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Demystifying iType.exe: What Is It Really?
Unraveling the Mystery of iType.exe: Is It a Virus or Malware?
iType.exe is not malicious software (malware), a virus, or a rootkit. It is a legitimate system driver.
Originally known as Microsoft IntelliType, Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center is a utility that allows users to personalize their keyboards, customize keyboard functionality, add shortcuts and hotkeys (if compatible), and perform various other tricks.
However, this utility isn't particularly essential as Windows already includes default keyboard drivers. If you wish to explore further, you can download and install drivers for this utility.
Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center Driver is harmless, compatible with all versions of Windows, including Windows 10, and is part of Windows Update, ensuring constant updates.
Can iType.exe be disabled?
Certainly, there are three options available: prevent iType.exe from automatically starting with Windows, stop the service altogether, or completely uninstall the service.
When using Microsoft keyboards or mice, there are additional utility options available. The itype.exe service only utilizes a very small portion of system resources, so it has no impact on the computer.
Prevent iType.exe from starting with Windows
Follow the steps below to prevent iType.exe from starting with Windows:
Step 1: Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar, then select Task Manager.
Step 2: Select the Startup
Step 3: Locate and double-click on iType.exe to set the service status to Disabled.
Step 4: Restart your computer and you won't see the iType.exe service running on the system anymore.
If desired, you can reactivate the service for use.
Modify or stop the itype.exe service
If you don't want the service running on the system 24/7, or if you want to use the service next time, you can completely modify or stop the service.
Step 1: Right-click on any empty space on the Taskbar, then select Task Manager.
Step 2: Select the Services tab, then choose the Open Services link at the bottom left corner.
Step 3: From the list, locate and right-click on Microsoft IntelliType and choose Manual or Disabled.
Choosing Manual means that if you want to open the program, you'll have to do it manually. Choosing Disabled means the program will be completely disabled.
Step 4: Select Stop to immediately halt the service.
Depending on your selection, the iType.exe service may or may not start when you launch the Microsoft IntelliType application.
Completely uninstall Microsoft IntelliType
Microsoft IntelliType is merely a driver, so you can easily uninstall it. Restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall default drivers.
Once the drivers are loaded, all keyboard functionalities will work normally, except for the special features integrated into Microsoft IntelliType.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start button (Windows icon), select Control Panel.
Step 2: Select Uninstall a program.
Step 3: Locate and right-click on Microsoft IntelliType, choose Uninstall/Change.
Step 4: Restart your computer after completion to reload the default drivers.
And the iType.exe service will no longer run on your computer. Volume buttons and special function keys will no longer function. If shortcut keys don't work, simply download the latest version of Microsoft IntelliType.
In addition, there are many other hidden .exe files running on the Windows system that users may not be aware of, such as the wmpnetwk.exe file. To learn more about wmpnetwk.exe, refer to the article What is wmpnetwk.exe here.
