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What is WMIADAP.exe & Should You Remove it?
Everything you need to know to get rid of the errors!
5 min. read
Updated onApril 2, 2024
updated onApril 2, 2024
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WMI, or Windows Management Instrumentation, is a repository that stores vital information. And certain processes and applications related to it run on the PC. One such that many had trouble with is WMIADAP.exe.
Users typically reporthigh CPU usagedue to the process, and for some, the antivirus flagged it as malware. Many even found WMIADAP.exe running right after startup. So what exactly is the process, and how can you fix its errors? Let’s find out!
How do I fix WMIADAP.exe errors?
Before we proceed to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:
If none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Disable all non-critical startup apps
Maybe an app on your PC conflicts with the process and triggers WMIADAP.exe’s high CPU consumption. So,disable the app from startup.
And if that doesn’t work out, you will need touninstall the programstriggering the issue. Simply identify when the problem first started, make a list of apps installed around the same time, and remove them individually until you find the problematic one.
2. Repair corrupt system files
Often thecorrupt system filesaffect the functioning of core Windows processes and apps, including WMIADAP.exe.
A quick way to repair these is torun the DISM tooland the SFC scan or let a reliablethird-party softwaredo the job for you.
3. Scan for malware
If you are wondering whether WMIADAP.exe is a virus and running it is safe, a full system malware scan should make it clear. Besides, if Windows Security doesn’t present convincing results, you could rely on aneffective third-party antivirus.
4. Uninstall recent Windows updates
If you started facing problems after a recent update, it could be an introduced change or any new configuration that might be conflicting with WMIADAP.exe and triggering errors. And the best option here is touninstall the updateand wait for a patch to be released.
5. Perform an in-place upgrade
When nothing works, you can perform an in-place upgrade to get things up and running. Remember, the repair upgrade works only for built-in processes and apps. And since WMIADAP.exe is one, it should do the trick. Also, the process wouldn’t affect the personal files or apps on the PC.
Once you have fixed things, check out some quick tricks tospeed up Windowsand make it run faster than ever. We also have a guide that explains how toremove DLADiag.exe, so don’t miss it.
Keep in mind that WMIADAP is a built-in application in Windows that keeps sending updates to the WMI Repository regarding performance information. Given that it’s present by default, WMIADAP plays a vital part in the OS.
The WMIADAP.exe file is stored in the following directory:C:\Windows\System32\wbem
The process offers several switches to be able to execute functions better and perform the intended purpose. The/fswitch parses the performance libraries, while the/rswitch parses Windows Driver Model drivers.
Should I remove WMIADAP.exe?
Microsoft recommends against disabling or removing WMIADAP.exe in itsofficial blog postunless an expert suggests otherwise and the changes do not adversely affect the PC.
But remember, there are cases where malware or viruses disguise as WMIADAP.exe and continue running on the PC unabated since you can’t identify it. An increased CPU usage due to the process may present a problem.
These are all easily fixable and should be the preferred option before you disable the WMIADAP app. Avoid tinkering with allbuilt-in Windows processesand apps to prevent damage to the OS.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:High CPU usage,Windows 11
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.
