Process list for fresh Windows 11 install

Greetings! I understand the challenge of trying to get a clear and accurate list of processes running on a fresh install of Windows 11. On a fresh Windows 11 installation, without any additional software or user customizations, you should expect a mix of essential system processes, services, and background tasks necessary for the OS to function. Here's an overview of what you'd typically see on a brand-new installation:

Common Windows 11 System Processes

1. System and Kernel Processes:
   • System: Manages the core OS functions.
   • smss.exe (Session Manager Subsystem): Manages sessions and system resources during startup.
   • csrss.exe (Client/Server Runtime Subsystem): Handles console windows, threads, and some parts of the GUI.
   • wininit.exe (Windows Initialization Process): Starts system processes during boot-up.
   • services.exe (Service Control Manager): Manages the starting and stopping of services.
   • lsass.exe (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service): Handles Windows security policies and user logins.
   • svchost.exe (Service Host): Hosts system services required by Windows, commonly showing multiple instances.
2. Windows Shell & GUI-Related Processes:
   • explorer.exe: Manages the Windows desktop, taskbar, and file explorer.
   • dwm.exe (Desktop Window Manager): Handles graphical effects like transparency and window animations.
   • startmenuexperiencehost.exe: Manages the Start menu interface.
   • searchhost.exe: Manages Windows Search functionalities.
3. Background System Services:
   • sihost.exe (Shell Infrastructure Host): Provides support for graphical elements in Windows.
   • taskhostw.exe (Host Process for Windows Tasks): Hosts processes that are related to tasks scheduled by the system or user.
   • fontdrvhost.exe: Manages font rendering in the Windows graphics subsystem.
   • spoolsv.exe: Manages printing and spooling services.
4. Security & Maintenance Processes:
   • SecurityHealthService.exe: Monitors and reports security health status for Windows Defender and system security features.
   • msmpeng.exe (Antimalware Service Executable): Windows Defender’s real-time protection process.
   • wuauserv (Windows Update Service): Handles Windows updates and background updates for apps.
5. Windows Update and Telemetry:
   • CompatTelRunner.exe: Part of the Windows Compatibility Telemetry used for compatibility diagnostics.
   • wermgr.exe (Windows Error Reporting): Manages error reporting and crash dumps.
   • trustedinstaller.exe: Manages Windows updates and system file changes.
6. Network-Related Processes:
   • audiodg.exe: Manages audio drivers and digital signal processing.
   • iphlpsvc (IP Helper Service): Supports network-related features, like IPv6 connectivity.
   • svchost.exe: Hosts network services like DHCP client, DNS resolver, and Windows Firewall.
7. Other Core Processes:
   • RuntimeBroker.exe: Manages app permissions for Windows Store apps.
   • ctfmon.exe: Manages alternative input methods like speech and handwriting recognition.

Typical Third-Party Pre-installed Software (Optional)

On new machines from OEM manufacturers (Dell, HP, etc.), you may find additional pre-installed software that varies based on the manufacturer. These would include things like trial antivirus software, driver management utilities, and system utilities, but these are not part of a clean Windows 11 install.

How to Get an Exact Process List

If you're looking for a definitive list:

1. Use Task Manager: On a fresh install, launching Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) will show you a list of running processes and services.
2. Command Line: You can use the command tasklist from Command Prompt or PowerShell to generate a detailed list of processes.

Key Considerations

• Windows Updates: On a fresh install, Windows 11 will likely start downloading updates in the background shortly after setup is complete. Some additional processes related to Windows Update will be visible.
• Idle Processes: A clean system will have many processes that sit idle in the background or use minimal resources until needed.

This list should give you a good idea of what to expect on a fresh install of Windows 11. The exact number of processes may vary slightly depending on system configuration (e.g., services enabled for specific hardware). However, most processes listed here will be present on any fresh Windows 11 system.

I hope this helps! If my answer is helpful to you, you can adopt it, thank you.