Wsqmcons.exe: What Is It & Should You Disable It?

With each version of Windows that has been released, there has been an improvement in features, interface, and overall performance. However, this doesn’t take away the fact that whatever version you’re using, there are some common OS problems.

If Microsoft were to improve its software, it’d need user feedback. That’s where the Windows System Quality Monitor or wsqmcons.exe comes in. Do you need it? Find out here.

What is Windows SQM?

Windows SQM, also known as Windows Consolidator, is a data collection and analytics solution that helps developers, and Microsoft understand how people use Windows apps.

It is a feature that helps Microsoft improve Windows and is designed to collect information about how you use Windows and other Microsoft products and services, including how you interact with the websites you visit. 

Other benefits include:

• Quality monitoring – Getting feedback allows you to measure, monitor and analyze the quality of your software portfolio, especially if you’re a developer.
• Tracking – As a developer, you will also be able to track software quality attributes like security incidents, product defects, and customer issues to better respond promptly.
• Report generation – The data collected on software will help you keep an analysis and performance report on your software to check whether it is improving or deteriorating.

Collecting this information helps keep your PC running at peak performance. The main purpose of SQM is to help Microsoft improve its software products and services. 

For example, the data collected by SQM help Microsoft understand the reliability issues most relevant to its customers so that it can prioritize fixes. 

Microsoft can include such features in upcoming updates by generating suggestions for new features or improvements.

How can I disable the wsqmcons.exe file?

To disable the wsqmcons.exe legitimate file, you need first to check its location. If it’s in the C:\Windows\System32\ directory, it is in the correct location.

Still, you may want to opt out of the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP). If so, go with solutions 1 and 2. 

However, if it is in any other location, it is most likely a virus, and you should perform the steps from solution 3.

1. End process from Task Manager 

1. Hit the Windows key, type Task Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
2. Navigate to the Processes tab, and find the wsqmcons.exe process.
3. Right-click on it and select End task.

2. Disable process from Task Scheduler 

1. Hit the Windows key, type Task Scheduler in the search bar, and click Open.
2. Click on Task Scheduler Library and find Customer Experience Improvement Program on the right pane.
3. Right-click on it and select Disable.

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3. Scan for viruses 

1. Press the Search icon, type Windows Security, and click Open.
2. Select Virus & threat protection.
3. Next, press Quick scan under Current threats.
4. If you don’t find any threats, proceed to perform a full scan by clicking on Scan options just below Quick scan.
5. Click on Full scan, then Scan now to perform a deep scan of your PC.
6. Wait for the process to finish and restart your system.

As an alternative, you may use an efficient antivirus solution that can deliver enhanced security and detection rate for malware threats.

The software below can offer machine learning tools for detecting and removing all kinds of threats, plus secure your online data from phishing attacks.

⇒ Get ESET Internet Antivirus

4. Perform a System File Checker

1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.
2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow

Do I need wsqmcons.exe?

In today’s advanced world of technology, most people are wary of any company collecting their data. It’s a valid concern as your data can get into the hands of unauthorized parties. 

There is also the possibility of hackers exploiting users by sending out trojans, malware, and viruses with similar names to the wsqmcons.exe file, especially if you don’t have a comprehensive antivirus.

You have nothing to worry about for Windows SQM, as it doesn’t collect any personal information. It does not collect any content from your files or emails or record what you type while writing a document or email message. 

Windows SQM only collects non-personal device data such as hardware settings, application usage patterns, and reliability information.

Its main role is to provide feedback on the quality and reliability of your PC by collecting telemetry data from users. This data helps improve future versions of Windows by highlighting issues that are most important to you.

In addition, SQM provides detailed information about app usage for Windows Store apps that are distributed through the Windows Store. This includes how frequently apps are opened and how long they’re used.

Developers can then use this information and make improvements based on that information. Since this is a Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) opt-in program, you can always opt-out if you don’t want to participate in such surveys.

Now that you know you can give feedback on the software you use in Windows, it’s a personal decision on whether you should disable wsqmcons.exe or not. 

Also, learn about twdsuilaunch.exe and whether you should remove it from your PC.

Leave a comment below for any comments or queries.