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csrss.exe



Csrss.exe (Client/Server Runtime Subsystem) is a critical Windows Operating System process that manages console windows such as command line interface tools, command line interpreters, and text editors that do not need to display images. Csrss.exe runs in the Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7 operating systems and can be found in the primary hard drive’s C:\Windows\System32 folder.



How Csrss.exe Works

Csrss.exe works bridges the gap between kernel space and user space on the computer. Kernel space refers to an area of the hard drive that is dedicated to running the core system files and maintaining the programming that supports the Windows Operating System. User space refers to an area of the hard drive that is dedicated to applications, programs, tools, and other software on the computer, whether it is system-related or not. By translating information between these two hard drive sectors, Csrss.exe is able to help maintain the Windows Operating System.



Is Csrss.exe Harmful?

Csrss.exe is not harmful, but like any process, malicious software can corrupt or mimic it in order to hide from anti-virus software. If the user suspects that Csrss.exe is a corrupted or malicious file, he/she should run an anti-virus software such as Spyware Terminator, Advanced SystemCare, or Malwarebytes’ Antimalware. The user should also run a registry cleaner, such as CCleaner, in order to check the Windows Registry for errors and fix them. The user should not, however, attempt to remove the file.



How to Remove Csrss.exe

Csrss.exe is a critical Windows process and neither Windows Task Manager nor the popular third party software known as TaskKill can remove it. When the user attempts to remove it, he/she will receive this error message: “This is a critical system process. Task Manager cannot end this process.” However, Csrss.exe can be stopped from running in the Windows Vista Task Manager if it is running in Administrator mode, but doing so causes the Windows Operating System to stop running properly. If the user is experiencing problems with Csrss.exe, such as too much CPU usage, he/she should use the Windows Installation disc to repair the operating system, rather than remove Csrss.exe.
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