What’s StartCD.exe (Microsoft Windows StartCD application)? Is it safe or a virus?

StartCD.exe by Microsoft Corporation is an executable file associated with older versions of Windows, designed to facilitate the autoplay or autorun feature for CDs or DVDs. When inserted into a computer's optical drive, the application launches and provides users with options to install software, view files, or access multimedia content stored on the disc. This file typically resides on installation or multimedia discs created for Windows systems, making it easier for users to interact with the disc’s contents without manually navigating to the files.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the StartCD.exe process is safe or malware.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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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.

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More about StartCD.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes StartCD.exe (Microsoft Windows StartCD application)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of StartCD.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.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

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.

Last updated: August 16, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

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.

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