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Disable software compatibility updates ("PcaPatchDbTask")

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: Medium

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Moderate

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

    This action improves privacy with some impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script disables the "PcaPatchDbTask" scheduled task.

"PcaPatchDbTask" is responsible for periodically updating a specific database that tracks software known to have compatibility issues 1. When users run a program listed in this database, Windows' Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA) will notify them and suggest a solution to address the compatibility problem the next time the program is started 2 3. By keeping this database updated, the PCA can consistently recognize and remedy compatibility conflicts, ensuring that even software designed for older Windows versions runs correctly on newer ones.

This database is named the System Application Compatibility Database 3. Its primary function is to support users in seamlessly operating older software on modern Windows versions by auto-applying compatibility settings when necessary.

Besides compatibility features, 'PcaPatchDbTask' supports Windows' Dynamic Update process, performing tasks like 4:

  • Retrieving the latest Windows updates and integrating them into the existing system 4. This action can occasionally trigger antivirus alerts, labeling the process as "Riskware.Injector.Generic" 5.
  • Acquiring drivers that may be missing from the installation media 4.
  • Keeping the aforementioned compatibility database up-to-date 1 4.

"PcaPatchDbTask" was initially rolled out in Windows 10 4 and it's present by default since Windows 10 21H1 and Windows 11 22H2.

Disabling this task might enhance user privacy by preventing automated compatibility checks and updates. However, users might miss out on helpful compatibility solutions for older software.

Overview of default task statuses​

\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\PcaPatchDbTask:

OS VersionDefault status
Windows 10 22H2🟢 Ready
Windows 11 22H2🟢 Ready
Windows 11 23H2🟢 Ready
Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications.

Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

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Help

How to apply or restore "Disable software compatibility updates (PcaPatchDbTask)" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

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  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

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How to apply or restore "Disable software compatibility updates (PcaPatchDbTask)" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable software compatibility updates (PcaPatchDbTask)
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Disable scheduled task(s): `\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\PcaPatchDbTask`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\'; $taskNamePattern='PcaPatchDbTask'; Write-Output "^""Disabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found, no action needed."^""; exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; try { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to disable task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to disable some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable software compatibility updates (PcaPatchDbTask)" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
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  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

This category focuses on disabling scheduled tasks related to Application Experience. These tasks aim to improve user experience by identifying compatibility issue...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable background application compatibility checks (Application Experience scheduled tasks) 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Disable program data collection and reporting (ProgramDataUpdater)
Disable application usage tracking (AitAgent)
Disable startup application data tracking (StartupAppTask)
Disable compatibility adjustment data sharing (SdbinstMergeDbTask)
Disable application backup data gathering (MareBackup)

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
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About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

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