iType.exe Has Stopped Working | Is it A Virus?

Have you encountered this executable process on your Microsoft computer? Despite its appearances, iType.exe is not an Apple process but rather a Windows service that controls Microsoft keyboards.

Unfortunately, as is the case with many executables, some users have reported viruses on their computers to be mimicking the iType.exe file name. This article will expand on what the iType.exe process does for your computer and how to tell whether or not the file on your computer is a virus.

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What is iType.exe?

The iType.exe process belongs to Microsoft IntelliType, which is a brand driver for Microsoft branded keyboards. The Microsoft IntelliType service provides enhancements to the way your keyboard works and enables the functionality of the media buttons on your computer.

The service grants users the ability to intelligently customize unique features for your keyboard and bind different keys. These bound keys can perform a variety of tasks, such as opening a program file, performing specific commands, or even opening a web page.

The Microsoft IntelliType service also has several advanced features such as disabling commonly pressed keys and managing zoom slider performance. The iType.exe process is essentially what allows all of these unique features to function. 

iType.exe Virus

An issue that plagues many executables is the tendency for viruses or malware to mimic these executables in order to sneak their way onto your computer and wreak havoc. Many users have reported the iType.exe process to be a virus, which is not true of the legitimate process, but may be true of a virus mimicking the legitimate process.

To determine whether or not the executable process on your computer is a virus or not, there are several steps that one can take. Firstly, check the spelling of the file name to ensure that “iType.exe” is spelt correctly as some viruses use slightly misspelt versions of the legitimate file name.

Secondly, check the location of the executable file. An executable process like iType.exe should be run from somewhere like “C:\Program Files\Microsoft IntelliType Pro\iType.exe”. To check this, open Windows Task Manager, go to View, then Select Columns, and select Image Path Name. If the run location of the executable file does not resemble the example mentioned above, then it is likely that you are dealing with a virus or malware.

However, if you are still unsure, there are further steps you can take to investigate the legitimacy of the file. Another tool that can help you is Microsoft’s Process Explorer. To use the program, start the program (it does not require installation) and activate Check Legends, which is located under Options. Then, go to View, then Select Columns, and add Verified Signer as one of the columns.

If the Verified Signer status of the process is listed as Unable to Verify, then you should double-check the file’s information. The publisher of iType.exe should be Microsoft Corporation and the file size should be roughly 29.51 megabytes.

If the information of the file on your computer does not match this information, then you are likely dealing with a virus. The next step you should take is to find a way to safely remove the virus from your computer. To safely remove the virus from your computer you should download and install an anti-virus application like Malwarebytes to detect and remove the virus. 

Is it Safe to Remove iType.exe From Your Computer?

The iType.exe file on your computer might be a virus’s clever disguise, but it also might simply be the legitimate executable process. Even though the legitimate process is not necessarily linked to any reports of malfunction or malpractice on the Microsoft computers on which it resides, some users want to know if it is safe to remove the executable from their computer.

This is not necessary, as it is unlikely that the process is harming your computer in any way, but it is understandable to want an executable process that you are unfamiliar with off of your computer. In this case, you are fortunate because the iType.exe process is not mandatory or even necessarily important to the functionality of your computer. Therefore, there will be a couple methods for limiting the functionality of iType.exe or simply removing the executable process from your computer listed below.

 

1. Stop iType From Launching at Startup

If you are largely put off by the process launching itself automatically during your computer’s startup, then this is an easy fix. To stop iType from automatically launching during startup, follow these five steps.

  1. Open a Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
  2. Type “taskmgr” into the text box and press Enter.
  3. Once in the task manager, navigate to the Startup tab.
  4. Right-click on the process labeled “iType.exe” and select Disable.
  5. Restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.

2. Uninstall IntelliType

If you would like to completely remove Microsoft IntelliType from your computer, you can do so without harming or setting back your computer. To uninstall Microsoft IntelliType from your computer, follow these four steps.

  1. Open a Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
  2. Type “appwiz.cpl” into the text box and press Enter.
  3. In here, all the applications installed onto your computer will be listed. Navigate through all of these applications until you find “Microsoft IntelliType”. Right-click it and select Uninstall.
  4. Restart your computer to ensure that the action has been completed.

 

In Conclusion

Ultimately, the iType.exe process in its legitimate form is not harming your computer in any way and no action needs to be taken against it. The process simply enhances the functionality of your keyboard, so if you are often prone to using the media buttons on your computer’s keyboard then it might be in your best interest not to remove Microsoft IntelliType from your computer.

However, if this slight modification does not affect you in any significant way, then it is fairly simple to get rid of IntelliType. Follow the methods listed above and you should be free of IntelliType and iType.exe in no time.