WdFilter.sys is a system file associated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. It is a part of the Microsoft antimalware file system filter driver, which is a component of Windows Defender, Microsoft's built-in antivirus software. The file is typically located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory.
The associated software, Windows Defender, is an integral part of the Windows operating system. It provides real-time protection against a variety of threats, such as malware, spyware, and viruses. The WdFilter.sys file, as part of this system, helps to filter and check files for malicious content as they are accessed by the system.
WdFilter.sys is a crucial component of the Windows Defender system, and as such, it is generally not recommended to remove it. It plays a vital role in protecting your system from threats. In some cases, if the file becomes corrupted or causes system issues, it may need to be repaired or replaced. Any modifications to system files should be done with caution and preferably under the guidance of a computer professional, as improper changes can cause significant system issues.
Run a free scan to check for WdFilter drivers in need of updating
The process known as Microsoft antimalware file system filter driver belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System or Windows Defender-Minifiltertreiber by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).
Description: WdFilter.sys is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. WdFilter.sys is located in a subfolder of C:\Windows\System32\drivers—generally C:\Windows\System32\drivers\wd\.
The file size on Windows 10/11/7 is 258,600 bytes.
The driver can be started or stopped from Services in the Control Panel or by other programs.
The file is not a Windows system file. The program is not visible. The file has a digital signature.
WdFilter.sys appears to be a compressed file.
Therefore the technical security rating is 2% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.
Recommended: Identify WdFilter.sys related errors
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as WdFilter.sys. Therefore, you should check the WdFilter.sys 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.
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with WdFilter. 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 WdFilter.sys 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.
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User Comments
Summary: Average user rating of WdFilter.sys: based on 1 vote with 1 user comment. One user thinks WdFilter.sys is essential for Windows or an installed application.