What is HsMgr.exe and How to Disable the Startup Application

The Hsmgr.exe file is a component of Asus sound cards and is used to provide GX2.0 features. On PCs running the process, you will find both the HsMgr.exe (32-bit) and HsMgr64.exe (64-bit) entries configured to run at startup!

Often, HsMgr.exe (32-bit) is seen triggering conflicts and crashing applications like Origin and Apex Legends. This is a known problem and disabling the 32-bit component fixes the problem in no time. On the other hand, disabling both 32-bit and 64-bit HsMgr.exe may affect the audio functionality on the PC.

How can I disable HsMgr.exe?

1. Check HsMgr.exe for virus

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Scan options.
4. Select the Full scan entry and click on Scan now.
5. Wait for the malware scan to complete. It typically takes up to 30 minutes.

In the past, antiviruses have flagged HsMgr.exe as a virus. So, you must run a full-system malware scan to verify this. Also, check the file’s location. Ideally, the two files are stored in the following paths:

• HsMgr.exe (32-bit): C:\Windows\SysWOW64
• HsMgr.exe (64-bit): C:\Windows\System32

When these are stored anywhere else on the PC, run another scan with an advanced antivirus solution and delete HsMgr.exe, if it’s again flagged as a threat.

2. Disable the startup entry

1. Press Crtl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, and go to the Startup tab.
2. Now, right-click on the HsMgr Application (32-bit) entry, and select Disable.
3. Reboot the PC and check for improvements.

You may also try disabling the HsMgr Application (64-bit component) entry. Just make sure this doesn’t have any adverse effects on the audio functionality. If it does, revert the changes!

3. Update the sound card driver

1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers entry, right-click on the Asus sound card, and select Update driver.
3. Click on Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best locally available version.
4. Once done, restart the computer to apply the changes.

In 3 out of 5 cases, updating the driver, be it for Asus Phobeus or ASUS Xonar sound card, fixed the HsMgr.exe error in no time. When Windows can’t find a better version, go to the manufacturer’s official website, locate the new releases, and then manually install the latest driver.

Also, if updating doesn’t work, use a top-rated driver uninstaller software to remove the current driver files and then reinstall a fresh copy of the driver.

4. Perform a system restore

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and click on the relevant result.
2. Click on System Restore.
3. Select the Choose a different restore point option, if available, and click Next.
4. Pick the oldest restore point from the list, and click Next.
5. Verify the restore details, click Finish, and confirm the change.
6. Once the restore is complete, check for improvements.

In case a recent change to the PC triggered HsMgr.exe errors, performing a system restore will get things up and running. Make sure you choose a restore point created before the problem first appeared.

While many suggest a complete HsMgr.exe removal, I recommend against it since the process performs critical functions. Instead, you should disable the startup application if the process has a high CPU usage.

Before you leave, discover expert tips to make Windows faster and enjoy superfast performance!

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.