In recent days, some Windows users have reported a never-before-seen executable file on their PC named Device Census (devicecensus.exe). Some users are worried about whether some malware program has infected their system as this file runs at times and is known to use almost 30-40% of the total CPU. Sometimes, their security software has also thrown up messages like:
Device Census is using your webcam – Access has been blocked.
Let me tell you that you need not worry, as DeviceCensus.exe is a legit Microsoft executable file available in the Windows OS.
This is a background process signed by Microsoft present in the folder C:\Windows\System32.
What is Device Census file in Windows 11/10
Device Census (devicecensus.exe) is an important file in the Windows operating system that runs to check your device and notify Microsoft which build would work flawlessly for an update. In other words, this file only collects data on the webcam usage so that it can report back to Microsoft on hardware usage, errors, etc. That way, the company will release the resolution and fix it in the upcoming update.
It collects:
- Windows OS type – Home, Pro, or Enterprise
- Architecture – x86 or x64
- Region
- Language
- Insider ring opted for
- And so on.
This is the background process that runs to check your machine and tell Microsoft which build they should send to you
Since it is an operating system file, we recommend not deleting it. If, for some reason, you want to temporarily disable it, here’s how to do it.
Before doing any major change, create a system restore point first.
Read: What is Sedlauncher.exe?
How to disable DeviceCensus.exe on Windows
To get it started, go to the Taskbar first and then click on the Start button.
Now type Task Scheduler and select the result from the search results.
In the Task Scheduler window, go to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Device Information.
Once you’re there, right-click on the Device and select Disable from the menu list.
If you click on the Actions tab, you will see devicecensus.exe listed there.
Final words
Device Census (devicecensus.exe), located in the System32 folder, is a Windows operating system file and not a virus. We recommend that you do not delete it, as it is part of the Telemetry Framework and has a role to play. If you wish, you may temporarily disable it.
