What is igfxtray.exe? Should I remove it?

Igfxtray.exe file is a useful system component

Igfxtray.exe is a legitimate process running on the Windows operating system and known as The Graphic Accelerator Helper model. The process is developed by the Intel and is installed as a part of Graphics Media Accelerator Driver. Typically, this program shows an icon which allows accessing the Intel^[1] Graphics configuration and diagnostic application on the notification tray.

Therefore, this process allows modifying and customizing monitor and graphics settings such as screen rotation, color depth, hot keys, extended desktop settings or configure the graphic controller. However, igfxTray Module icon may be hidden from the Task Bar by accessing the settings via Control Panel. 

Even though this program runs automatically from these registry entries – Run, RunOnce, RunServices, or RunServicesOnce – it does need to run on the startup. Users can run this process when they need to. What is more, if the igfxtray.exe process runs on the startup automatically, users should disable it to prevent it from using computer’s resources.

Errors related to this process

Just like any other system or non-system processes running on the computer, igfxtray.exe might trigger some issues causing unwanted error messages. Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7 users may receive errors like these ones: “GfxUI has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to the problem…”^[2] or “igfxTray Module has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.”^[3]

In the meanwhile, Window XP users have reported about receiving an error that looks like that:

igfxTray Module has stopped working.
A problem caused the program to stop working correctly.
Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.

These errors can be fixed by simply re-installing the graphics driver. However, various problems may arise if the computer is infected with a virus or malware. Keep in mind that Trojans may camouflage as the authorized files, so if you should be aware that legitimate process is located in C:\Windows\System32 folder.

If you find igfxTray Module file in the different directory, you should scan your computer with FortectIntego or other reputable anti-malware software and clean your PC from malware.

Signs showing that this file is malicious

The .exe file is a regular executable file which is often used by malware developers for the malicious processes. Therefore, various cyber threats may use the name of igfxtray.exe to infiltrate the system. The original file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, so seeing this file in the different location may inform about computer infection.

For example, some malware such as TROJ_SPNR.0BK811, PE_SALITY.RL or Trojan:Win32/Meredrop obfuscates itself as igfxtray.exe. Therefore, if you notice your PC acts suspicious or receive various errors related to this process, check the legitimacy of this file.

How to remove igfxtray.exe from the PC?

If you want to check whether this file is malicious or not, you should scan your computer with FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or your preferred anti-malware tool. The full system scan will show whether some virus removal actions should be taken or not. If your computer is not infected, and you still want to remove igfxtray.exe from the computer, follow the steps:

1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Select Uninstall a Program.
3. In the list of programs look for Intel® Common User Interface or Intel® LDDM Ultra Mobile Media.
4. Double-click or right-click the program and select Uninstall.

After igfxtray.exe removal, you can check if it was successful. Restart the computer and use Windows Explorer to see if this folder still exists in the C:\Program Files directory.

Also, you should check the Registry and make sure that any files related to this process are left. In the Regedit, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software directory look for igfxTray Module or similar folders that are related to Intel products.

However, if you find some entries, make sure that you delete the necessary files and folders. Mistakes might cause various computer-related problems. Therefore, before making modifications in the Registry, you should make backups.