Is CTF Loader A Malware or Virus? Why is it Running on Your Computer?

Is CTF Loader A Malware or Virus? Why is it Running on Your Computer?

/ Shayne Sherman
  • CTF loader errors can be frustrating, but it is a solvable issue that you can work your way around.
  • The Collaborative Translation Framework or CTF is a process used by Windows to deliver text support for Windows users who use other input applications.
  • If you’re having issues with high CPU usage, we recommend downloading the Windows Troubleshooter (Fortect.)
  • If your computer does not have a touch screen or you are not using the touch screen feature, you can permanently disable it.
Automatically Repair CTF Loader Errors

Recommended: To easily install drivers automatically, use the tool below.

Download Now
Fortect System Repair
ctf in task manager

Are you having problems with your computer slowing down? Then, when you open the task manager, you see a weird program named CTF.exe running. CTF loader errors can be frustrating, but it is a solvable issue that you can work your way around.

You are puzzled as to why your computer has an unknown process running in the background. You start questioning the program if it’s malware or a virus that causes your computer to slow down.

However, you can chill for a moment, and we will try our best to explain the CTF loader and why it is running on your computer.

CTF Loader is Not a Virus

First, a CTF loader error is not some form of virus or malware. The Collaborative Translation Framework or CTF is a process used by Windows to deliver text support for Windows users who use other input applications. Such as speech recognition, handwriting, and keyboard translations to enter text on their computers.

Windows also use the CTF loader to activate the Microsoft Office language bar. Microsoft Office’s Language Bar is a feature that enables users to seamlessly switch between different input languages available on the Windows operating system.

In most cases, the Collaborative Translation Framework or CTF does not affect your computer’s performance and runs smoothly in the background. However, if it causes your computer to slow down and uses many CPU resources, it can be problematic.

Now, if you are having performance issues due to the CTF loader, we will show you a few tips and tricks that you can perform yourself to try and fix the performance issue related to the CTF loader on your Windows computer.

Let’s get right into it.

How to Repair CTF Loader Process

Method 1: Check for Windows Update

The first thing you can do if the CTF loader on your computer is not performing correctly (like if it’s using a lot of CPU resources) is check for a Windows update.

The version of Windows currently installed on your computer may contain a bug or error related to the CTF loader, which causes it not to function normally.

To fix this, you can try checking for a Windows Update, as Microsoft is already aware of the issue and might release a patch to address the issue.

Step 1. On your computer, press the Windows Key to open the Start menu.

Step 2. After that, click on the Gear icon at the Start Menu to open Windows Settings.

open windows settings

Step 3. Next, click on Update & Security.

windows update and security

Step 4. Lastly, click on Windows Update, which will automatically check for any Windows Update available on your computer.

check updates

Now, follow the on-screen prompts to install the update on your computer if available. After that, run the Task Manager to see if ctf.exe is still using many system resources.

However, if you still have issues with the CTF loader error on your computer, follow the next method below to try and fix the problem.

Method 2: Use Task Scheduler

If the first method did not work, you could try using the task scheduler to prevent the CTF loader from running in the background. Controlling CTF loader startup will help remove the issue.

To use the task scheduler, follow the step-by-step guide below carefully.

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + R on your computer to launch the Run Command Box.

Step 2. Afterward, type: taskschd.msc and hit Enter to open Windows Task Scheduler.

run taskschd

Step 3. Next, click on Task Scheduler Library.

Step 4. Click on the Microsoft folder from the side menu.

Step 5. Click on Windows.

Step 6. Scroll down and click on TextServicesFramework.

text services framework

Step 7. Lastly, right-click on MsCtfMonitor and select Disable.

ms ctf monitor

Now, reboot your computer and open the Task Manager to check if the ctf.exe is still running in the background.

Recommended: Fortect System Repair Tool – Fix Errors & Speed Up Windows Automatically

Method 3: Disable Touch Keyboard And Handwriting Function

If your computer does not have a touchscreen feature or is not using it, you can permanently disable it in Windows. Disabling the touch keyboard and handwriting panel will prevent the CTF loader from running in the background every time you use your computer.

To disable the Touch Keyboard Function on Windows, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + R on your computer to open the Run Command Box.

Step 2. After that, type services.msc on the text field and click OK.

run services msc

Step 3. Now, find Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service inside Windows Services and double-click on it.

touch keyboard handwriting panel service

Step 4. Lastly, on the General tab, ensure that the Startup type is set to Disabled and click OK to save the changes.

disable touch keyboard handwriting panel service

Now, restart your computer and run the Task Manager to see if the process is still running in the background.

If the CTF loader is still running on your computer after disabling the touch keyboard function, you can try the following method below to try and fix the issue.

Method 4: Scan Windows for Malware and Viruses

One of the most common causes of Windows slowing down is malware and viruses. It can cause a myriad of issues, including CTF loader related issues. If you see suspicious processes running in the task manager using many of your system resources, your computer may be infected.

Check out our post: The Best Antivirus Software for 2020

To fix this, you can use Windows Defender to scan suspicious files on your computer. Follow the steps below to guide you through the process.

Step 1. First, press the Windows key + S and search for “Windows Defender.”

search windows defender

Step 2. Open Windows Defender.

Step 3. Next, on the scan options, select full and click scan now.

windows defender full scan

Step 4. Lastly, wait for the scan to finish, then reboot your system.

After rebooting your system, go back to Task Manager to see if any processes are using an abnormal amount of system resources. If you don’t see any, you should have effectively removed any virus and malware from your system.

Method 5 – Detect The CTF Loader Error on Your PC

Most of the time, your PC’s ctfmon.exe file will be saved inside C:\Windows\System32 folder, or System 64 folder. A CTF loader error may happen when your antivirus program detects that your CTF loader is a potential malware or corrupted file. As a result, your ctfmon.exe file will be located somewhere else.

Step 1: Double-click This PC from your Desktop to open it.

Step 2: In the window, go to C:\Windows\System32. And then locate the exe in System 32 folder. Alternatively, if your PC is 64-bit, you should open the System 64 folder.

Step 3: Right-click the ctfmon.exe file to go to its Properties.

Step 4: Now, in ctfmon.exe Properties, under the Details tab, ensure that the Digital Signature is Microsoft Corporation.

Once you check your CTF loader’s digital signature and location, you can decide if ctfmon.exe can be entirely removed from your PC.

Windows Automatic Repair Tool
Windows 10
System Information
  • Your machine is currently running Windows 10
  • Fortect is compatible with your operating system.

Recommended: To repair Windows Errors, use this software package; Fortect System Repair. This repair tool has been proven to identify and fix these errors and other Windows problems with very high efficiency.

Download Now
Fortect System Repair
Norton Digicert
  • 100% safe as confirmed by Norton.
  • Only your system and hardware are evaluated.

Should I disable CTF loader?

We usually don’t suggest turning off the CTF Loader because it could make some Microsoft Office processes unstable or end up causing them to stop working. This is because terminating this framework disables or stops the CTFMon.exe process, which in normal circumstances, is responsible for controlling all of the processes that are reliant on it.

What is CTF loader Windows 11?

The CTF Loader, also known as the Collaborative Translation Framework Loader, is an authentication and identification service that provides text compatibility for various user input apps. It is used for input methods such as speech recognition, keyboard translation, and handwriting.

Can I end CTF loader?

The CTF loader does not affect your computer and can be stopped anytime. However, you should know that when you launch any Office application, the procedure will begin once more if the loader is functioning normally and there are no problems. HOWEVER, a CTF loader running in the background may occasionally slow down your machine or require a lot of CPU power.

How do you fix a CTF Loader?

Several troubleshooting methods can be used to fix an issue with the CTF loader, all listed in this article. You can perform the following methods, and you can find detailed instructions on how to do them in this article as well.

– Check for Windows Update
– Use Task Scheduler
– Disable Touch Keyboard And Handwriting Function
– Scan Windows for Malware and Viruses
– Detect The CTF Loader Error on your PC

How do I do a Microsoft Defender offline scan?

To do a Microsoft Defender offline scan, you must first ensure that you have the latest virus and spyware protection definitions. You can do this by opening the Microsoft Security Essentials program and clicking on the “Update” tab.

Once you have the latest definitions, you need to click on the “Settings” tab and select “Full Scan.” Once the full scan is complete, Defender will prompt you to restart your computer to finish the offline scan.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.