ETDCtrl.exe – Is it A Virus ? [What 2 Do About It]

Have you encountered this executable process on your Windows computer? Many users have reported pop-ups of the etdctrl.exe process appearing on their computer. Most of these users are also unsure as to the functionality and necessity of the process. This article will expand on what etdctrl.exe does for your computer, whether or not the process is safe for your computer, and how to remove the process if you choose to do so.

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What is ETDCtrl.exe?

The etdctrl.exe process is a software component of ELAN Smart-Pad by ELAB Microelectronics, which is a touchpad commonly used on laptops. The executable process runs the ETD control center which is a driver that provides some additional functionality to this touchpad.

The ETD control center assists the user with its “Multi Finger operation” which is the function of the touch pad that allows the user to zoom in or out with multiple fingers on the touch pad. This is a process that is built into most laptops and, in its legitimate form, is completely harmless. However, some users have reported viruses or malware on their computer with the etdctrl.exe file name. 

ETDCtrl.exe Virus

Although the legitimate version of this executable process is safe, some viruses or malware may attempt to disguise themselves as the etdctrl.exe process on your computer. To determine whether or not the etdctrl.exe file on your computer is malware or not, you should start by checking the spelling of the file to make sure it is spelt correctly. Many viruses feature slight misspellings of the legitimate file name, so it is imperative that you check the spelling before moving on with the investigative process. Next, determine the location of the file. The etdctrl.exe process should run from C:\Program Files\elantech/etdctrl.exe, so if it is running from any other location then it is likely a virus.

If you are still unsure whether or not the file is a virus, there are two tools you can access on most Windows operating systems: Task Manager and Process Explorer. To use Windows Task Manager, go to View, Select Columns, and then select Image Path Name. To use Microsoft Process Explorer, start the program (it does not require installation) and activate Check Legends under Options. Then, navigate to View, Select Columns, and then add “Verified Signer” as one of the columns.

If the “Verified Signer” status of the process is listed as “Unable to Verify” you should check the information of this file. If the publisher listed for etdctrl.exe is not ELAN Microelectronic Corp. or if the file size is not roughly 85.89 megabytes, then it is likely a virus. Once you have identified the file to be a virus, the next step should be downloading an anti-virus tool like Malwarebytes onto your computer to detect and remove the virus.

How to Fix Other ETDCtrl.exe-related Issues

Even if the etdctrl.exe process on your computer is not a virus, you still might be experiencing issues related to it. This is because etdctrl.exe is an executable process that takes up memory on your computer to run. If it is frequently running on your computer, it might slow down your computer. Although deleting an executable built into your computer’s functionality is not often recommended, this executable process is not necessary for the touchpad’s functionality.

Therefore, it would be completely safe, and likely unimposing, to remove etdctrl.exe from your computer. However, there are several other methods for troubleshooting issues related to etdctrl.exe that avoid removing the process completely from your computer. This section will detail these troubleshooting methods and outline the steps necessary to remove etdctrl.exe from your computer if you choose to do so.

 

1. Disable ETD Control Center

Before you remove the ETD Control Center completely from your computer, try simply disabling the program instead. To disable ETD Control Center in your Windows computer, follow these five steps.

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Esc to launch Windows Task Manager on your computer.
  2. Navigate to the Startup tab.
  3. Scroll down until your find ETD Control Center.
  4. Right-click on the program and then click on Disable.
  5. Restart your computer.

 

2. Uninstall ETD Control Center

If you would like to completely rid your computer of the etdctrl.exe process, you can safely and simply uninstall the ETD Control Center from your computer. To uninstall the ETD Control Center from your computer, follow these six steps.

 

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open a Run dialog box.
  2. Type “Control” into the text box to open the Control Panel of your computer.
  3. Then, navigate to Programs, then Programs and Features.
  4. Scroll down the list of programs and features until you find ETD Control Center.
  5. Tap on the Uninstall option.
  6. Wait for the uninstallation procedure to complete and then restart your computer.

 

3. Update Your Trackpad Drivers

If you experience issues with your trackpad after uninstalling ETD Control Center from your computer, then you can update your trackpad drivers to restore your trackpad’s functionality. To update your trackpad drivers to restore your trackpad’s functionality, follow these six steps.

 

  1. Right-click on This PC on your desktop and click Manage on the corresponding menu.
  2. Click on Device Manager which is under the tools tab in the left column.
  3. Navigate to Mouse and Other Pointing Devices on the corresponding menu.
  4. Right-click on the ELAN Touchpad Driver.
  5. Click on the Updated Driver option.
  6. Let the installation process compete and then restart your computer. 

In Conclusion

Ultimately, the etdctrl.exe process, in its legitimate form, is a relatively harmless and mundane process on your computer. With executables, it is always important to make sure that you are not dealing with a virus or malware that is mimicking the file name of a legitimate executable. It is also important that you ensure your executable processes are running correctly and not causing issues related to high memory or CPU usage on your computer. If this is the case, follow the troubleshooting methods listed above and your issues will be resolved in no time.