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What’s rdpstartuplauncher.exe (Launcher for the AVD redirection startup handler process.)? Is it safe or a virus?

The process `rdpstartuplauncher.exe` by Microsoft Windows is associated with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). It acts as a launcher for the AVD redirection startup handler, responsible for initializing and managing redirection services during an AVD or remote desktop session.

These redirections may include peripherals such as printers, USB devices, or audio to ensure seamless integration between the local client system and the virtual desktop environment. The file ensures that these redirection functions are correctly launched and executed, facilitating a smooth, optimized user experience when connecting to virtual desktops or applications via remote desktop services in Azure.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about rdpstartuplauncher.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes rdpstartuplauncher.exe (Launcher for the AVD redirection startup handler process.)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of rdpstartuplauncher.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: November 12, 2025

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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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