What Is TwDsUiLaunch.exe? Is It Safe or a Virus?

If you’ve spotted TwDsUiLaunch.exe running on your Windows PC, you might be wondering what it is, whether it’s harmful, and if you should remove it. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Exactly Is TwDsUiLaunch.exe?

TwDsUiLaunch.exe is an executable file that comes with Brother Industries software, usually related to their printers and scanners.

• It’s typically located in:
  C:\Windows\twain_32\Brimm17a\Common\ (sometimes slightly different subfolders).
• The file is signed by Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher, which means it’s officially recognized and trusted.

This file helps your Brother devices communicate with your computer and gives you access to printer or scanner settings. If you use Brother hardware, it’s an important part of keeping everything working properly.

Is TwDsUiLaunch.exe Safe?

In most cases, yes — it’s safe.
However, just like many Windows processes, some malware can disguise itself using the same name. That’s why you should double-check its location and behavior.

Here are two quick checks:

1. File location — If the file is inside the Brother software directory (like C:\Windows\twain_32\Brimm17a\Common\), it’s most likely legitimate. If you find it somewhere else, especially in C:\Windows\System32, be cautious.
2. Resource usage — If TwDsUiLaunch.exe constantly uses high CPU or memory, it could be a fake version running in the background.

When Should You Remove It?

• Keep it if you use a Brother printer or scanner — removing it may stop your device from working properly.
• Remove or disable it if:
  • You don’t own any Brother devices.
  • It’s found in the wrong folder.
  • It’s slowing down your system or acting suspiciously.

How to Disable or Remove TwDsUiLaunch.exe

1. Disable It From Startup

If you don’t need it running all the time:

1. Right-click the Start Menu → choose Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Find TwDsUiLaunch.exe, right-click it, and select Disable.

This stops it from launching automatically with Windows.

2. Manually Delete the File (If Suspicious)

If you find the file outside the Brother directory:

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
2. Search for TwDsUiLaunch.exe.
3. Right-click the result → Open file location.
4. If it’s not in the Brother folder, delete it.

(⚠️ Don’t delete the file if it’s in the correct Brother directory, unless you’re sure you don’t use those devices anymore.)

3. Run a Security Scan

If you’re unsure whether it’s a virus:

• Run a Full Scan with Windows Defender (built into Windows).
• Or use a trusted third-party antivirus tool like Malwarebytes.
  This will catch and remove any malicious files disguised as TwDsUiLaunch.exe.

4. Repair Windows Files (Optional)

If you suspect system files got corrupted, run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

• sfc /scannow
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This ensures your Windows installation stays healthy after removing any suspicious programs.

Conclusion

• Legitimate TwDsUiLaunch.exe = Safe and needed for Brother printers/scanners.
• Suspicious or misplaced TwDsUiLaunch.exe = Potential malware, and should be disabled or deleted.

If you’re not using any Brother devices, it’s fine to remove or disable it to keep your PC running smoothly.