unlodctr.exe

What is unlodctr.exe?

unlodctr.exe is a small Windows command-line utility that unloads performance counter definitions from the registry. It is used by administrators to remove obsolete counter categories when software is removed or when cleanups are performed, helping keep PerfMon data accurate and uncluttered.

It removes the registry entries for performance counters for a component, so monitoring tools no longer show obsolete counters. It does not gather data itself; it only edits the counter catalog under the system registry.

Types of unlodctr Operations

• Unload a Counter Category: Removes the registry definitions for a performance counter category.
• Unload a Counter Library: Removes the DLL reference associated with performance counters from the registry.
• Bulk Unload: Allows unloading multiple counters in a single scripted call.

Is unlodctr.exe Safe?

Yes, unlodctr.exe is safe when it is located in the official System32 or SysWOW64 directory and signed by Microsoft.

Is unlodctr.exe a Virus or Malware?

The genuine unlodctr.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with the same name. Verify path and signature.

How to Tell if unlodctr.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\unlodctr.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\unlodctr.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click unlodctr.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show 'Microsoft Corporation' or 'Microsoft Windows'.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal; high CPU when idle could indicate malware.
4. Behavior: Should only run during maintenance or explicit admin action.

Why Is unlodctr.exe Running on My PC?

unlodctr.exe runs when an administrator unloads one or more performance counters from the Windows registry, typically as part of cleanup after software removal or system maintenance.

Reasons it's running:

• Manual Counter Unload by Admin: An administrator explicitly unloads a performance counter category via the command line, batch script, or Task Scheduler.
• Software Uninstall Cleanup: During software removal, unused counters are unloaded to prevent stale data in PerfMon.
• Counter Migration or Update: On upgrades where perf counter definitions change, unlodctr unloads old entries.
• System Redundancy Cleanup: Windows maintenance tasks tidy up orphaned counter definitions to reduce clutter.
• Scripted Diagnostics: Automated diagnostics may unload counters as part of test routines.

Can I Disable or Remove unlodctr.exe?

Yes, you can avoid using unlodctr.exe. It is a system utility and should not normally be removed. Removing the executable is not recommended as it is part of Windows performance counter maintenance.

How to Stop unlodctr.exe

• Do Not Invoke via Admin Tools: Avoid running unlodctr unless you are performing maintenance.
• Use Alternatives: Rely on PerfMon and configuration tools instead of manual unloads.
• Disable Automated Tasks: If a script is scheduling unloads, disable or modify it.

How to Remove from System

• ✔ Do not attempt to delete core Windows utilities; this may destabilize your system. If you must, consult Microsoft support.

Common Problems: Unloading Performance Counters

If unlodctr.exe produces errors or does not unload as expected, use admin rights, correct counter names, and validate the target registry entries.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Incorrect Counter Path or Category Name: Double-check the exact counter category name with perfmon or registry tooling; run unlodctr with the correct path.
• Insufficient Permissions: Run elevated Command Prompt and execute unlodctr with appropriate rights.
• Counter Not Registered: Ensure the counter exists in the registry; unloading a non-existent counter should succeed but may return a warning.
• File Not Found: Verify the path to unlodctr.exe is correct (C:\Windows\System32\unlodctr.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\unlodctr.exe).
• Concurrent Modifications: Don't unload counters while another monitoring tool is actively using them.
• Corrupted Registry: Run SFC/DISM repairs and backup registry before making changes; consider system restore if needed.

Related Processes