If you are interested in the PnkBstrA.exe process that you might see in the "Task Manager" or in the error message, then most likely you like to play network games. Because the presented process is directly involved in this action. This will be discussed in more detail in the article, so read it to the end to figure it out.
PnkBstrA.exe - what is it?
To begin, let's talk directly about what kind of process it is and what role it plays in the operating system. It is worth saying right away that it is not systemic, and disabling or deleting it will not cause any critical errors. It is necessary to check your computer for cheats (programs that give an advantage in network games with other players).
This software is distributed in conjunction with online games and is installed into the system when installing the game. The process starts at system startup and is in the background until the application starts.
Developers use PnkBstrA.exe in order to convict dishonest players, and for honest ones to create all conditions for a comfortable game. If you complete the PnkBstrA.exe process or remove the Punkbuster services program, to which it belongs, you will not be able to launch a game that requires these components to work.
Error: Service Communication Failure: PnkBstrA.exe
Now we will talk about the error, the short one appears due to a malfunction of the Punkbuster services program. We figured out that PnkBstrA.exe is a process that belongs to the Punkbuster services program and is necessary for catching cheaters in online games. It was also said that without it, the games would simply refuse to start. In this case, an error will appear on the monitor. As you might guess, to fix it, you need to install this program on a computer.
But sometimes an error appears even if you have all the necessary software on your computer, what should I do in this case? Due to the fact that this happens most often due to a lack of program rights, you must provide them with it. There are three ways to solve the problem:
- First, log into your antivirus program and check to see if the PnkBstrA.exe file is blocked. It is located on the path C: \ Windows \ System32 (or SysWOW64) \. If so, then that is the problem. You need to add the file to antivirus exceptions.
- Open the Run window by pressing Win + R and enter the command% localappdata%. After that, open the BF4 folder and go from there to the pb directory. In it, find the executable file PnkBstrA.exe and run it as administrator.
- Uninstall Punkbuster services and install it again.
After that, the PnkBstrA.exe process in Battlefield 3, for example, will work fine without generating any errors.
How to disable the process
If you notice that it heavily loads the system, you can disable it. To do this is quite simple, you will need:
- Open Task Manager.
- Find the PnkBstrA.exe process on the Details tab (in Windows 10) or Processes (in all other versions of Windows).
- Right-click on it and select "Cancel task".
After that, the process will close, but after restarting the computer, it will be started again.
How to remove PnkBstrA.exe
We have already figured out not only that PnkBstrA.exe is an important process for online games, but also how to fix the error associated with it. The instructions provided a way where you need to remove the program, and then install it again. Now we will figure out how to uninstall the software.
- Open the "Control Panel" by writing a name in the search on the system.
- Go to "Programs and Features."
- In the list of all applications, find Punkbuster services.
- Click on it with the mouse and select "Delete."
After that, the process of uninstalling this software will begin.
Conclusion
So we found out that PnkBstrA.exe is a process that is an anti-cheat in some games. But most importantly, we learned how to fix the error associated with it. Also do not forget: if you are not going to play network games and do not want the processor to be loaded with the PnkBstrA.exe program, delete it. In the future, you can still download the application separately.