While millions of Windows PC administrators know about the COM Surrogate program, while thousands of the average people scratching their heads to know about it. In this tutorial, We will explain about the COM Surrogate and guide the readers through it.
First, we have to understand the technology of COM Surrogate and what exactly it is to clear the doubts. COM stands for Component Object Model is a piece of element for developers. Microsoft introduced it in 1993, so developers can utilize the technology to extend the applications.
Simple Explanation:
I confirm that COM is a Microsoft designed program that holds the responsibility to create thumbnail images of the current images and provides a quick preview when highlighted. The “Component Object Model” processes videos, photos, and other media files to generate thumbnails.
Why Microsoft invented COM?
COM is not perfect whatsoever and it is prone to software crashes and it was solely responsible for taking Windows Explorer process down. Due to the problem, many Windows administrators were experiencing multiple crashes and ending with restart option only.
Microsoft created it to prevent the entire ship sinking, and that’s what this service does for Windows OS. COM is available on Windows 10 edition and previous operating system. Microsoft is not planning to replace the function anytime soon because it has become the backbone of the service, and they have improved it over the years.
Can we disable COM Surrogate?
The answer is no!
Unfortunately, COM is an integral part of the system and it is an important function that required running in the background to keep Windows OS responsive. Closing or ending the process in the Task Manager results in non-responsive File Explorer and it will restart automatically.
Many third-party programs and games rely on the (dllhost.exe) and it required for the process to work smoothly. I wouldn’t say the same for the virus, malware and other threats lingering behind it and invaders look for loopholes in the system after all.
Is COM Surrogate (dllhost.exe) Virus?
Defiantly not!
I’m always cautious when installing new software and browsing websites online. Of course, I have planted anti-virus and anti-malware systems onto my online activity, so I don’t visit dreadful websites that spread threats across the web.
I was browsing a reputed online shopping website that was popular a few years back, and I ended affected by the portal because they were spreading plenty of viruses and threats. Fortunately, I was saved by the security programs enabled on the computer, and do not hesitate to perform a full computer scan, when in doubt.
How Do I End COM Surrogate Process in Windows 10
Microsoft provided Task Manager for the PC administrators decades ago, and you can use the function to end the process in the background. Allow me to guide the newbie or beginners, how to use the Task Manager to stop or end the process running in the background.
- Hover the mouse at the bottom of the taskbar, and then right-mouse click for more options.
- Click on “Task Manager” to view the window.
- Find “COM Surrogate” from the list, and click to select it.
- Click on the “End” button to close the process.
The function will restart again when the PC administrators open file explorer and start browsing the folders in the system. The process won’t open as long as you keep all file explorer windows closed.
Bottom Line
The COM Surrogate is an integral part of the Windows OS since 1993, and this process doesn’t consume CPU + RAM resources until or unless the Windows computer affected by the threats. Clean installation of the Microsoft operating system does remove all threats from the machine, and I recommend doing a fresh installation when you are suspecting the virus, malware, and adware
