Short on time?

It controls many critical functions on your operating system, including the Windows console and the PC shutdown procedure.

If you remove CSRSS.exe, Windows will not be able to function.

Preliminary Step — Check if CSRSS.exe Is Malicious

However, malware files sometimes name themselves CSRSS.exe to avoid detection on your system.

The genuine CSRSS.exe app will be located in your System32 folder (C:WindowsSystem32).

If CSRSS.exe is legitimate, Windows will open your System32 folder.

Preliminary Step — Check if CSRSS.exe Is Malicious

Note: Its normal to see multiple instances of CSRSS.exe running in your Task Manager.

Its important you dont delete the file manually as you dont know what its doing to your PC.

Manually deleting the file could damage your system.

Norton

Step 1.

Run a full disk scan on your Windows machine using a secure antivirus program (I recommend Norton).

The full antivirus scan will go through every file and process on your PC and quarantine any harmful files.

Norton

You must let the scan run through to completion.

Wait for the scan to complete before moving on to step 2.

Step 2.

Norton

Carefully go through this list and remove any virus threats.

After youve gone through every quarantined file and removed any malware from your disk, kickstart your setup.

The second full disk scan wont take as long as the first.

Norton

Many antiviruses (includingNorton) recognize recently scanned files.

Its a good idea to run this scan as soon as your PC has restarted.

When the infected file list is empty, it’s possible for you to move on to step 3.

Norton

Step 3.

Keep Your gadget From Getting Re-Infected

Its really easy for your system to get infected with malware.

Heres what you’re able to do to prevent yourself from getting re-infected.

Bitdefender

The CSRSS.exe trojan is malicious software thats disguised as the legitimate Windows process csrss.exe.

Once executed, it can perform a variety of harmful actions.

It can also enable keystroke logging, which can capture your passwords and other private data.

TotalAV

The CSRSS.exe trojan often manipulates system processes and registry configs, leading to a significant drop in system performance.

My top pick,Norton, scored a 100% malware detection rating against all forms of malware.

Its scanner combines a massive malware database with heuristic analysis that recognizes emerging threat patterns in real time.

Bitdefender

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CSRSS.exe a virus?

CSRSS.exe isnt a virus.

Its a critical process used by Windows to control various elements of your operating system.

TotalAV

Can I end CSRSS.exe process?

No, you cant end the CSRSS.exe process.

This is because Windows cant run without CSRSS.exe.

Why is CSRSS.exe running twice?

In other words, its perfectly normal to see CSRSS.exe running more than once.

However, you canfollow our guide to check each instance of CSRSS.exeif youre worried you have a virus.

Is CSRSS.exe needed?

Yes, CSRSS.exe is needed.

Without it, Windows wont be able to operate, and your PC will shut down.

You should never delete CSRSS.exe.

If you do have a fake version of CSRSS.exe, you should use a virus scanner likeNortonto remove it.

Best Antiviruses for Removing CSRSS.exe in 2025 Final Score: