What is Msdtc.exe & Should you Remove it?

Msdtc.exe is a legitimate system file

3 min. read

Updated onMarch 1, 2024

updated onMarch 1, 2024

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Key notes

Msdtc.exe is a component of the Microsoft Distribution Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC) program and it’s a very important part of any version of Windows. Therefore, you should not remove it. However, some viruses can disguise themselves under the MSDTC moniker and perform malicious actions.

What is Msdtc.exe?

As we have mentioned above, Msdtc.exe is a legitimate file that is part of the system and which you can find in theC:\Windows\System32folder.

The Microsoft Distribution Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC) app allows multiple client applications to have more than one source of data, for a transaction. Then, its process coordinates the distribution across the servers of the transaction.

However, do not confound it with Msdt.exe which is the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool that is also a legitimate file.

Is Msdtc.exe a virus?

Usually, the file is perfectly safe and you shouldn’t mess with it or its process. In fact, stopping it or removing the file will cause issues with all the related software that uses it. Most likely, .NET Framework, ISS, and Visual Studio will be affected so we strongly recommend against removing it.

However, wrongdoers may also disguise their malicious software and processes under the Msdtc.exe file name (or with small letter differences) or its process.

Do I need to remove Msdtc.exe?

1. Find out if you have duplicate MSDTC duplicate services

2. Find out if Msdtc.exe is a legitimate file

These are the ways you can learn if Msdtc.exe is a virus or if it’s dangerous to your system. If everything is in order, do not attempt to remove the file.

How do I remove Msdtc.exe?

1. Perform an SFC scan

2. Perform a full antivirus scan

Windows Defender is pretty powerful but if the fake Msdtc.exe has taken over, you might need to scan your system with amore powerful antivirus.

Here concludes our article on Msdtc.exe and we hope that now you know what is it, if you need to remove it, and how to do that.

We also recommend reading our article onwhat to do if MSDTC encountered an errorin Windows.

For any questions or viable solutions, let us know in the comments section below.

What is Msdtc.exe & Should you Remove it?#

What is Msdtc.exe?#

Do I need to remove Msdtc.exe?#

1. Find out if you have duplicate MSDTC duplicate services#

2. Find out if Msdtc.exe is a legitimate file#

How do I remove Msdtc.exe?#

1. Perform an SFC scan#

2. Perform a full antivirus scan#