WUDFHost.exe: What is it & How to Get Rid of it

Understand what WUDFHost.exe is and if you should remove it or not

by Sagar Naresh
Sagar Naresh
Sagar Naresh
Content Analyst
Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing... read more
Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • WUDFHost.exe is a critical Windows component that is essential for it to run perfectly.
  • It would be best if you only tried to remove it if you find a trojan or malware masking it.
  • Resetting your PC is the safest option if you wish to get rid of the infected WUDFHost.exe file.

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In this guide, we will discuss what WUDFHost.exe is and how you can uninstall it from your PC. Several user reports claim that the WUDFHost.exe process is causing high CPU usage and slowing down the PC’s performance.

We will also understand whether WUDFHost.exe is essential for the Windows system. Because causally deleting any vital system resource could malfunction your PC. Let us get right into it.

What is WUDFHost.exe?

WUDFHost.exe is related to Windows User-Mode Driver Framework Host. Therefore, some USB drivers which run in user mode use this file to operate smoothly.

It is a process that provides stability and security to portable devices, MTP devices, sensors, etc. For example, when you connect your camera to your PC, the WUDFHost.exe process runs in the background.

WUDFHost.exe is an important file for Windows systems as it is used to communicate with hardware devices and is designed to load the drivers automatically.

The usual location where you would find the WUDFHost.exe file is in the C:\Windows\System32 folder on your computer.

Is WUDFHost.exe safe?

Yes. WUDFHost.exe is perfectly safe and is an essential Windows system process. It doesn’t pose any threat to your PC.

However, various trojans or malware can mask the WUDFHost.exe file and enter your PC to create multiple issues. So, it would be best if you first made sure that the WUDFHost.exe process on your PC isn’t the actual one.

Check if WUDFHost.exe is safe or not

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc buttons to open the Task Manager.
  2. Locate the WUDFHost.exe process.
  3. Right-click on it and select Properties.
  4. Switch to the Details tab.
  5. Check under the Product name and Copyright if the file is a legit one or not.

How can I get rid of the WUDFHost.exe?

In this article

1. Scan PC for virus

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Open Windows Security.
  3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
  4. Click on Quick Scan.
  5. Apply the prompted fixes to remove the trojan or malware.
  6. You can also click the Scan option and select Full Scan for an in-depth scan.

Windows Security is Microsoft’s built-in tool that allows you to keep your PC safe and protected. However, this isn’t as efficient as dedicated antivirus tools.

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In such a case, we suggest you use ESET Internet Security. Some of the best features of this tool include active web browsing protection, low power usage, runs in the background, spyware shield, online banking, payment protection, and much more.

However, if you would like to know other options, we suggest you look at our guide, which lists some of the best antivirus tools for your PC.

2. Disable Device Install Service

  1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
  2. Type services.msc and hit OK.
  3. Locate Device Install Service.
  4. Open it.
  5. Under Startup type, select Disabled.
  6. Click Apply and OK.
  7. Restart your PC.

3. Reset your PC

  1. Open the Settings menu by pressing Win + I keys.
  2. Click on Recovery.
  3. Click Reset PC.
  4. Select the Keep my files option.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your PC.

Resetting your PC will remove any trojan that might be masking itself as a WUDFHost.exe process. This is an easy way to remove such files without deleting any of your files.

4. Reinstall Windows

Reinstalling Windows OS will only help if the WUDFHost.exe process is not genuine and you are sure that it is malware or trojan stealing your personal files.

Because if you wish to remove the WUDFHost.exe file from your PC, that won’t be possible as it is a critical system component.

You can check out our guide that explains how to reinstall Windows 11 in just two easy steps.

That is it from us in this guide. Several users also doubt what MusNotifyIcon.exe is and whether they should remove it. You will get your confusion rectified by following our guide on it.

Also, if you want to know what MOM.exe is, you can refer to our guide. There are several queries regarding what is DAX3API.exe and how they can remove it. We have a guide that explains everything, along with the process of removing it from your PC.

It would be best if you never tried to remove or remove anything from your PC until you know what the file is and whether it is an essential Windows component or not.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you understood what the WUDFHost.exe file is and if it is a trojan, you removed it from your PC.

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