What is the HxTsr.exe Process?

If you’ve noticed a process named HxTsr.exe in your Windows Task Manager, you might wonder what it is and whether it’s necessary or potentially harmful. Here’s a breakdown of its role and whether you need to worry about it running on your system.

What HxTsr.exe Does

HxTsr.exe is associated with the Windows applications Microsoft Outlook and Mail and Calendar. Its main function is to sync your local applications with Microsoft’s servers, handling tasks like email and calendar data updates. The name HxTsr stands for Hidden Executable To Sync Remote Servers.

Is HxTsr.exe Safe?

Generally, HxTsr.exe is a legitimate system process and poses no risk. However, some malware programs may disguise themselves under this name. To verify its safety, consider the following steps:

• Check the file location. The original HxTsr.exe should be in the C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_... folder. If it’s found elsewhere, it could be suspicious.
• Verify the digital signature. A genuine HxTsr.exe should be signed by Microsoft.
• Run a trusted antivirus scan to ensure your system’s safety.

Performance Issues

Some users report that HxTsr.exe sometimes consumes significant CPU or other system resources. If you experience this, you can try the following:

• Update your operating system and apps to the latest versions.
• Reinstall the Mail and Calendar apps or Microsoft Office.
• Scan your system for potential malware.