Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry explained: what is it

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry (CompatTelRunner.exe) is a Windows process which is designed to collect and send usage and performance data to Microsoft. Some Windows 7, 8 or 10 users find it causing High CPU or disk usage and then worry about its safety or debate whether its worth disabling it. In this report, we’ll cover all the general questions about this process.

CompatTelRunner.exe, or Compatibility Telemetry Runner, is Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser, which is part of Windows 7, 8 and 10 systems. The executive file collects and regularly sends usage and performance information to Microsoft in order to analyze user experience and improve it.

The described file also helps Microsoft to identify compatibility issues and ensure compatibility when installing the latest Windows OS version. However, Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry eats CPU by scanning computer files and check their compatibility with Windows 10 in case an update is initiated.

The process is part of Windows, so it doesn’t pose any danger to your computer.

The file was first introduced to Windows 7 and 8.1 users with Windows KB2977759 update. The executable file is enabled to run by default; however, the user can stop CompatTelRunner on Windows 7, 8 or 10 anytime.

The file typically lies in C:\Windows\System32 folder and is digitally signed. Besides, the file owner is TrustedInstaller. Attempts to modify it will most likely result in “Access is denied” error because it is a “read only” file. To bypass such restriction, you will need to take ownership of the process.

Another method that doesn’t involve deletion of the file is disabling Scheduled Tasks that are responsible for Telemetry Runner launch.

Reasons to turn off Windows Telemetry service

Computer users on various online forums (including Reddit) complain about CompatTelRunner.exe high disk usage Windows 10 and state that Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry Runner causes enormous performance issues, such as slowdowns and program crashes.

In addition, users are concerned about their privacy. According to Microsoft, there are four levels of Microsoft Windows diagnostic data collection – Security, Basic, Enhanced and Full. Each of them differs in size of data collected, but some users choose not to be tracked at all. We also like the sense of privacy, therefore we suggest disabling these tracking services on your device.

Since nobody wants to encounter PC slowdowns and a little bit more privacy never hurt anyone, we have prepared a guide on how to disable CompatTelRunner.exe on Windows. You can find it below. Our article on ways to speed up Windows 10 might also interest you.

Note. Keep in mind that this file is part of Windows OS and it is digitally signed. Usually, it is not advisable to remove digitally signed OS files, therefore doing so might cause system stability related issues. In other words, disabling the process is a better idea.

Besides, if you cannot remove or disable it, try to stop the process from running via Windows Task Manager first (Right-click CompatTelRunner.exe > End Task).

Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry in Windows (2020 Guide)

Method 1. Disable Windows Personal Data Sharing The easiest way to disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry and other data sharing services that transmit information from your device to Microsoft is to use a good security software. With only a few clicks, you’ll protect your privacy and boost your PC speed instantly. Our recommended software has 7 core components ensuring privacy, security and computer’s peak performance. Here’s how to use System Mechanic®

Ultimate Defense™ to disable compatelrunner.exe on Windows. Open System Mechanic Ultimate Defense and go to System Mechanic tab. Run a quick scan (or deep scan) and then check your recommendations. Under Recommendations, you should see a line stating that Windows 10 personal data sharing services are currently enabled. Click Review. Here, you will see a list of privacy-concerning services. In Status section, switch the selections to Disabled or Block.

You’re secured! Do not forget to check other security and privacy recommendations suggested by the software. FIX IT NOW DOWNLOAD AND SCAN NOW Compatibility: Microsoft Windows

Read Review Fix PC errors, repair virus damage and identify hardware/stability issues using Restoro – a unique PC Repair tool using a patented technology to replace damaged or missing Windows system files, which often are the real cause of annoying Windows errors. Try the FREE scan option to search for stability, security and hardware-related issues. To fix identified problems and receive hardware-related recommendations, you have to purchase the license key for the full software version. Method 2. Disable CompatTelRunner.exe via Task Scheduler One of the easiest ways to solve Telemetry Runner problem is to disable it without deleting it. Follow the given steps to stop CompatTelRunner.exe in Windows 7, 8 or 10. Launch Run window by pressing down Windows key and R letter on your keyboard at the same time. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter or OK. Now, expand the folders in the given order – Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience . Find a task called Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser and right-click on it. Select Disable . Method 3. Delete CompatTelRunner.exe after taking ownership of it The following method requires having the Administrator privileges on the computer. So before you begin, log into your computer using Administrator’s account (whichever account has admin’s rights). The given method describes how to delete only the Compatibility Telemetry Runner file, not the entire KB2977759 update. Removing the whole update can mess up the schedule of Windows updates, so we do not recommend doing so. Open Windows search and type CompatTelRunner. Right-click on the matching result to see options and select Open File Location . Or you can just go to C disk , then to Windows folder, and then to System32 folder. An even easier method is to open Run ( Windows key + R ), type C:\Windows\System32 and press Enter. In the System32 folder, find the file called CompatTelRunner.exe . Right-click the file and choose Properties. Now, go to the Security tab and click Advanced button here. Next, open Owner tab and click Change option. Then choose Advanced. Then click Find Now . This displays a list of owners, so select the account you are using right now and click OK. Then close tables by clicking OK . In Advanced Security Settings table, click Apply and OK. You might be asked to close all Properties windows, so do so. After changing the file owner, you have to change the permissions for the file. Right-click CompatTelRunner.exe file and open Properties once again. Navigate to Security tab > Advanced > Select User from a list > Edit . A new window then opens, offering permission suggestions. Look at Allow column and select Full Control . Click OK. Then Apply and OK . Click Yes to confirm your choice. Now that you have full control of the file right-click the file and Delete it. Method 4. Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry via Group Policy Editor Press Windows key + R to launch Run prompt and type gpedit.msc, then press OK . Now, expand the folders in the given order – Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds . Double-click Allow Telemetry and select Disabled option in a new window that appears. Click Apply and OK .

Method 5. Disable Telemetry via Registry Editor Press Windows key + R at the same time and type in the Run prompt: regedit. Press OK. User Account Control window then appears, click Yes. Now, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > DataCollection. Here, right-click on DataCollection and select New > DWORD (32-bit value) . Give this new value name Allow Telemetry and then double-click it. Change Value data to 0 (zero) and click OK. Method 6. Look for other issues causing slow Windows performance One of the provided methods should have helped in fixing Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High CPU issue. However, if you still experience system slowdowns and want to take extra step towards peak computer’s performance, consider reading these steps on how to speed up Windows 10.

Some users have expressed complaints online about compattelrunner.exe with error 0x8024002e. In you’re dealing with this Windows update error, consider reading more about available 0x8024002e fixes.

We hope that you managed to fix the high CPU issue and your computer works smoothly now. If you have tested other methods to solve the described issue, don’t hesitate and share them with our community below!

This post was first published on Jul 31st, 2019, and updated since then.