as part of Windows accessibility features and is typically active during sign-in or when the Sticky Keys shortcut is triggered. It may also be loaded during boot if accessibility options are configured.
Reasons it's running:
- Shift key five-times trigger: Pressing Shift five times at the login screen launches the Sticky Keys prompt via sethc.exe.
- Login screen accessibility: The sign-in UI enables icons and prompts that rely on sethc.exe for user assistance.
- Accessibility setting enabled at login: Group Policy or settings may enable Sticky Keys to be ready on login.
- System startup or session initialization: During system boot, Windows may prepare accessibility handlers including sethc.exe.
- Tampering or replacement risk: Malware may attempt to substitute or modify sethc.exe to persist on reboot.
Can I Disable or Remove sethc.exe?
Yes, you can disable sethc.exe. It is safe to disable the login accessibility shortcut, but you should not delete core system binaries. Use Windows settings to disable relevant accessibility features.
How to Stop sethc.exe
- Disable Sticky Keys at sign-in: Open Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off Sticky Keys at the login screen.
- Disable sign-in accessibility behavior: Ensure the sign-in UI does not automatically launch Sticky Keys on login.
- Restart and verify: Restart the computer and verify that sethc.exe no longer activates on login.
- Avoid deleting the core binary: Do not delete or rename C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe unless instructed by IT; tampering can impact accessibility.
How to Disable Sethc Exe Permanently
- ✔ Use Windows Settings to disable Sticky Keys at sign-in (as described above).
- ✔ If policy requires, adjust Group Policy to disable accessibility at sign-in.
- ✔ Consult IT for enterprise environments before making changes.
Common Problems: Sticky Keys at Login or Resource Usage
If sethc.exe acts unexpectedly or consumes resources, review accessibility settings and verify file integrity.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Sticky Keys feature accidentally triggered at sign-in: Disable Sticky Keys in Settings and ensure Shift key sequences are not recognized as shortcuts.
- Untrusted copy of sethc.exe: Check the file path and digital signature; replace with legitimate System32 copy if compromised.
- Background activity due to accessibility prompts: Disable or limit accessibility prompts that load on logon; restart to verify.
- Tampering or malware substituting sethc.exe: Run full antivirus scan and System File Checker (sfc /scannow) to repair system binaries.
- Outdated Windows build with buggy accessibility features: Install latest Windows updates to fix known issues with sign-in accessibility.
- Concurrent keyboard shortcuts triggering on login: Remap or disable conflicting keyboard shortcuts at sign-in to prevent accidental activation.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and disable Sticky Keys at sign-in
2. Verify sethc.exe is located at C:\Windows\System32 and has a valid signature
3. Run sfc /scannow to repair system files
4. Restart and test login to confirm behavior
5. Run antivirus scan to rule out malware
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sethc.exe?
sethc.exe is the Windows Sticky Keys launcher used at the login screen to enable accessibility features when five times the Shift key is pressed.
Is sethc.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate sethc.exe in C:\Windows\System32 is not a virus. Verify its path and digital signature to confirm authenticity.
Why does sethc.exe run on startup or login?
Sethc.exe is tied to the Windows sign-in accessibility features and may run when those features are prepared or invoked at login.
Can I disable sethc.exe?
Yes. You can disable the Sticky Keys shortcut at sign-in via Windows Settings; avoid deleting the core binary.
Where is sethc.exe located on Windows?
Typically at C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe. If you find it elsewhere or with an altered signature, investigate for tampering.
What should I do if I suspect sethc.exe is malicious?
Run a full antivirus scan, perform a System File Checker (sfc /scannow), and compare the file to the official System32 copy.
How can I test whether Sticky Keys is properly disabled after change?
Log out or restart and press Shift five times at the login screen to confirm that Sticky Keys prompt no longer appears.