RTHDCPL at startup: what is this process?

Many users of computers and laptops, peeking into the tree of processes displayed in the task manager, often encounter the incomprehensible service RTHDCPL in startup. What is it, unfortunately, very few people imagine. Let's look at the description of the process and find out what the service is for and what it is responsible for. By the way, many users of stationary computers and laptops will find it very familiar. Just no one tried to see where the abbreviation meant the process. However, about everything in order.

RTHDCPL at startup: what is this?

In fact, there is no need to be frightened of having such a process in the startup. The service itself is not critical, although sometimes it can cause some errors or malfunctions in the system (this occurs infrequently, nevertheless it happens).

In fact, nothing incomprehensible here should not be. What is RTHDCPL at startup? This is one of the components of a special sound panel (Realtek HD Audio Control Panel), which is installed as an accompanying software along with the drivers of sound cards Realtek. Let's take a closer look at the service rthdcpl.exe. What kind of process we have in this case will become clear after describing some of the features of the software components themselves.

Why is the process loaded with the system?

If you approach the issue of the service itself, it is in the Startup menu only because of the default settings. After the installation, many applications behave this way, including their own client processes in the start-up process.

RTHDCPL in autoload is also due to the fact that initially the developers of the software company Realtek decided that it is the most convenient way for the user to call the components of managing sound schemes and effects without manually calling the application. The soundbar icon is located in the system tray. Note that it is allocated separately and does not replace the standard volume icon.

Realtek Sound Manager

If you consider the topic: "RTHDCPL: what kind of process is it?", One can not ignore the panel itself, which is often associated with the concept of Realtek Sound Manager, which literally translates as "sound manager Realtek". What does he represent?

The panel itself is a very convenient means of controlling almost all the sound characteristics and capabilities of the sound card. First of all, you should pay attention to the ability to configure the speakers. There are several options. Depending on the type of loudspeakers, their number and modification of the sound card, you can easily change the stereo sound to surround sound. In some cases, if you have only two columns, you can set up a so-called emulated virtual surround sound, referring to the concept of "pseudo".

On the panel, you can find advanced settings for the inputs and outputs of the front and rear panel, not to mention the overall volume or balance adjustment. Special attention should be paid to the built-in standard sound schemes of the equalizer. For example, from the list you can choose the sound "pop", "rock", etc. At the same time, you can build an equalizer yourself and save the settings under the user name. In principle, the possibilities are standard.

Is it advisable to use the panel?

Of course, it's good to get a quick access to controlling the sound characteristics of a computer. But the question is, how justified is the use of this panel, has a twofold answer. If you are a music lover who does not think himself without listening to music, please use it for health.

On the other hand, if heavy applications and programs are often used on a computer, in some cases, this service can even cause hardware conflicts, especially when sharing access to the same device or when installing or updating drivers. It's better to disable the panel.

Can I disable RTHDCPL.exe at startup?

The simplest answer to this question is "yes." However, if you approach the topic of the question "RTHDCPL at startup: what is this?" More broadly, it should be borne in mind that by just disabling this particular component of the sound bar it will not do.

In principle, the service itself can be disabled in the same task manager, simply unchecking the corresponding item in the "Startup" menu. But you need to remember that this is just one of many components of sound control. Therefore, it is desirable to sort all processes or services by the name of the manufacturer, and then disconnect all other related components as needed.

Although, as mentioned above, the process itself RTHDCPL in startup is not critical and does not use too much system resources. However, in the case where the maximum reduction in the load on the system is required or errors occur that even lead to the disappearance of sound, it is recommended that this service be disconnected (at least the main component). The stability of the system will not affect this in any way.

Can rthdcpl.exe be a virus and how to determine it?

So, RTHDCPL in autoload - what is it? A secure process or a virus? Indeed, there is a possibility that this service can be a threat, because some types of viruses are masked just for it.

Determine whether this process is a virus or any malicious code can be quite simple, even when looking at the process tree in the task manager. The fact is that this original service in the description line and the manufacturer has a very clear indication that this is a product of the company Realtek. In a virus or malware, such a signature is simply not available in most cases, and the system says that the manufacturer is unknown. If there is such a situation, you can be sure that there is a threat before you.

On the other hand, you can use the search engine to look at the location of the rthdcpl.exe executable, which in the original must reside in the System32 system folder of the Windows directory. If such a file is present in another location, it is clearly a virus. As it is already clear, in this case we will have to use a standard antivirus scan, or better by some independent means in the form of a portable version, say, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

Conclusion

If to sum up, the service of management of sound and possibilities of a sound card is harmless. Of course, to improve the sound of music or when watching movies or clips, this tool is simply irreplaceable. But if there is no such need, then the process is not necessary to find the process in RAM. So it will not be any trouble that the service will be disabled, and instead the standard schema and Windows settings will be used. However, this is already everyone decides for himself. Therefore, you can advise something specific only depending on the preferences and needs of the user.