# DataExchangeHost.exe

Windows Process: Microsoft Corporation

Also called dataexchangehost, data exchange host

Windows, System Component

Data Exchange Host. It helps clipboard and drag-and-drop between apps, including some packaged apps and the desktop.

## What you need to know

This brokers data between apps. It is not RuntimeBroker.exe (capabilities) and not the clipboard history UI.

DataExchangeHost.exe is a Windows data-exchange broker. You see it during share or drag operations. Ending it mid-drop can lose the payload.

- **Safe?**: Yes, in System32

  **Why is it here?**: A share, drop, or clipboard hand-off

  **Should I end it?**: An in-flight drop may fail

Feex says

If I dragged a file into a Store app and this host appeared, that is the broker. I would not end RuntimeBroker to fix a failed drop.

## What is DataExchangeHost.exe?

DataExchangeHost.exe is the Windows Data Exchange Host in System32.

## What does it do?

It moves shared payloads between callers so a packaged app and a desktop app can exchange files or text. It does not store clipboard history. That is a different feature.

## Why is it running?

A share charm, a drag, or an interop API started it. A quiet copy can linger briefly after the drop.

## Is it safe?

Usually safe

System32 DataExchangeHost is Microsoft. The same name in a packer folder is not.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

`C:\Windows\System32\DataExchangeHost.exe`

- Share / drag broker
- Not RuntimeBroker.exe
- Not TextInputHost clipboard UI

## Can I end it?

May fail the drop

Ending it during a transfer can cancel the share. After the drop, a leftover copy can be ended if it is stuck.

## Can I remove it?

No

Do not delete DataExchangeHost.exe. Interop between Store and desktop apps will get worse.

## Should it start with Windows?

On demand. Not Startup Apps.

## Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

- **CPU**: Low

  **Memory**: Follows payload size

  **Disk**: Temp exchange files

  **Network**: None for a local drop

## File information

| Executable name        | DataExchangeHost.exe                     |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Common legitimate path | C:\Windows\System32\DataExchangeHost.exe |
| Publisher              | Microsoft Corporation                    |
| Signature expectation  | Signed by Microsoft Windows              |

## Common problems

### Stuck after a huge drop

End this host if the dialog is already gone. Then retry a smaller share.

### Confused with clipboard history

Win+V UI is Input Experience. This host is the broker.

## Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

### Retry the share after ending a stuck host

The calling apps stay running.

### Do not replace the broker

System file.

## Technical details

Technical details

| Image name | DataExchangeHost.exe  |
| ---------- | --------------------- |
| Role       | Share and drag broker |

## Related

These entities connect to this article. Type is shown on every link.

[RuntimeBroker.exe: Windows Process](https://feex.it/wiki/process/runtimebroker.exe)[ApplicationFrameHost.exe: Windows Process](https://feex.it/wiki/process/applicationframehost.exe)

## Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. [How we research](https://feex.it/wiki/research).

- [Microsoft Learn: sharing data ](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/uwp/app-to-app/share-data)· Share and exchange
- [Microsoft Learn: Windows ](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows)· Primary Windows documentation
- [Foxhole process map ](https://foxhole.feex.it/)· First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

## Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.

Quick facts

The short identity of this page. Specs, sources, and the full story stay in the article.

- **Type**: Windows Process

  **Publisher**: Microsoft Corporation

  **Executable**: DataExchangeHost.exe

  **Typical path**: C:\Windows\System32\DataExchangeHost.exe

  **Mapped by Feex**: Seen on Windows PCs in Foxhole

Feex Reviewed: Last verified August 2026

---

Source: [Canonical Feex Wiki page](https://feex.it/wiki/process/dataexchangehost.exe/)

[Developer guide](https://feex.it/wiki/developers/) | [API policy](https://feex.it/developers/api-policy/) | [Agent guidance](https://feex.it/wiki/llms.txt)