Buzz
As there's no direct way to open a DLL file, the rundll32.exe process is simply used to execute functions stored in .dll files. This executable file is a legitimate part of Windows and typically poses no threats.
Note: Legitimate processes reside in \Windows\System32\rundll32.exe. However, in some cases, spyware may use the same filename and run from a different directory to conceal itself.
If you suspect any issues, run antivirus programs and perform system scans to ensure security.
Locate the rundll32.exe process on Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista using Process Explorer
Instead of using Task Manager, leverage Microsoft's free tool, Process Explorer, to gain specific insights into each program running on the system. Compatible with all Windows versions, it's the best choice for troubleshooting issues.
Open Process Explorer, select File => Show Details for All Processes to ensure a comprehensive view.
When hovering over rundll32.exe in the list, you'll find a tooltip containing details about the process:
Alternatively, right-click on it, choose Properties, then open the Image tab to view the full path of the running process. You can even check the Parent process, in this case, Windows shell (explorer.exe), to identify if the process can be run from a shortcut or startup item.
Scroll down and examine the file details similar to your actions on Task Manager. In the given example, the process is part of the NVIDIA control panel, so no actions should be taken with this process.
In Process Explorer, apart from the rundll32.exe file, there are many other files whose origins are unknown, like Conhost.exe for instance. Refer to the article 'What is Conhost.exe and why is it running on the system...' for more information about this file.
How to disable the Rundll32 process on Windows 7?
Depending on what the process is, you wouldn't want to disable it. However, if you wish to, you can type msconfig.exe into the Search box on the Start Menu or the Run command window to open the System Configuration window.
You can locate the rundll32 process in the Command Column, similar to the Command Line seen in Process Explorer. Simply uncheck it to prevent the process from auto-starting with the system.
Sometimes, if the process doesn't have a system startup entry, you'll need to take an additional step to find where it initiates. For instance, opening Display Properties on XP reveals another rundll32.exe process in the list. This is because the internal Windows user utilizes rundll32 to run that dialog.
Disable rundll32 on Windows 8/10
If you're a Windows 8 or Windows 10 user, you can use the Startup tab in Task Manager to disable rundll32. Refer to how to access Task Manager on Win 10 for guidance.
Utilizing Task Manager in Windows 7 or Windows Vista
One of the great features of Task Manager in Windows 7 or Windows Vista is the ability to view the entire command line of any running application.
In the example below, you can observe 2 rundll32.exe processes running:
By accessing View and selecting Columns, you'll see the Command Line option you want to check on the list.
Now you can see the full path of the file on the list. The rundll32.exe path in the System32 folder is legitimate, and the additional DLL parameters are what is being executed.
If you scroll down to determine the file's location, in the example below with nvmctray.dll, hovering over the file name reveals the true nature of the file:
Alternatively, you can open the Properties window and go to the Details tab to view file descriptions, usually indicating the purpose of the file.
Once you know what the rundll32.exe file is, you can configure it as needed for disablement or otherwise. If no information is available, you can search on Google or seek advice from people on a tech forum.
Additionally, when checking Task Manager, you'll notice numerous Service Host Processes running that cannot be easily terminated. To understand what Service Host Process is and the correct usage of Service Host Process, follow our article on Service Host Process that we have introduced.
