Computer and technology

Two Different Instances of Csrss.exe?

Written by Robert

The Windows is an extensive operating system that involves a lot of different processes and there are many different system functions that are always running in the background. Windows is easily the most popular OS in the world, but there are some issues which come up and you need to take care of them. One such system process which runs in the background of this operating system is the Csrss.exe. It is a regular and standard windows system process information which has been into this OS for a long time.

Since Windows 3.1 was first launched back in 1993, csrss.exe is hovering in the Windows OS. Over time, it has turned out to be one of the crucial system processes ever. However, as time passed, the importance of csrss.exe has gradually seen a decline. Yet, it continues to be an integral part of the Windows. It has access to many parts of Windows OS security. This can work to prevent any unwanted system process to access sensitive data in the PC.

So, what are you going to do if you see more than one csrss.exe system process running? Well, it really needs some doing in such a case. Let’s talk about that in this blog and find out what you must do to safeguard your PC.

Can Csrss.exe Be Harmful For Your PC?

Crss.exe had the ability to control the entire framework of the Windows OS. That included a wide range of functions like displaying of programmes, generating the mouse cursor, and so on. However, currently it has very limited functions to perform and take care of. Some of these are really crucial to the overall proper functioning of the Windows OS. That is the reason why it is never recommended to get rid of this system process completely. It can lead to a whole system crash if you do the same.

The Crss.exe does not use too much of PC memory or takes up a lot of space in the HDD. It runs in the background on its own and helps to facilitate the different system processes. In most cases it is absolutely safe and has a vital role to play in the overall Windows OS. But, it can also get corrupted by a malacious process as well. That is when you must worry about the csrss.exe and find out ways to eliminate them.

What to do when there’s two instances?

If you come across two different crss.exe system process running in the background, it is high time that you do something about it. One of these csrss.exe instances can be really helpful and others are nothing but a gimmick.

So, you can easily remove the non-system processes and keep the original one running perfectly. Here are the steps you should follow when you come across two different instances –

Step 1. Verify the Csrss.exe File

  • Open the Windows Task Manager from the start menu or bottom panel and click on the “Processes” tab.
  • Under the “Processes” tab in the Windows Task Manager, you are going to see a long list of all the kinds of processes that are running on the windows OS at that particular moment.
  • Now, right click on the csrss.exe system processes after you have found it and then click on the Delete option.
  • If the Windows prompts you to not delete the system function, then it is the original Crss.exe process. Avoid doing anything with that one. However, if your PC does not give any kind of prompt, then shut down that particular system process.

Step 2. Deleting Csrss.exe With Regedit

  • Open the start menu option and then type “regedit.exe” in the Run search bar. Press enter and a new tab will open with different options.
  • To be on the safe side, you can actually backup all the system’s registry before you are going to make any changes to the system. This guarantees a backup in case anything goes wrong.
  • Now, click on “File” on the Regedit menu and click on Export. Save the registry file to any safe location in the disk or you can use an external storage device also. All your data is safe now.
  • Click on the “Edit” option in the Regedit menu and then click on the “Find” option in the new tab.
  • Type the following code in the bar – “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Csrss.exe” in the Find box and then click on “Find Next” in order to search for the system process.
  • Right click on the “csrss.exe” file that is available in the results and then select “Delete” from the context menu.
  • Click on “File” and then “Exit” so that you can close the Regedit page.

About the author

Robert

Robert loves the sea and dreams of getting a home with a beachfront. He used to be a Data Scientist in a multinational company but left his job to follow his passion for writing.