Can This File be Deleted without Damage?

I think I would rather try brain surgery than to mess around with the registry.

Stop using Ccleaner it is outdated software program...

..."The file you asked about is a Cortana runtime, however it is impersonated sometimes by malware so let's do a thorough check for malware and then see if any System Files are broken by this, CCleaner or anything else:

Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/. "...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/speechruntimeexe-toastnotifier/b5527ceb-1286-4e49-a030-11a9cb8db3d7

I run Ccleaner every time I exit the Net.

This is the first time it has shown up,and I have been using Ccleaner for years.

Ccleaner cannot delete it.

I have run Malwarebytes Pro on it and it shows no infections on my computer.

I have not activated Cortana,to my knowledge,and don't want it.

It may have slipped in on a recent update.

I have backed up my registry,and I will delete the file and see what happens.

The file may be shared with several other programs...tread lightly....It seems that malwarebytes says it's safe...so it's safe as far as we know....The fact that cortana is unused(as is mine) explains the appearance of this file in the registry... I would leave well enough alone, been through this myself trying to delete cortana...can of worms alert!

Eek ! I use CCleaner all the time with no seeming problem. Many other programs I've used (incorrectly) flag Iobit stuff as malware. That said, I rarely look at CCleaner's registry cleaner. As for Cortana, it's like annoying in-laws but with benefit of shutting it up.

You may need to use the its own uninstall program that came with program in order to delete it..

Good luck!

That is what I normally do when the CCleaner cannot or fails to safely delete any unwanted program..

Somehow parts of the unwanted program like files were spread in different folders when the CCleaner can not do the deletion safely..

There is no uninstall program,and I did not install it.

It must have come with a windows update.

This is the first time it has shown up as non-deleted by Ccleaner.

I have the latest version of Ccleaner.

I looked for the program in the registry,but it was not found.

Ccleaner indicates it was left behind by a previously uninstalled program,so I am just going to ignore it for the time being.

I am accustomed to Ccleaner returning a clean page when completed,and I am wary of this deviation from normal operation.

Thanks to everyone for their valuable feedback.

Hi HTRN,

I typed: "SpeechRuntime.exe -ToastNotifier" into Google Search.

The second hit titled: "What Is SpeechRuntime.exe? Is It A Virus Or Malware ..."

Takes you to:

https://howtodoninja.com/files/exe/speechruntime-exe/speechruntime-exe-virus-malware-uninstall-fix/

Looks in-depth and comprensive about what it is (or may be - viruses can impersonate) and what to do about it.

If it's a new system file it could be necessary to all sorts of other windows functions and your version of CCleaner just doesn't recognize it.

If it's not malware and it's a windows system file I leave these alone. There's no way for a layperson to know what it might be needed for.

An integral Windows tool is the best method of inspection. The Registry Scan\Repair tool can be utilized by anyone using an Administrator credential. Open a command prompt with admin privileges, type sfc /scannow then press enter; this can take some time as 5 levels of inspection occur. Ordinarily this integral utility can identify and repair the registry; however, sometimes Windows will require an installation media, then insert disc and Windows will advise. Be patient, average time to complete scan and repair 8 minutes.