Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in <code>C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll</code> and be digitally signed by <strong>Microsoft Corporation</strong>.
Warning
Unusual load patterns possible if third-party software proxies runtime.
Verify digital signature and origins; malware may masquerade with similar names.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling can affect apps that rely on trusted runtime proxy features. Only disable if you know the impact and have alternatives.
What is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll?
windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll is a Windows system library that provides a trusted runtime proxy layer used by security, virtualization, and enterprise apps. It mediates inter-process communications and loads trusted runtime components, ensuring isolation and integrity. It is loaded by Windows services and certain applications that rely on trusted proxies.
This module acts as a proxy between apps and secure runtime services, enforcing isolation and integrity checks. It participates in trusted loading, address space binding, and hook points that enable secure IPC without exposing core system processes.
Quick Fact: Windows uses runtime proxy DLLs like windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll to enforce security boundaries and prevent untrusted code from directly interacting with critical system components.
Usage Contexts for windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll
- System Loader Layer: Provides a secure path for loading trusted runtime components on demand.
- Application Proxy: Mediates IPC between apps and isolation/runtime services.
- Security Sandbox Helper: Assists in enforcing sandbox boundaries for sensitive operations.
- Virtualization Support: Used by virtualization tools to proxy trusted runtime code.
- Updates/Integrity Monitor: Participates in validating and loading updated runtime proxies when available.
- System Services Interaction: Interfaces with Windows services that require trusted runtime access.
Is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll Safe?
Yes, windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll is safe when it is the legitimate file from Microsoft located in the System32 folder and digitally signed by Microsoft Corporation.
Is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll a Virus or Malware?
The real windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll is not a virus. Malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names; always verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll and not in user-writable or Temp folders.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource and Module Signatures: Check the signature chain and file version; mismatched or missing signatures indicate tampering.
- System Events: In Event Viewer, look for legitimate service entries invoking the DLL rather than unrelated startup events.
Red Flags: If the DLL is located outside of System32, lacks a valid signature, or loads in contexts unrelated to Windows services or virtualization, scan with Windows Defender or a reputable security tool immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll" from untrusted sources.
Why Is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll Running on My PC?
windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll may be loaded by Windows components or trusted applications that require a secure runtime proxy layer. It ensures isolated and controlled access to sensitive runtime resources, particularly in enterprise or virtualization-enabled environments.
Reasons it's running:
- Active System Security/Sandboxing: Windows security features or virtualization tools load the DLL to maintain a guarded runtime proxy for protected processes.
- Enterprise Applications: Enterprise software relies on trusted proxies to communicate with secure runtime services, causing the DLL to be active.
- Windows Startup/Background Services: Certain services may preload the DLL at boot to speed up security checks and sandbox initialization.
- Software Updates: Windows or security software may load the DLL to validate and proxy updated runtime components.
- Dependency for Runtime Providers: Applications or drivers depending on Windows runtime providers load the DLL as part of their IPC mechanism.
Can I Disable or Remove windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll?
Disabling may impact security features or virtualization-enabled apps. If you are certain no dependent software uses it, you can disable or restrict its loading, but be prepared to re-enable if required by updates or enterprise tools.
How to Stop/Limit windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll
- Identify Dependencies: Open Task Manager and Dependency Walker to see which apps rely on the DLL.
- Disable Startup Loading: In Windows Task Manager > Startup, disable items that preload Windows security/virtualization components.
- Modify Services: If a service loads the DLL, disable or configure the service (careful: may affect stability).
- Update or Replace: Ensure all security/virtualization software is up to date; sometimes a vendor-provided alternative is available.
- Run Antivirus/ASR: Perform a full system scan and verify signature integrity to rule out tampering.
How to Remove the DLL (If Needed)
- ✔ Use Programs and Features to uninstall dependent software that uses the DLL, then run System File Checker: sfc /scannow
- ✔ If a system component is implicated, avoid manual deletion; seek vendor guidance or Windows Update repair options
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll appears to cause excessive resource usage:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active security/virtualization modules misbehaving: Identify the dependent app via Task Manager, update or reconfigure the module, and restart.
- Outdated Windows or security tooling: Run Windows Update and install the latest security patches; reboot after updates.
- Conflicting security scanners: Temporarily disable non-essential scanners or whitelists for the DLL, then re-scan for malware.
- Corrupted DLL file: Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair system files; replace the DLL from a known good image if needed.
- Malware impersonation: Perform a full system malware scan with multiple engines and verify the file signature and path.
- Excessive IPC activity from apps: Close or limit applications that frequently communicate with trusted runtime services; consider fewer sandboxed tasks.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager to identify processes related to the DLL load
2. Run Windows Update to ensure latest security patches are installed
3. Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair system files
4. Perform a full system antivirus scan and verify the file signature
5. If needed, temporarily disable startup items related to security/virtualization components
Frequently Asked Questions
Is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll a virus?
No, the legitimate windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll from Microsoft is a system component in C:\Windows\System32 and is digitally signed by Microsoft Corporation. Misleading files with similar names can exist, so verify path and signature.
Why is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll running on my PC?
It runs as part of security/virtualization features that require a trusted runtime proxy. It may be loaded by Windows services or enterprise apps that rely on trusted IPC mechanisms.
Where is windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll located?
The legitimate file should be at C:\Windows\System32\windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll. If you find it elsewhere or with a mismatched signature, investigate for tampering.
Can I delete or disable windowstrustedrtproxy-dll.dll?
Disabling may impact security features or apps that rely on it. If needed, only disable after understanding dependencies and preferably with vendor guidance.
How do I verify the DLL's signature?
Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Ensure the signer is 'Microsoft Corporation' and that the certificate is valid.
What should I do if I suspect a problem with this DLL?
Run a full malware scan, verify the file path and signature, check Windows Update status, and consider repairing system files with sfc /scannow or contacting IT support for enterprise environments.