NisSrv.exe: What is it and Why is it Always Running?

Jack

By Jack

Update on

NisSrv.exe

Microsoft is known for keeping its Windows operating system as safe as possible, sometimes for its own sake.

Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service is something they run to prevent users from installing fake copies of Windows, protecting themselves in a way.

But when it comes to users, they have Windows Defender for protection and services like NisSrv.exe too.

NisSrv.exe

Otherwise known as Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service, NisSrv.exe plays a key role in protecting your Windows computer from viruses and malware. This is the next best thing if you don’t install a third-party antivirus solution.

So, if you notice this process running in the background and want to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place.

Also, click here to figure out pingsender.exe from running on Windows.

About Windows Defender

Depending on the specific version of Windows 10 you have on your system, the Windows Defender feature may be “Windows Security” instead, but both do the same things.

When installing the operating system, Windows 10 automatically installs the security features. Windows Defender is constantly running as a background process and does things like:

  • Scanning new files to detect viruses and malware before they can infect the PC
  • Ensuring that your firewall is up-to-date and that the network is safe
  • Monitoring the PCs drivers to detect any errors that could result in security breaches
  • Monitors internet browser activity to make sure the computer establishes no unsafe connections

Judging from the list above, there aren’t any downsides to having Windows Defender on your computer. We’d consider this an effective alternative if you don’t install antivirus software like AVG, Norton, or Avast.

To view Windows Defender on your computer, simply open Settings and click “Update & Security > Windows Security,” and select “Open Windows Defender Security Center.”

Here you’ll see the features above and others that this security feature provides. Users are free to look further into the settings for each feature. We don’t recommend doing this unless you understand what these features do.

Windows Defender

PS: should you have problems, like There was a problem resetting your PC, click to fix them now.

Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service

As part of Windows Defender is the Antivirus Network Inspection Service, more commonly known as NisSrv.exe. The purpose of this utility is to protect your computer from malware that tries to infect computers through networks.

How does it work? This process is constantly running – it never stops and is barely noticeable regarding resource consumption. When you connect to a network, all incoming packets go through the service, which scans them for anything potentially harmful.

The inspection will block the network packet from accessing your computer if the inspection finds anything. As such, you may potentially avoid a computer virus.

One benefit to this simple service is that Microsoft updates it with all recent attack information. The system can detect and deal with the newest viruses/malware effectively.

As straightforward of a feature as this might seem, its efficiently run inspection process makes it great at protecting computers.

Microsoft chose to add NisSrv.exe as part of Windows OS in 2012. This decision was for them to detect better networking vulnerabilities that result in malware or virus infections spreading.

Microsoft is confident that this is the best way to protect computers when they find a network security flaw.

So, if they find an issue, they quickly release a Windows NisSrv update while their developers work on an official fix that will patch the network security issue. The number of users a security error causes is much lower with the inspection.

Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service

If you want to know, is Win32:Bogent a virus, or what is igfxTray? Just read more.

Common Questions About NisSrv.exe

The addition of Microsoft’s Network Realtime Inspection Service greatly benefits everyone. We understand that this will seem complex to most Windows users.

To help you better know about this security feature, we have done some research on the most common questions about NisSrv.exe.

Besides, here, let’s learn what CCXProcess is on a startup that runs in the background of Adobe Creative Cloud and the simple steps to disable it on Windows and Mac.

1. Can NisSrv.exe Be Turned Off?

It may be disappointing to find out that this service isn’t something you can disable for some people. Windows 10 users can’t disable it permanently, but given the security benefits it entails, there’s no reason to. There are a few workarounds if you have good reason to turn it off and are adamant about finding a way.

First, you can open up the Services menu and disable it. Doing this is only temporary because, in a short amount of time, Windows will automatically enable it again. Remember: this is a real-time network inspection feature, so as long as you have a network connection, Windows will continue to enable the inspection.

Another situation when the system disables NisSrv is when you install a third-party antivirus program. This is because most antivirus protection solutions have their own inspection processes that are similar to the built-in tool.

Real-time protection is the best way to catch viruses before inflicting damage. There are very few cases where turning it off can be beneficial, and we highly advise against it.

Can NisSrv.exe Be Turned Off

2. Does NisSrv.exe Breach Our Privacy?

We can appreciate how users feel about their privacy. With sites like Facebook and Instagram being subject to scrutiny over their privacy protection measures, everyone is overprotective of their personal data nowadays.

Don’t worry; NisSrv.exe does not collect data about you directly. The data packets that these service scans are not reported to Microsoft. Windows compares information about known viruses and malware to your traffic; that’s it.

However, there’s a catch. If you use Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, some settings are on by default that sends browsing data to Microsoft.

Disabling this can be done by opening the Windows Defender and going to “Virus & Threat Protection > Virus & Threat Protection Settings,” and turning off two settings:

  • Cloud-Delivered Protection
  • Automatic Sample Submission

Even though the inspection service won’t save or send information about your internet activity, these features will. Microsoft uses this information to improve its protection systems, but people are uncomfortable with it.

Does NisSrv.exe Breach Our Privacy

3. Is NisSrv.exe Malware or a Virus?

Absolutely not! The Microsoft Network Realtime Inspection Service is part of every Windows installation by default. It is a legitimate virus prevention component that will not harm your computer.

Why do people often wonder about NisSrv being malware or a virus? Certain types of viruses can appear as seemingly safe Windows processes. As a result, users typically don’t question the process or expect it to be a virus in NisSrv that is far from true.

You can double-check that this process is safe by opening the Task Manager, right-clicking on “Microsoft Network Realtime Inspection Service,” and click “Open File Location.” The install folder will appear, and you’ll notice that it is in a Microsoft directory, verifying its safety.

Is NisSrv.exe Malware or a Virus

How to Check if NisSrv is Running

Checking your Windows computer’s services and processes is easy enough. Here are two quick ways to check if NisSrv.exe is being run:

Task Manager

  • #1 – Use the keyboard combination CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open the Task Manager.
  • #2 – Click “More Details” to expand the list and click “Name” to sort it alphabetically.
  • #3 – Scroll down, and below “Windows Processes,” you’ll see Microsoft Network Realtime Inspection Service.
How to Check if NisSrv.exe is Running on Task Manager

System Services

  • #1 – Type “Services” in the Windows search bar and select the top result.
  • #2 – Click on “Name” so that the list organizes and it’s easier to locate the service.
  • #3 – Towards the bottom of the list, you will find “Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service.”
How to Check if NisSrv.exe is Running on System Services

Generally, the service will have the “Startup Type” automatically, but some users opt to have the manual setting instead. Double-click the service to change this.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is NisSrv.exe? NisSrv.exe is an executable file associated with Microsoft’s Network Realtime Inspection Service. It’s part of your system’s security mechanism.
  2. Why is NisSrv.exe always running? NisSrv.exe is always running to continuously monitor your network traffic for potential threats, offering real-time protection.
  3. Is NisSrv.exe a virus? The authentic NisSrv.exe is not a virus. However, malware could disguise itself as NisSrv.exe.
  4. Can I stop NisSrv.exe? It’s not advisable to stop NisSrv.exe as it plays a crucial role in maintaining your system’s security.
  5. Why does NisSrv.exe use so much CPU? Occasionally, NisSrv.exe might cause high CPU usage due to increased network traffic or a potential malware issue.
  6. How can I fix NisSrv.exe error messages? Regular system scans, updating your system, or contacting customer support can help resolve NisSrv.exe-related error messages.

Conclusion

Tech-savvy people will know the importance of installing an antivirus solution on their computers as soon as they set it up for the first time.

Clicking on just one wrong link can download a virus that spreads like wildfire. Windows Defender is an amazing way of preventing this and keeping users who don’t have antivirus software safe.

Microsoft’s inclusion of NisSrv.exe is among the vast security measures they have in place with the Defender. After learning all about this service and how it impacts Windows’ functionality, you hopefully now have a better appreciation of what Microsoft does to keep its users safe from viruses and malware!

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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