How to fix MMC exe in Windows 10, what is MMC.exe?

How to fix MMC exe in Windows 10, what is MMC.exe?.

Launch Task Manager on any Windows computer and you will find hundreds of system processes running in the background. Some of these processes are properly labeled and their purpose is easy to define. There are also processes with rather confusing names (for example, werfault.exe, ctfmon.exe, csrss.exe, and others).

How to Configure IPSec on Windows(Opens in a new browser tab)

In this explanation, we will look at one such mysterious system process called mmc.exe. At the end of this article, you will learn what this process is, its functions, and how to determine if it is safe or harmful for your computer. There is also a troubleshooting section where you can find possible solutions to problems caused by the MMC.exe process.

What Is MMC.exe?

Almost all system processes running on your Windows computer run from their individual executable file. As for mmc.exe, it is the executable file responsible for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) on every Windows PC. Many system management tools such as Device Manager, Group Policy Editor, Disk Management, and Event Viewer rely on mmc.exe to function properly.

The console will only run in the background when using any of these services. If you manually close the mmc.exe process in the background, Windows will kill other dependent system processes, programs, and tools.

If the MMC executable file gets corrupted or infected with malware, these dependent system processes will also bear the brunt of the brunt. So how do you determine if mmc.exe is safe?

Is MMC.exe Safe?

The Microsoft Management Console executable (mmc.exe) MMC.exe is a nonessential program that ships with the Windows operating system. So this is the file that should be on your computer. As far as file security is concerned, there really isn’t a black or white answer here.

– /

Even though it is the main system file, mmc.exe can be unsafe for your computer, especially if it becomes problematic for its performance. When the mmc.exe process becomes invalid (say you have a malicious copy of a file), it can constantly run in the background, consuming your computer’s memory, CPU resources, and battery life. It can even infect other program files.

In its true form, mmc.exe is a secure file that serves as the basis for some background processes. Conversely, the file can create a problem for your computer if malware or virus masquerades as mmc.exe.

Therefore, in order to determine the security of the Microsoft Management Console executable, you need to ensure that you have an authentic copy on your computer. There are two ways to verify the authenticity of the file:

1. Check the location of the mmc.exe file

By default, you will find the mmc.exe file in the C: Windows System32 folder on your local drive. If you find the file elsewhere, it is most likely a virus or malware.

Start Task Manager and find Microsoft Management Console under the Processes tab.

Alternatively, go to the Details tab, right-click the mmc.exe file and select Open File Location.

Note. Several instances of mmc.exe can be found in Task Manager. This means that several system processes are actively using the management console. We recommend checking the file location for all process instances in Task Manager.

This will open a new explorer window; click the address bar to open the file path / location.

If the mmc.exe file is not located in the C: Windows System32 folder, it may be a virus.

Change View Source Code Editor in IE 8 thru 11(Opens in a new browser tab)

2. Check the signature of the MMC.exe file

Another way to verify the authenticity of the mmc.exe file is to verify the digital signature. Launch Task Manager and go to the Details tab. Right-click the mmc.exe file and select Properties.

Pay attention to the copyright for the file. If it doesn’t read Microsoft Corporation, the mmc.exe file on your computer is not genuine.

You should scan your computer with Windows Defender, but the truth is, Windows Defender isn’t enough; it often fails to detect certain viruses and malware, especially if their names match the names of genuine system files. Run the mmc.exe file through your antivirus, if you have one. See this guide to remove malware with free tools on Windows computers.

How to Disable Or Change Startup Programs In Windows 10(Opens in a new browser tab)

Fix MMC.exe Errors

If your computer displays errors such as “Microsoft Management Console has stopped working” or “This application (mmc.exe) has been blocked for your protection,” you must confirm that the mmc.exe file is not malicious (see the section above). …

If the file is located in the C: Windows System32 folder, signed by Microsoft and marked as safe by your antivirus software, try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the errors.

1. Run the disk check utility

Windows may not start the Microsoft Management Console if the mmc.exe file is damaged. Check Disk can fix the file; it scans all protected system files on your computer and fixes any corrupted files.

Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).

Paste the command below into the console and press Enter.

chkdsk C: / r

Restart your computer after the scan is complete.

2. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

SFC is another great tool built into the Windows operating system for fixing system file corruption and other related issues. Run Command Prompt as Administrator, paste the command below into the console and press Enter.

DISM.exe / Online / Cleanup-image / Restorehealth

This command performs cleanup and restore operations on the operating system. Moreover, it scans your computer for corrupted files and tries to fix them.

When Command Prompt has executed the above command, paste the below command into the console and press Enter.

sfc / scannow

Restart your computer and check if it can now launch Microsoft Management Console without error.

3. Disable SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen is a tool designed to protect your computer from potentially malicious code and applications. It works by scanning a program against a database of (recognized) Microsoft applications and programs. While this tool does block malicious services from running on your computer, it will mistakenly flag harmless software as malware.

If your computer keeps blocking mmc.exe, try disabling SmartScreen. However, before doing this, be sure to scan the mmc.exe file with an antivirus to make sure it is legal and safe.

Go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Security> App & Browser Management and set Scan apps and files to Off.

[10-disable-smartscreen-windows-10.png]

Safeguard Your Computer

To sum it all up, mmc.exe is a vital program that other system management tools need to run properly on your Windows computer. Like any other Windows system process, it is safe; removing it from your computer can destabilize dependent applications and programs.

However, if you find that the mmc.exe file is a virus, you should delete it immediately. After that, restart your computer to reinstall the executable file.

–