Movies & TV Process: Why Is It Running In Task Manager?

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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When you open your Task Manager on Windows, you may notice a process called “Movies & TV” running in the background. This might raise some questions: What is this process? Why is it running? Is it necessary? In this article, we will delve into the details of the Movies & TV process and explore its purpose and significance.

Windows Task Manager

Understanding the Movies & TV Process

The Movies & TV process, also known as “Video.UI.exe,” is a built-in application in Windows 10 that allows users to play videos and movies. It is the default media player for various file formats, including popular ones like MP4, MKV, and AVI. This process is responsible for handling video playback and providing a seamless experience to users.

When you launch a video file or stream content using the Movies & TV app, the process starts running in the background to handle all the necessary tasks related to video playback. It ensures smooth playback, audio synchronization, and other essential functions required for an optimal viewing experience.

Why Is the Movies & TV Process Running?

The Movies & TV process runs in the background for several reasons:

  1. Default Media Player: As mentioned earlier, Movies & TV is the default media player in Windows 10. It is designed to handle video playback seamlessly, providing users with a convenient way to watch their favorite movies and TV shows.
  2. Integration with Windows Features: The Movies & TV app is tightly integrated with other Windows features, such as the Start menu, File Explorer, and Cortana. This integration allows for easy access to video files and enhances the overall user experience.
  3. Background Tasks: The Movies & TV process may also run in the background to perform various tasks, such as updating the media library, fetching metadata for videos, and downloading subtitles. These tasks ensure that the app remains up-to-date and provides relevant information about the videos being played.

Is It Necessary?

The Movies & TV process is necessary if you frequently use the app to watch videos or movies on your Windows 10 device. It provides a reliable and feature-rich media player that supports a wide range of file formats. However, if you prefer using a different media player or rarely watch videos on your computer, you may consider disabling or terminating the process to free up system resources.

It’s important to note that terminating the Movies & TV process will not cause any harm to your system. It will only prevent the app from running and consuming system resources. If you decide to disable or terminate the process, you can always re-enable it later if needed.

How to Disable or Terminate the Movies & TV Process

If you want to disable or terminate the Movies & TV process, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”
  2. In the Task Manager window, navigate to the “Processes” tab.
  3. Locate the “Movies & TV” or “Video.UI.exe” process in the list.
  4. Right-click on the process and select either “End Task” to terminate it temporarily or “Disable” to prevent it from running on startup.

Remember, if you disable the Movies & TV process, you won’t be able to use the app until you re-enable it. If you encounter any issues or errors related to video playback, it’s recommended to re-enable the process and ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest Windows updates.

Conclusion

The Movies & TV process, also known as “Video.UI.exe,” is a built-in application in Windows 10 that handles video playback. It runs in the background to provide a seamless and feature-rich media player experience for users. The process is necessary if you frequently use the Movies & TV app to watch videos or movies on your Windows 10 device.

However, if you prefer using a different media player or rarely watch videos on your computer, you can disable or terminate the Movies & TV process to free up system resources. Remember to re-enable the process if you encounter any issues or errors related to video playback.

As always, it’s essential to keep your system protected from potential threats. Consider scanning your device for viruses or malware regularly using Malwarebytes Free or any other reliable antivirus software.

Understanding the Movies & TV process and its significance in Windows 10 can help you make informed decisions about managing system resources and optimizing your overall user experience.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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