What’s csrss.exe (Client Server Runtime Process)? Is it safe or a virus?

So... you're looking at your Windows Task Manager and you see this strange-sounding csrss.exe process running. Kind of a suspicious sounding name, isn't it? But, this Microsoft signed executable is not suspicious at all, actually.

In fact, our team here at SpyShelter's Cybersecurity Labs in Austin, Texas found this Windows csrss.exe process is critical if you want your PC to work properly. So, what exactly does this process do for your PC?

The csrss.exe (Client/Server Runtime Subsystem) process in Windows is responsible for managing the graphical instruction set under a session. This includes the responsibility for handling console windows, and creating or deleting threads. A thread allows an executable to do multiple tasks at once.

Csrss.exe is also involved in powering your user-mode portion of the windowing and graphics systems, like the management of the graphical user interface and the terminal services.

The Windows Client/Server Runtime Subsystem does quite a lot of critical things for your PC, so please leave it running to avoid problems. Just double check that it's actually signed by Microsoft, and then you should be safe. You can confirm it's signed by Microsoft by checking the .exe properties in Windows, or use our popular SpyShelter Antispyware app.

Researched by Jon @ SpyShelter Labs