Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Windows\System32\tracert.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\tracert.exe
Warning
Expected network probe activity; not malware
Traceroute output can be blocked by firewalls or IDS; delays or timeouts may appear.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can avoid using tracert if diagnostics are not needed; it is not required for system operation.
What is tracert.exe?
tracert.exe is Windows' built‑in network diagnostic tool used to trace the path that packets take to reach a destination. It sends TTL-limited probes and reports each hop, including latency, to help identify routing issues and bottlenecks across networks.
Traceroute relies on TTL‑limited probes and reports per‑hop responses. Windows typically uses ICMP Echo replies for each hop; the output shows hop number, address, and round‑trip times, aiding network troubleshooting.
Quick Fact: Tracert was introduced in early TCP/IP tooling and remains a staple for quickly diagnosing path problems across LANs and the Internet.
Types of Traceroute Probes
- Base Traceroute: Sends TTL-limited ICMP Echo requests to discover each hop
- ICMP-based Probes: Relies on ICMP Echo Reply messages from routers
- IPv6 Traceroute: Uses IPv6-specific hop probes and responses
- UDP Probe Variant: Some implementations use UDP probes to high-numbered ports
- Path MTU Discovery: May assist in identifying MTU limits along the path
Is tracert.exe Safe?
Yes, tracert.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Windows binary from Microsoft located in the System32 folder.
Is tracert.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real tracert.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names like tracert.exe, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if tracert.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\tracert.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\tracert.exe. Any tracert.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer or Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click tracert.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a Microsoft signature.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-2% CPU with minimal memory when idle. Excessive resource should be investigated.
- Behavior: tracert.exe should run as a short-lived diagnostic when invoked. Persistent background activity is unusual.
Red Flags: If tracert.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without user action, lacks a valid signature, or consumes resources constantly, scan your system with a reputable antivirus.
Why Is tracert.exe Running on My PC?
tracert.exe runs when you invoke a traceroute command or when a script or diagnostic tool launches it to map the network path to a target host.
Reasons it's running:
- User-Initiated Traceroute: A manual trace is started from CMD or PowerShell to diagnose a connectivity issue.
- Automated Network Diagnostics: Network monitoring or IT scripts periodically run tracert to verify routes to critical endpoints.
- Startup or Background Tasks: Some management tools may trigger tracert during startup to validate network reachability.
- Remote Support Tools: Diagnostic utilities used by remote admins may spawn tracert to troubleshoot client networks.
- Diagnostic Logging: Logging agents may invoke tracert as part of broader traceability of network health.
Can I Disable or Remove tracert.exe?
Yes, you can disable tracert.exe from running automatically, but you should not delete it since it's a built-in Windows utility.
How to Stop tracert.exe
- Do Not Run It: Simply avoid executing tracert; it does not require background operation.
- Close Active Sessions: If a console window is running tracert, close the window to stop the process.
- Check Scheduled Tasks: Open Task Scheduler and disable any scheduled tasks that invoke tracert without your action.
- Group Policy Controls: If your organization uses Sysmon or script controls, adjust policies to restrict traceroute invocation.
- Firewall Settings: Ensure tracert is not being re-launched by external management software via network triggers.
How to Uninstall tracert
- ✔ tracert is a built-in Windows utility and cannot be uninstalled. It is part of the operating system.
- ✔ If you must remove access, consider disabling command execution permissions for tracert.exe via Security Policy or AppLocker/WDAC rules.
- ✔ Optionally use an alternative network diagnostic tool if you prefer a different workflow.
Common Problems: Tracert Output or Timing Issues
If tracert.exe isn't producing expected results or shows errors, review common causes and apply targeted fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Destination unreachable or host down: Verify the target host is online and reachable; try pinging the host to confirm reachability.
- Request timed out at some hops: Firewalls or routers may block ICMP; try tracing to a different endpoint or contact the network administrator.
- DNS resolution failures: Ensure DNS is resolving the target hostname; use tracert <IP-address> to bypass DNS if needed.
- Excessive hop count: Increase or adjust the max hops with the -h option (e.g., tracert -h 30 host).
- Permission or policy restrictions: Run tracert from an elevated CMD/PowerShell if required by group policies.
- IPv6 vs IPv4 mismatch: If you expect IPv6 routes, use tracert -6; for IPv4, use tracert -4 to control protocol.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open CMD or PowerShell and run tracert to the desired host.
2. Use tracert -d to skip DNS resolution for faster results.
3. If results are inconclusive, try tracert -4 or tracert -6 to force a protocol.
4. Check firewall rules that might block ICMP or UDP probes.
5. Review network devices for routing issues or congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tracert.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate tracert.exe from Microsoft is a safe network diagnostic tool located in C:\Windows\System32. Always verify the file path and digital signature to rule out tampering.
How do I run tracert on Windows?
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type tracert <destination> (e.g., tracert example.com). You can add options like -d, -4, or -6 as needed.
Why is tracert taking so long or timing out?
Network devices, firewalls, or routing issues can delay or block probes. Check intermediate hops, try different destinations, or adjust firewalls to permit traceroute traffic.
Can I disable tracert permanently?
You cannot uninstall tracert as it's a built-in tool, but you can restrict its usage via policy controls or simply avoid invoking it.
Does tracert reveal internal network topology?
Traceroute reveals hop-by-hop information to a destination, which can help diagnose routing issues but should be used responsibly on managed networks.
What is the difference between tracert and ping?
Ping checks reachability with ICMP Echo to a host, while tracert maps the path to that host and reports per-hop latency and routing data.