Have you been scrolling through your Task Manager on Windows 10 and spotted a process named qc1110-x64.exe? Or perhaps you plugged in a new USB-to-Ethernet adapter, and this file suddenly appeared in your system tray.
You are not alone, and more importantly—you do not have a virus. This guide explains exactly what this file is, why it’s running, and how to manage it safely.
qc1110-x64.exe is a legitimate driver utility component for USB-to-Ethernet adapters based on the Realtek / QEMU QC1110 chipset. The "x64" in the name indicates it is compiled for 64-bit versions of Windows 10 (which covers most modern PCs). qc1110-x64.exe windows 10
Despite the "QC" prefix (which sometimes stands for QuickChip or Qualcomm-related legacy naming), these drivers are most commonly associated with:
In short: if you own a small USB dongle that adds an Ethernet port to your laptop or desktop, this process is the software that makes it work. Have you been scrolling through your Task Manager
Q: Can I delete qc1110-x64.exe?
A: Yes, if you do not use the associated network adapter. However, do not simply delete the exe from its folder. Instead, uninstall the entire driver suite via Apps & features or Device Manager. Simply deleting the file will cause boot errors because services will still look for it.
Q: Why does qc1110-x64.exe try to access the internet?
A: The legitimate version does not require internet access. If you see outbound network connections in your firewall, it could be a Trojan trying to phone home. Block it temporarily and scan your PC. In short: if you own a small USB
Q: The error appears only when I plug in a USB Ethernet adapter. What should I do?
A: This is a classic driver conflict. Uninstall the adapter’s current driver, then download the latest Windows 10-specific driver from the manufacturer. Avoid using Windows 7/8 drivers on Windows 10 for networking hardware.
Q: Is qc1110-x64.exe related to a cryptocurrency miner?
A: Not normally. However, some malware families name their coin miners with generic-sounding names like *x64.exe. Monitor CPU usage: if the process uses >50% CPU continuously even when the network is idle, run a full antivirus scan.
Some versions keep a "wake on LAN" flag active. You can disable this in the same Power Management tab by unchecking "Allow this device to wake the computer".