What is IDMMsgHost.exe Process Running in Task Manager? How to Remove it?

Recently an AskVG reader asked me what is IDMMsgHost.exe process running in Task Manager and how to disable or remove it? In this article, I’ll cover both points.

IDMMsgHost.exe Running in Task Manager in Windows:

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys together or by right-clicking on Taskbar and selecting Task Manager option. Now go to Details tab ans you’ll notice IDMMsgHost.exe process present in running processes list.

This IDMMsgHost.exe process always runs in background. If you try to kill the process by pressing Delete key or by clicking on End Task button, it doesn’t disappear. It keeps running in background. You can’t get rid of it.

So is it a virus or malware?

What is IDMMsgHost.exe?

Don’t worry! It’s not a virus. IDMMsgHost.exe stands for “Internet Download Manager Native Messaging Host“. It’s an executable installed by popular file download management software “Internet Download Manager” (IDM).

This file is stored in “C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Download Manager” directory where all other IDM files are located.

What does IDMMsgHost.exe Process Do?

As far as I can understand, this executable is an extension helper utility which is responsible behind integration of IDM in Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and other Chromium-based web browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, etc.

This process helps IDM in properly integrating with web browsers so that IDM can detect and download files for the user.

Should I Remove IDMMsgHost.exe?

No. If you use IDM, I’ll not advise you to delete or remove the executable as it might affect IDM functionality and you might be unable to download files using IDM in web browsers.

If you want to use IDM in your computer system, you should leave the file running in background.

How to Get Rid of IDMMsgHost.exe Process Running in Task Manager?

If you really want to disable or remove IDMMsgHost.exe process running in background, following steps will help you:

1. Open Computer (This PC or File Explorer) and go to following folder:

2. Select IDMMsgHost.exe file and press F2 key to rename it. Give it any other name such as IDMMsgHost.exe.bak or IDMMsgHost.bak.exe or any other desired name.

3. Now open Task Manager, go to Details tab, select IDMMsgHost.exe process and press Delete key to kill the process.

That’s it. Now the process will disappear and will never appear again since you have renamed the executable.

PS: If you face integration issues and decide to restore the process running in background, rename the executable to original default name i.e. IDMMsgHost.exe.

Also Check:

What is IEMonitor.exe Process Running in Task Manager? How to Disable it?