Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry explained: what is it Reasons to turn off Windows Telemetry service Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry in Windows (2023 Guide)Method 1. Disable Windows Personal Data SharingMethod 2. Disable CompatTelRunner.exe via Task Scheduler Method 3. Delete CompatTelRunner.exe after taking ownership of it Method 4. Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry via Group Policy Editor Method 5. Disable Telemetry via Registry Editor Method 6. Look for other issues causing slow Windows performance
CompatTelRunner.exe, or Compatibility Telemetry Runner, is Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser, which is part of Windows 7, 8 and 10 systems. The executable 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 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 (2023 Guide)
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.
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.
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.
Method 4. Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry via Group Policy Editor
Method 5. Disable Telemetry via Registry Editor
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. 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.
