What is msctf.dll?
The genuine msctf.dll file is a software component of Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft Corporation.
"Msctf.dll" is a Microsoft Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that helps make the Microsoft Text Services Framework (TSF) available for use within third-party applications by an independent software vendor (ISV). It resides in "C:\Windows\System32". On 64-bit systems, a 32-bit "msctf.dll" also exists in "C:\Windows\SysWOW64" because applications can only link with a DLL of the same bitness (32 or 64). It helps initialize the Language Bar GUI that lets the user select a new language or enable keyboard use or speech or handwriting recognition functions for input to the ISV's application. It also provides other parts of Text Services.
MsCTF stands for Microsoft COM Text Services Framework Server DLL
Msctf.dll is a Windows DLL file. DLL is the abbreviation for Dynamic Link Library. DLL files are needed by programs or web browser extensions, because they contain program code, data, and resources.
The following information can help you determine if msctf.dll is a Windows system file or if it belongs to an application that you can trust.
Click to Run a Free Scan for msctf.dll related errors
Msctf.dll file information
The process known as MSCTF Server DLL or DLL MSCTF strežnika belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System or Operacijski sistem Microsoft Windows by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).
Description: Msctf.dll is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. The msctf.dll file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder or sometimes in a subfolder of C:\Windows.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 299,520 bytes (42% of all occurrences), 828,928 bytes or 836,608 bytes. 
A .dll file (Dynamic Link Library) is a special type of Windows program containing functions that other programs can call. This .dll file can be injected to all running processes and can change or manipulate their behavior.
The program is not visible. There is no detailed description of this service. It is not a Windows core file. Msctf.dll is a Microsoft signed file. It can change the behavior of other programs or manipulate other programs.
Msctf.dll is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs.
Therefore the technical security rating is 29% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Recommended: Identify msctf.dll related errors
Important: Some malware disguises itself as msctf.dll, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the msctf.dll process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Best practices for resolving msctf issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with msctf. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.
To help you analyze the msctf.dll process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Other processes
wszndesktop.exe lolrecorder.exe ibtrksrv.exe msctf.dll webclnt.dll scheduleagent.exe embyserver.exe fltmgr.sys pandhcpdns.exe googleradar.exe smartthingsservice.exe [all]
Score
User Comments
steven
Nick Dixon (further information)
Palmentieri Antonio
William (further information)
NAME_FULL
Ras Loyola, Music Producer
Summary: Average user rating of msctf.dll: based on 9 votes with 7 user comments. 5 users think msctf.dll is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user suspects danger. 3 users think msctf.dll is dangerous and recommend removing it. One user is not sure about it.