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What is MsSense.exe and How to Fix its Errors on Windows
MsSense.exe can’t be just terminated because it’s part of Defender
3 min. read
Published onJanuary 10, 2024
published onJanuary 10, 2024
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Key notes
MSSense.exe is the executable file for Defender for Endpoint, a Microsoft security platform tool designed for enterprises.
What is the service name of MsSense.exe? The service name of MSSense.exe is SENSE. Additionally, when it’s launching a Live Response session on the Microsoft 365 Defender, the process also starts SenseIR.exe.
How do I fix MsSense.exe errors and issues?
1. Fix MsSense.exe high CPU and memory usage
1.Click theStartbutton,typeWindows Securityin the search bar and click on the app from the results.
3.SelectVirus & threat protection.
4.ChooseManage settingsfromVirus & threat protection settings.
- Scroll down and click onAdd or remove exclusionsunderExclusions.
6.SelectAdd an exclusionand chooseFolder.
7.Select the following path:C:Program files\Windows defender
- Validate the change by clicking onExclude this folder.
MsSense.exe high CPU and memory usage usually occurs when Windows Defender is scanning your PC and can get stuck during that process.
However, you should know that during scan, it’s normal for the process to take up to 50% of CPU. Another way to mitigate the problem is to change the scanning schedule so that it performs the scan when the endpoint is not active.
If you want more guidance on this issue, you can consult our guide onhow to fix MSMpEng.exe high CPUbecause this is another associated process that is causing this problem.
Please note that you can’t just simply kill the MsSense.exe process from Task Manager even if you have administrative privileges because this is a protected security process.
2. Fix MsSense.exe crashing with error code 0xc0000005
If you’re experiencing MSSense.exe crashing every 5-10 minutes and showing the error code 0xc0000005, the easiest way to fix it is to install all the latest OS updates.
This is a known bug with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and alternatively, you can install the KB5005292 directly from theMicrosoft Update Catalogto update its definitions.
You may also take a look at our guide on how tofix error code 0xc0000005 on Windows 11.
3. Fix Defender for Endpoint (MsSense.exe) locking files
For some of our readers every time the application downloads a file from the server, mssense.exe creates an RWD lock on the file for a short period of time, but enough for the app to return an error when accessing the file. By adding a folder exclusion in Microsoft Defender as shown above, you will avoid this issue.
Now you know what is MsSense.exe and what to do if it causes any problems. You might also be interested on how tofix the Windows Defender Service Access Denied error.
Did you manage to fix the MsSense.exe issues using our guide? Tell us more in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows Defender issues
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
