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What is SetupPlatform.exe & Should You Use It?
All you need to know about the SetupPlatform.exe process!
4 min. read
Updated onApril 2, 2024
updated onApril 2, 2024
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A typical Windows PC consists of hundreds ofbackground processesand tasks that kick in automatically when a particular action is to be performed. TheSetupPlatform.exe, too, falls in the same category.
It has been a cause of concern for many, throwing system errors from time to time. But things are not as complex as they appear, andSetupPlatform.exeerrors are easy to fix. Let’s find out all the about the process and the solutions that worked for others!
What is SetupPlatform.exe?
The executable file is a part of the Microsoft library and is digitally signed. TheSetupPlatform.exeprocess kicks in during theOut-of-Box-Experiencein Windows or during an update or upgrade process. The file location is:C:\WINDOWS\System32\oobe\SetupPlatform
If we were to look into the file properties,SetupPlatform.exehas a size of 265 KB. Also, remember that it’s not malware and is completely safe as per scans run using thebest antiviruses for Windows.
While you don’t need the file at all times, we recommend against deletingSetupPlatform.exefor a simple reason, this might trigger more errors. Or, for that matter, you shouldn’t delete any files bundled with the Windows installation by default.
And the process being critical during the upgrade process, it becomes all the more important to leave the file as it is.
How do I fix SetupPlatform.exe errors?
Before we start with the slightly tricky solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:
If none work, head to the fixes listed next.
1. Repair the corrupt system files
SinceSetupPlatform.exeis a part of Windows by default,corrupt system filescan often trigger issues with it. And a quick fix to eliminate problems arising out of it is torun the DISM tooland the SFC scan, which will replace any corrupt files with their cached copy stored on the PC.
As an automated process for the above solution, you can go for adedicated toolto ensure an in-depth repair of your Windows system.
2. Uninstall any third-party antivirus
If you have a third-party antivirus or security software on the PC, it could conflict with the functioning of the OS and triggerSetupPlatform.exeissues. In most cases,uninstalling the programdoes the trick. Besides, if you still prefer using a third-party solution, check thebest antivirus for Windows.
3. Perform an in-place upgrade
Another sure-shot solution to fixingSetupPlatform.exeerrors in Windows 11 is to perform an in-place upgrade. The process doesn’t affect the stored files or apps and takes a few hours to complete. If this too fails,create a bootable driveandreinstall Windowsfrom scratch.
Before you leave, do check some quicktips to make Windows faster than ever.
For any queries or to share information we missed, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:install Windows 11,System Files
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
