What is MMC.exe and is it safe?
Launch the Task Manager on any Windows computer and you will find hundreds of system processes running in the background. Some of these processes are properly labeled and identifying their purpose is easy. There are also processes with rather confusing names (eg Werfault.exe, ctfmon.exe, csrss.exe, among others).
In this article, we will take a look at one of these mysterious system processes called mmc.exe. At the end of this article, you will know what the process is, its function, and how to determine if it is safe or bad for your PC. There is also a troubleshooting section where you will find potential solutions to problems caused by the MMC.exe process.
What is MMC.exe?
Almost all system processes running on your Windows computer are powered by their single executable file. As for mmc.exe, it is the executable file responsible for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) on every Windows PC. Many system management tools such as Device Manager, Group Policy Editor, Disk Management and Event Viewer rely on mmc.exe to function properly.
The console will only animate in the background when you use one of these services. If you manually close the mmc.exe process in the background, Windows will terminate other dependent system processes, programs and tools.
If the MMC executable file becomes corrupted or infected with malware, these dependent system processes will also suffer the brunt. So how do you determine if the mmc.exe file is safe?
Is MMC.exe safe?
The Microsoft Management Console executable file (mmc.exe) MMC.exe is a non-essential program that comes with the Windows operating system. So it’s a file that should be on your computer. As for the security of the file, there is really no answer it is black or white.
Despite being a core system file, mmc.exe may not be safe for your computer, especially if it becomes problematic for your PC’s performance. When the mmc.exe process becomes rogue (suppose you have a malicious copy of the file), it may run continuously in the background, thus consuming PC memory, CPU resources and battery life. It may even infect other program files.
In its true form, mmc.exe is a secure file that acts as a backbone for some background processes. Conversely, the file could pose a problem to your computer if a malware or virus disguises itself as mmc.exe.
Therefore, to determine the security of the Microsoft Management Console executable file, you must ensure that you have a genuine copy on your computer. There are two ways to ascertain the authenticity of the file:
1. Check the location of the mmc.exe file
By default, you will find the mmc.exe file in the C: Windows System32 folder on your local drive. If you find the file elsewhere, it’s likely a virus or malware.
Start the Task Manager and locate the Microsoft Management Console in the Processes tab.
Alternatively, go to the tab Details, right-click mmc.exe and select Open file path.
Note: you may find multiple instances of mmc.exe listed in the Task Manager. This means that multiple system processes are actively using the management console. It is recommended that you check the file location for all instances of the process in the Task Manager.
This will open a new File Explorer window; click on the address bar to reveal the path / location of the file.
If the mmc.exe file is not in the folder C: Windows System32, it could be a virus.
2. Check the signature of the MMC.exe file
Another way to confirm the authenticity of the mmc.exe file is to check the digital signature. Launch the Task Manager and go to the tab Details. Right click on mmc.exe and select Property.
Note the copyright of the file. If he doesn’t read Microsoft Corporation, the mmc.exe file on your PC is not genuine.
You should scan your PC with Windows Defender, but the truth is, Windows Defender isn’t enough; it often fails to detect certain viruses and malware, especially if they have names similar to authentic system files. Run the mmc.exe file through an antivirus if you have one. Refer to this guide on removing malware with free tools on Windows computers.
Fix MMC.exe errors
If your computer generates errors like “Microsoft Management Console has stopped working” or “This app (mmc.exe) has been blocked for your protection”, you should confirm that the mmc.exe file is not malicious (see section above ).
If the file is located in the C: Windows System32 folder, signed by Microsoft Corporation and marked by the antivirus software as safe, try the following troubleshooting steps to eliminate the errors.
1. Run the check disk utility
Windows may fail to run Microsoft Management Console if the mmc.exe file is damaged. The Check Disk tool can fix the file; scans all protected system files on your computer and repairs any damaged files.
Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command into the console and press Enter.
chkdsk C: /r
Restart your computer after the disk scan is complete.
2. Run System File Checker (SFC)
SFC is another great tool built into the Windows operating system to fix system file corruption and other related issues. Launch Command Prompt as administrator, paste the following command into the console and press Enter.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
This command performs cleanup and restore operations on the operating system. It also scans your PC for corrupt files and attempts to repair them.
When the command prompt executes the above command, paste the following command into the console and press Enter.
sfc /scannow
Restart your computer and check if your PC can now run the Microsoft Management Console without errors.
3. Disable SmartScreen
Windows SmartScreen is a tool designed to prevent your computer from being infected with malicious code and applications. It works by scanning a program with Microsoft’s database of (recognized) apps and programs. Although the tool actually blocks malicious services running on your computer, it mistakenly flags harmless software as malware.
If your PC keeps blocking mmc.exe, try disabling SmartScreen. Before doing this, however, be sure to scan the mmc.exe file with an antivirus tool to confirm that it is legitimate and safe.
Go to Settings > Update and security > Security of Windows > App and browser control and set the option Check apps and files its Disabled.
Protect your computer
To sum up, mmc.exe is a vital program required by other system management tools to function properly on your Windows computer. Like any other Windows system process, it is safe; removing it from your computer could destabilize dependent programs and apps.
However, if you find that the mmc.exe file is a virus, you should delete it immediately. Next, reset your Windows 10 PC to reinstall the executable file.
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