This MicTray64.exe is a part of the Audio drive that belongs to Conexant. It’s not a virus or malware but sometimes show an error message or crash. Sometimes this file may be named MicTray.exe that aids the Conexant SmartAudio II driver interface developed by Conexant Systems, Inc.
Audio driver interfaces are software that is responsible for audio output through the phone connector port on your laptop or desktop and the speakers as well as the audio input. Although Conexant has discontinued its audio chipsets and is now acquired by Synaptics, Inc., many users with fairly old devices (especially HP laptops) have the Conexant audio interface.
MicTray64.exe has been identified as a keylogger (a potentially malicious program) and today, we will learn some details, uses, common issues, and their fixes related to the MicTray component.
MicTray stands for Microphone Tray and MicTray64 is Microphone Tray (64-bit).
Quick Overivew
File size and location
The genuine MicTray64.exe has a file size of approximately 2.7 MB and is located in the C:\Program Files\CONEXANT\MicTray\ folder.
Uses of MicTray64.exe
As the name suggests, MicTray (Microphone tray) is responsible for the proper functioning of audio recording devices like microphones connected to your PC. It is a part of the Conexant SmartAudio II driver software.
Is MicTray64.exe Safe or Virus?
It is a potentially malicious application and is not safe. The MicTray executable is known to be a keylogger tool, i.e, it can record each and every keystroke (input via keyboard) made to the computer by the user. Despite having a valid Verisign digital signature, this file was considered unsafe although HP and Conexant have already worked on the issue and rolled out a patch with Windows update.
The Swiss cyber-security company Modzero AG detected this keylogger issue and made it public to warn HP users around the world.
Why are keyloggers considered as a threat?
The input you make from your keyboard can be sensitive information like passwords, PIN, personal notes, private and business messages/emails, or any other written original content not intended to be shared with unauthorized people. If this kind of information is stored on your computer as a log file, it is vulnerable to hackers who can easily access this log file along with your data.
There are several audio controller software that can be used to control the audio in Windows 10.
Common MicTray64 errors and issues
1. The MicTray64.exe creates a log file as C:\Users\Public\MicTray.log which can consume space on your C: drive and is an unwanted log file. This is the default behavior of the application.
2. It e is always running in the background and in some cases, it is consuming higher than the normal amount of CPU and RAM resources. This is caused if MicTray64.exe is malware, trojan, or a riskware.
Methods to fix/disable MicTray64.exe issues
There are few simple methods that can be used to fix or uninstall MicTray64.exe from Windows 10/8 or 7, here are steps:
Install the latest Windows update
HP has already released a patch that fixes the risky behavior of MicTray64.exe. Here are the steps to download and install the latest Windows update on your PC:
1. Press Windows + I together to open Windows Settings (You can also click the gear icon in the start menu for the same)
2. Click on Update & Security
3. Make sure you are on the Windows update option in the side panel; Now click on Check for updates (If it is showing Download now or Install now, then also click it)
4. Let the Windows to download and install the latest updates.
Install updated audio driver software
You can manually update the driver software using the device manager.
1. Press Windows + R button
2. Enter devmgmt.msc in the run application and click OK to open the device manager
3. Now, Double-click the ‘Sound, video and game controllers in order to expand it.
4. Right-click ‘Conexant SmartAudio II’ then click Update drivers
5. Select ‘Search automatically for drivers’
6. Now, restart your system after the update is finished installing.
Scan the PC for malware
Some software like Norton or Avast may consider mictray64.exe as a virus that may be located under c:\swsetup\sp78853\audio\ directory. If this happens, then it is recommended to run a complete system scan.
Scan your PC using Windows Defender:
1. Open Update & Security as we did in method 1
2. From the side panel, choose Windows Security
3. Click on Virus & threat protection
4. Click on Quick scan (Will take a few minutes) OR go to Scan options and choose a Full scan (Can take more than half an hour).
Alternatively, if you own any third-party antivirus software, you should use that to scan your PC.
Final Word
It was pretty irresponsible for software giants like HP and Conexant to integrate a keylogger in their driver software but we are glad they patched the issue quickly. If you follow our methods carefully, you will be able to remove the MicTray64 keylogger and fix other issues in no time. Kindly leave a comment or contact us in case you have any suggestions or queries.
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