Download SpyShelter
Discover our Resources →
Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.Application Control
Control your PC apps and their behaviors.What’s that .exe?
Is that executable safe, or a threat?SpyShelter PC Protection
Learn how to protect your PC from bad apps.Registry Protection
Protect your Windows Registry from harm.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.The WindowsCopilotRuntime.exe is a new AI tool made by Microsoft, and built into Windows itself.
Microsoft writes that "New for Windows 11, Copilot in Windows is an AI-powered intelligent assistant that helps you get answers and inspirations from across the web, supports creativity and collaboration, and helps you focus on the task at hand. Copilot in Windows helps you stay focused while it performs the tasks you need to get done. From adjusting your PC’s settings to organizing your windows with Snap Assist, Copilot saves you time and helps you be more efficient."
Now, instead of being limited to Edge, Microsoft's Copilot AI helper tool is now part of the Windows OS.
If you're not a fan of an AI Copilot working with you, and potentially sharing private data with Microsoft, then it's possible to disable this optional tool. To disable the Windows Copilot, start by clicking the Windows/Start button. Then, type "Settings" and open it. Navigate to Personalization, select Taskbar, and toggle off the Copilot.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the WindowsCopilotRuntime.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs
A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.
Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.
Check your PC for threatsWe’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of WindowsCopilotRuntime.exe.
How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.
The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.
Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.
Have any questions? Please join our free public SpyShelter PC Security Forum and talk cybersecurity with our USA-based team. We love talking about PC Security and we’d like to get to know you.
Join our PC security forum →
