If you have a computer based on the Windows operating system and you are using an Intel processor, you may find the hkcmd application in startup. Some users are wondering why it is needed, what role it plays in the system, and whether it can be closed. These problems will be considered in the article, so read it to the end to get a closer look at the hkcmd component.
What is it?
Before clarifying all the nuances of interaction with this process, it would be reasonable to give him a definition in order to understand what we are dealing with. Without talking for a long time, we can immediately say that hkcmd is the process responsible for the operation of hot keys in the system. This is clear from its full name - Hotkey Command Module. It is a development of Intel, so it is found only in computers based on the chipset from Intel.
It is he who allows the user to speed up their work at the computer, but for those who do not use hot keys, there is the opportunity to turn it off to reduce the load on the computer’s central processor.
Varieties
So, we already know what the process is hkcmd.exe, but before proceeding to the instructions for disabling it, we should make a reservation, saying that in the system this process can be displayed under different names. This is because the hkcmd Module program contains several processes that are equally responsible for the same thing - the execution of all the functions of hot keys.
For the future, bear in mind that the hkcmd.exe process analogues are the hotkeyscmds.exe and igfxEM.exe processes. All instructions that will be given later are common to all.
Where is the executable file
To work with this process, we need to find out where its executable file is located. Fortunately, this can be found out very easily, but before describing the universal method, I would like to indicate the exact path in the text version.
- "C: \ WINNT \ System32 \" - in the operating systems Windows NT and Windows 2000;
- "C: \ WINDOWS \ System32 \" - in the Windows XP operating system;
- "C: \ Windows \ System32 \" - in all other operating systems.
But if you do not want to manually follow this path in the "Explorer", then you can do it differently:
- Open the Task Manager window.
- Click the Processes tab.
- Find the application "hkcmd.exe".
- Click on it with RMB.
- Select File Location.
After that, the "Explorer" window will open, where the desired executable file will be highlighted.
Is it possible to complete the process
As mentioned earlier, if you do not use hot keys, you can still complete the process, however, this is not recommended. There are reasons to resort to this action:
- You noticed that the process is heavily loading the operating system. It is worth noting that this is extremely rare, most often the reason is the virus hiding under hkcmd.exe, and not the process itself.
- You have a weak computer, and every megabyte of RAM you have in your account.
- If you are not using advanced graphics settings.
Now, let's figure out how to complete or delete the process.
How to complete or disable it
So, we already know that hkcmd is a process that can be disabled if necessary. Several methods can be used for this, each of which implies a different degree of deactivation. The first, which we will consider, will complete the execution of the hkcmd.exe algorithms in only one session:
- Launch the Task Manager.
- Click the Processes tab.
- Find "hkcmd.exe" in the list.
- Highlight it.
- Click the "End Process" button.
The second method will completely disable the launch of this process on the computer. To do this, you need:
- Launch the startup window. To do this, go to the tab of the same name in the "Task Manager".
- Find the "hkcmd Module" application in the list.
- Uncheck it.
After performing these steps, when the computer starts, the process will not start.
Removal Programs
If you are completely sure that you do not need the hkcmd Module component in the system, then you can permanently remove it. True, for this you will have to use special software. We will consider everything with the CCleaner example:
- Run the program.
- In the main window, go to the "Tools" section.
- Select the "Startup" subsection.
- Click the Windows tab.
- Find the desired program in the list.
- Highlight her.
- Click the "Delete" button.
Next, confirm your actions. After that, the application will be completely removed from your computer.
Hkcmd.exe virus
If you notice that the process is heavily loading your system, then do not rush to remove it, perhaps you blame the virus that is hiding under the same name. Fortunately, there is an easy way to calculate and delete it. As mentioned, the process executable is located in the System32 folder. Therefore, to calculate the malicious program, you just need to look at the location of this file in the process that is loading the computer. If the folder is different, delete it. It does not hurt to check the computer for the presence of other viruses using third-party antivirus software.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you learned that hkcmd is a process that is responsible for the operation of the hotkey function in the system. If necessary, you can disable it or even delete it. Most importantly, you learned to check it for viruses.