Solved Why does PunkBuster start with Windows?

rzn6jw · Nov 29, 2021

I noticed in task manager that PnkBstrA.exe was running every time Windows 11 starts. Looking at the file location, I see that it's in Windows/SysWOW64. I also noticed that there are 5 other variations of the PnkBstrA.exe application: A1.exe, B.ex0, B.exe, B.xtr, and B1.exe.

Is this part of the Windows 11 security? It's not in any startup group I can find but it still starts with Windows.

Josey Wales · Nov 29, 2021

Delete it, it is no longer needed. It will be in a Game folder that may be in Steam. Just search for it and uninstall it.

DigitalGoat · Nov 29, 2021

Punk Buster is a multiplayer anti cheat utility, it is probably installed as part of an old game setup and is a blast from the past. Very doubtful is of any use these days, but may be needed for compatibility with some older games.
As Josey says, you can probably remove it, or at least stop it starting with Windows, if you find it hard to get to, try Autoruns from Sysinternals which should allow you to disable it rather than un install it, which will also prevent it loading on start up, just in case. :)

rzn6jw · Nov 29, 2021

Only place I could find it was in the Windows/SysWOW64 folder. Will try to delete it and see what happens on a reboot.

OK, removed PnkBstrA and rebooted and it didn't start with Windows. Will keep an eye on whether it runs again and what app starts it and list it here.