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The Broadcast DVR Server process, also known as bcastdvr.exe, is part of the Windows operating system. Essentially, this process is related to the Game DVR feature, allowing users to record/screenshot gameplay.
What is Broadcast DVR Server?
The Game DVR feature on Windows 10 allows users to record/capture in-game screenshots. You can automatically record/capture screenshots of all games running in the background (such as Xbox One or PlayStation 4), initiate and stop recording/capturing via the Game Bar, or stream online games with Microsoft's Beam service.
The Process Broadcast DVR server is associated with the Game DVR feature on Windows 10. If you're using Game DVR to record/capture in-game screenshots or livestream, the process bcastdvr.exe will run on the system to perform these tasks. If you're not using Game DVR for recording/capturing in-game screenshots, this process will remain idle in the background and won't consume system resources.
Why does the Broadcast DVR Server consume high CPU and RAM?
If you notice the Broadcast DVR server process consuming high system resources like CPU or RAM, it may be because the process is capturing/recording in-game screenshots. This could happen for one of two reasons: you're manually capturing/recording game screen from the Game Bar or you've set Game DVR to automatically capture in-game screens in the background. And because the Broadcast DVR server process consumes significant system resources, it could potentially degrade gaming performance and experience.
To prevent and resolve the issue of the Broadcast DVR server process consuming excessive system resources, navigate to Settings => Gaming => Game DVR. Turn off the option Record in the background while I’m playing a game
Is it possible to disable the Broadcast DVR server process?
Essentially, the Broadcast DVR server process is not malicious; it only consumes system resources when you're recording or capturing in-game screenshots. If desired, you can disable this process, for example, if you don't need to use the Game Bar or Game DVR features. Simply disable Game Bar or Game DVR, and the Broadcast DVR server process will also be disabled.
First, go to Settings =>Gaming =>Game DVR and turn off the option Record in the background while I’m playing a game.
Next, go to Settings =>Gaming =>Game Bar and turn off the option Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar.
What is Broadcast DVR Server? Why does it run on Windows computers?
After disabling Game Bar and Game DVR, log out and log back in, then you can check if the Broadcast DVR server process is no longer running on the system. Windows will restart the service if you reactivate the Game Bar or Game DVR features.
Is the Broadcast DVR server process a virus?
There are currently no reports indicating that the Broadcast DVR server process or bcastdvr.exe is malicious software.
To check if the Broadcast DVR server process running is a virus or malicious software, simply right-click on the process in Task Manager and select Open file location.
On the screen, you'll see a File Explorer window opening the C:WindowsSystem32 folder with the selected bcastdvr.exe file.
If the path opens a different folder or displays a file with a different name, it's highly likely to be malware disguised under the Broadcast DVR server process.
Of course, if you're concerned about security and malware, you can run antivirus software installed on your computer to ensure safety. Antivirus software will scan the system to detect viruses, malware, and remove these malicious programs.
With the explanation of what Broadcast DVR Server is and why it runs on Windows above, hopefully, you'll gain some knowledge about how certain processes work as well as some features on the Windows operating system. Hopefully, this Mytour article will provide you with useful information.
