Many users of computers and laptops, looking at the process tree displayed in the task manager, often encounter an incomprehensible RTHDCPL service at startup. What is it, unfortunately, few people imagine. Let's look at the description of the process and find out what it is for and what this service is responsible for. By the way, it will seem familiar to many users of desktops and laptops. It’s just that no one was trying to see where the acronym denotes this process came from. However, first things first.
RTHDCPL at startup: what is it?
In fact, you should not be afraid of the presence of such a process at startup. The service itself is not critical, although sometimes it can cause some errors or malfunctions in the system (this is not common, however it happens).
In fact, there should be nothing incomprehensible here. What is RTHDCPL at startup? This is one of the components of a special sound panel (Realtek HD Audio Control Panel), which is installed as related software along with Realtek sound card drivers. Let's take a closer look at the rthdcpl.exe service. What kind of process do we have in this case, it will become clear after describing some of the features of the software components themselves.
Why is the process loading with the system?
If you approach the issue of the service itself, it is located in the startup menu only because of the default settings. After installation, many applications behave this way, including their own client processes in the system startup process.
RTHDCPL is also in autoload for the reason that initially the developers of Realtek software decided that this would be the most convenient way for the user to call the components for managing sound schemes and effects without having to manually call the application. The soundbar icon is located in the system tray. Note that it is highlighted separately and does not replace the standard volume icon.
Realtek Sound Manager Concept
If we consider the topic: “RTHDCPL: what kind of process is it,” you cannot ignore the panel itself, which is often associated with the concept of Realtek Sound Manager, which literally translates as “Realtek sound manager”. What is he like?
The panel itself is a very convenient means of controlling almost all sound characteristics and soundcard capabilities. First of all, pay attention to the ability to configure the speakers. There are several options. Depending on the type of speakers, their number and modification of the sound card, you can easily change the stereo sound to surround sound. In some cases, if there are only two speakers, you can configure the so-called emulated virtual surround sound related to the concept of “pseudo”.
On the panel, you can also find advanced settings for the inputs and outputs of the front and rear panels, not to mention the general volume or balance adjustment. Of particular note are the built-in standard sound equalizer circuits. So, for example, from the list you can choose the sound of “pop”, “rock”, etc. At the same time, you can build the equalizer yourself and save the settings under a custom name. Basically, the features are standard.
How appropriate is the use of the panel?
Of course, getting quick access to controlling the sound characteristics of a computer is good. But the question is, how justified is the use of this panel, has a twofold answer. If you are a music lover who does not think of himself without listening to music, please use your health.
On the other hand, if heavy-weight applications and programs are often used on a computer, in some cases this service can even cause hardware conflicts, especially when sharing the same device or installing or updating drivers. It’s better to turn off the panel.
Can I disable RTHDCPL.exe at startup?
The simplest answer to this question is yes. However, if we approach the topic of the question “RTHDCPL at startup: what is it?” more broadly, it should be borne in mind that just disconnecting this particular component of the soundbar will not work.
In principle, the service itself can be disabled in the same task manager by simply unchecking the corresponding menu item "Startup". But here you need to remember that this is just one of the many components of sound control. Therefore, it is advisable to sort all processes or services by the name of the manufacturer, and then disable all other related components as necessary.
Although, as mentioned above, the RTHDCPL process in startup is not critical and does not use too many system resources. Nevertheless, in the case when the maximum load on the system is required or errors occur that even lead to the disappearance of sound, it is recommended to disable this service (at least the main component). This will not affect the stability of the system in any way.
Can rthdcpl.exe be a virus and how to determine it?
So, RTHDCPL at startup - what is it? Safe process or virus? Indeed, there is a possibility that this service may be a threat, since some types of viruses are masked precisely under it.
Determining whether this process is a virus or some malicious code can be quite simple, even when looking at the process tree in the task manager. The fact is that the real original service in the description line and the manufacturer has a clear indication that this is a Realtek product. In a virus or malware, in most cases such a signature is simply absent, and the system writes that the manufacturer is unknown. If such a situation arises, you can be sure that you are facing a threat.
On the other hand, you can use the search system to see the location of the rthdcpl.exe executable file, which in the original should be located in the System32 system folder of the Windows directory. If such a file is present in another location, this is clearly a virus. As it is already clear, in this case, you will have to use a full-time antivirus scan, and preferably some independent tool in the form of a portable version, say, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
Conclusion
To summarize, the sound management and soundcard capabilities management service itself is harmless. Of course, to improve the sound of music or when watching movies or clips, this tool is simply indispensable. But if there is no such need, then the constant presence of the process in RAM is simply not necessary. So there will be nothing wrong with the fact that the service will be disabled, and instead, the standard Windows scheme and settings will be used. However, it is everyone who decides for himself. Therefore, it is possible to advise something specific only depending on the preferences and needs of the user himself.