Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should reside in C:\Program Files\VC Crash Reporter\vc_crash_reporter.exe
How it works
Runs in the background to collect crash data and may report to Microsoft or the software vendor when enabled by system or app settings.
Telemetry is intended for developer diagnostics; user consent and privacy settings apply.
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling may reduce crash data collection; app or Windows settings can control data sharing.
What is vc_crash_reporter.exe?
vc_crash_reporter.exe is the Visual C++ Crash Reporter utility that collects crash data from programs built on the Visual C++ runtime. It runs quietly in the background to aid developers by sending diagnostic information when crashes occur, improving software stability and fixes.
This process is part of the Visual C++ runtime stack. It captures crash details (minidump, call stacks) and forwards them to Microsoft or the app vendor for analysis, enabling faster bug fixes and reliability improvements.
Quick Fact: Crash reporters like vc_crash_reporter.exe help developers diagnose issues across the ecosystem of Visual Studio and VC runtimes.
Types of Crash Reporter Processes
- Crash Reporter Service: Monitors for crashes system-wide and collects data in the background
- Application-Specific Reporter: Tied to a particular VC++-dependent application when it crashes
- Telemetry Aggregator: Consolidates crash data for diagnostics and telemetry pipelines
Is vc_crash_reporter.exe Safe?
Yes, vc_crash_reporter.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Microsoft Visual C++ Crash Reporter file located in the proper Program Files folder and signed by Microsoft.
Is vc_crash_reporter.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate vc_crash_reporter.exe is not a virus. Malware occasionally mimics names, so verify the path and digital signature.
How to Tell if vc_crash_reporter.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\VC Crash Reporter\vc_crash_reporter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\VC Crash Reporter\vc_crash_reporter.exe. Any vc_crash_reporter.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show 'Microsoft Corporation' as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-3% CPU and 5-50 MB memory. Constant high usage with no crashes is a red flag.
- Behavior: Should run primarily in response to crashes or during telemetry windows. Unnecessary background activity warrants investigation.
Red Flags: If vc_crash_reporter.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs constantly without app crashes, lacks a valid digital signature, or reports to unknown endpoints, scan with antivirus and verify the Visual C++ runtime installation.
Why Is vc_crash_reporter.exe Running on My PC?
vc_crash_reporter.exe runs to collect crash data for applications using the Visual C++ runtime. It may start when a program crashes or when Windows Error Reporting is enabled, and can operate in the background to send diagnostic information.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Crash Reporting: The reporter starts when an application experiences an unhandled exception and collects diagnostic data to aid developers.
- Background Telemetry: It may run to relay crash information to telemetry pipelines even if a crash dialog is not shown.
- Startup/Installer Preference: If the VC++ runtime or Visual Studio components are installed, the reporter may launch at user login or system startup for reliability checks.
- Developer Tools Integration: During development or when debugging, the reporter can be invoked to capture additional context for crashes.
- Privacy and Diagnostics Settings: Enabled diagnostic data collection by Windows or an app can trigger the reporter to operate in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove vc_crash_reporter.exe?
Yes, you can disable crash reporting. This may reduce diagnostic data collection but will not affect the core operation of Visual C++ runtimes. You can manage data sharing via Windows settings or application-specific options.
How to Stop vc_crash_reporter.exe
- End the process manually: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate vc_crash_reporter.exe, right-click and End Task
- Disable startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > find VC Crash Reporter and Disable
- Adjust crash reporting settings: Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback > set to Basic or off; disable 'Automatically send detailed results' where available
- Repair or disable Visual C++ runtimes: Control Panel > Programs and Features > Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages > Repair or Uninstall (remove only if you plan not to use VC features)
- Restart and verify: Restart the computer and confirm vc_crash_reporter.exe is not automatically restarting
How to Uninstall vc_crash_reporter
- ✔ Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x64) > Uninstall
- ✔ Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (x86) > Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstalling the related runtimes
Common Problems: Crash Reporter Behavior
If vc_crash_reporter.exe is misbehaving, use these checks and fixes to restore normal operation or minimize impact on system performance.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Unexplained high CPU usage: End the process if stuck, disable crash reporting, and verify there are no repeated crash events from the same app.
- Reporter starts on login: Disable startup entry in Task Manager and review startup apps.
- No crash data being sent: Verify telemetry settings in Windows and the app; ensure network connectivity and that data sharing is allowed.
- Corrupted runtime components: Repair or reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables from Programs and Features.
- Antivirus false positives: Add vc_crash_reporter.exe to antivirus exceptions or temporarily disable conflicting protection during troubleshooting.
- Outdated runtime: Update to the latest Visual C++ Redistributables from Microsoft.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify vc_crash_reporter.exe instances with Shift+Esc in supported apps
2. Disable unnecessary startup items related to VC components
3. Repair Visual C++ Redistributables via Settings > Apps > Features
4. Check Windows Settings for Diagnostics & Feedback and adjust data sharing
5. Ensure your system is up to date with the latest Visual C++ runtimes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vc_crash_reporter.exe?
It is the Visual C++ Crash Reporter utility used to collect crash data from applications built on the Visual C++ runtime to help developers diagnose issues.
Is vc_crash_reporter.exe safe to run?
Yes, when it's located in a legitimate Microsoft Visual C++ runtime folder and signed by Microsoft Corporation.
Why is vc_crash_reporter.exe running on my PC?
It runs to collect crash data when a VC++-dependent application crashes or when Windows Error Reporting is enabled for diagnostics.
Can I disable vc_crash_reporter.exe without breaking anything?
Yes, you can disable crash reporting via Windows privacy settings or Task Manager, but crash data collection will be reduced or stopped.
How do I uninstall vc_crash_reporter.exe?
You generally uninstall the related Visual C++ Redistributable packages from Apps & Features; this will remove the crash reporter if it is bundled with those runtimes.
Where is vc_crash_reporter.exe located?
Common locations include C:\Program Files\VC Crash Reporter\vc_crash_reporter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\VC Crash Reporter\vc_crash_reporter.exe; verify the digital signature as Microsoft Corporation.