Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must reside in C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrt-dll.dll
Warning
Most DLLs load as part of system trust; not a standalone process
If you see it in unusual folders or without a valid signature, investigate
Can I Disable?
⚠ NO - Not Recommended
Disabling a core Windows DLL can destabilize security features. If necessary, rely on official OS options or IT guidance.
What is windowstrustedrt-dll?
windowstrustedrt-dll is a Windows system module responsible for runtime trust verification. It participates in code integrity checks and ensures that critical processes load only trusted, signed components. By coordinating with the OS security framework, it helps prevent unsigned or tampered code from executing within protected system and application contexts.
This DLL interacts with the Windows security stack to validate signatures, verify trust tokens, and enforce policy for loaded modules. It is loaded by system processes and trusted applications to maintain a secure execution environment.
Quick Fact: Windows uses a multi-layer trust model; windowstrustedrt-dll participates in runtime checks that prevent unsigned code from running in sensitive areas.
Types of Windowstrustedrt-dll Activities
- Loader Interaction: Invoked during process startup to verify modules.
- Trust Verifier: Continuously monitors loaded modules for integrity.
- Signature Enforcer: Checks digital signatures against policy.
- Policy Listener: Receives trust policy updates from Windows Security.
- Security Reporter: Reports trust status to security services.
Is windowstrustedrt-dll Safe?
Yes, windowstrustedrt-dll is a legitimate Windows system component when it is located in the official System32 folder and signed by Microsoft.
Is windowstrustedrt-dll a Virus or Malware?
The real windowstrustedrt-dll is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade as a similarly named file. Always verify location and signature.
How to Tell if windowstrustedrt-dll is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrt-dll.dll or a matching System32 path. Any windowstrustedrt-dll.dll elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a Microsoft signer such as "Microsoft Code Signing".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal. If a hosting process shows unusual CPU spikes, inspect the host process and compatibility.
- Behavior: The DLL should load as part of Windows trust verification, not as an independent background service.
Red Flags: If windowstrustedrt-dll.dll is located outside System32, lacks a valid signature, or loads in non-system processes, run a full malware scan and verify system integrity. Beware of similarly-named files in Temp or AppData folders.
Why Is windowstrustedrt-dll Running on My PC?
This DLL runs as part of Windows security features to enforce trust policies and verify loaded code. It is loaded automatically by system components and certain trusted applications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active System Trust Checks: The DLL is loaded to perform real-time integrity checks on running processes and modules.
- Code Signing Validation: It verifies digital signatures of modules to prevent tampering.
- Policy Updates: Windows security policies may trigger revalidation after updates or policy changes.
- Background Security Tasks: It participates in ongoing background tasks that enforce trust across the OS.
- Application Load Primitives: Some trusted apps rely on the DLL for trust initialization when loading plugins or components.
Can I Disable or Remove windowstrustedrt-dll?
No - It is a core Windows system DLL that supports code integrity and trust verification; removing or disabling it can destabilize the operating system.
How to Stop windowstrustedrt-dll
- Do Not Terminate Directly: Do not end the DLL via Task Manager. It is loaded into hosting processes.
- Run System Integrity Checks: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run: <code>sfc /scannow</code> and <code>DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth</code>.
- Update Windows: Install the latest Windows updates to ensure proper signatures and trust policies.
- Scan for Malware: Perform a full system antivirus scan to rule out counterfeit files.
- Consult IT Support: If you suspect tampering, contact Microsoft Support or an IT professional for a repair install or system restore.
How to Uninstall or Replace this DLL
- ✔ You cannot uninstall a Windows system DLL manually. Use System Restore or a repair install to restore system files if corruption is suspected.
- ✔ Alternatively, perform an in-place upgrade (repair) of Windows to refresh DLLs without affecting personal data.
- ✔ Keep Windows up to date to ensure a valid, signed copy is present.
Common Problems: DLL-Related Issues
If windowstrustedrt-dll exhibits problems, apply these checks and fixes to restore normal operation.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Corrupted system files: Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair Windows DLLs; consider a system restore if necessary.
- Outdated Windows version: Install pending Windows updates to refresh trust policies and signatures.
- Unsigned or tampered DLL: Perform a malware scan and verify the signature; replace with a clean copy from Windows Update.
- Conflicting security software: Temporarily disable third-party security tools to determine conflicts; re-enable after testing.
- Disk or file system errors: Run CHKDSK and check for disk issues; ensure sufficient disk space for system repairs.
- Dependent process instability: Identify the hosting process using Process Monitor and update or reinstall the dependent application.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run SFC and DISM to repair system files.
2. Update Windows to the latest build.
3. Scan for malware with a reputable security tool.
4. Verify the DLL location: C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrt-dll.dll
5. Restart the computer after applying fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is windowstrustedrt-dll?
A Windows system DLL involved in runtime trust verification and code integrity checks to prevent unsigned or tampered code from running in security-sensitive areas.
Is windowstrustedrt-dll safe?
Yes, when located in C:\Windows\System32 and properly signed by Microsoft. Verify the digital signature and path if you suspect issues.
Where is windowstrustedrt-dll located?
Typically in C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrt-dll.dll; if you find it elsewhere, investigate for tampering.
Can I disable windowstrustedrt-dll?
Disabling is not recommended and can destabilize Windows security features. If needed, consult IT or perform OS-level repairs rather than removal.
What should I do if Windows Defender flags this DLL?
Check the file path and signature, ensure Windows is up to date, run full system scans, and consider submitting the file for Microsoft verification if uncertain.
Can I uninstall Windows updates to remove the DLL issue?
Uninstalling updates is not advisable. Use System File Checker, DISM, and a repair install if you believe a recent update introduced a problem.