Pnkbstrb.exe is the executable file for PunkBuster, a computer program designed to detect program used for cheats in online games by scanning the virtual memory of the computer or local machine. An identified computer is banned from connection with protected servers. PunkBuster aims to isolate cheaters, preventing them against disrupting legitimate games. PunkBuster features real-time memory scanning, two-tiered background auto-update program application using multiple servers that provide security, ensuring that no corrupt or false updates are installed in the computers. Regular status reports are delivered to the PunkBuster servers by all players. The PunkBuster server sets game violation rules which serves as the basis for removing or banning the offending player from the game, informing other players of the violation. The PunkBuster admins manually remove players for a specified time or permanently banned if desired. Its servers can be configured to check the player settings to look for known game exploits on the engine.

Most non-system processes that are running can be stopped because they are not involved in running your operating system. pnkbstrb.exe. is used by PunkBuster Software Process, If you shut down pnkbstrb.exe, it will likely start again at a later time either after you restart your computer or after an application start. To stop pnkbstrb.exe, permanently you need to uninstall the application that runs this process which in this case is PunkBuster Software Process, from your system.

After uninstalling applications it is a good idea to scan you Windows registry for any left over traces of applications. Registry Reviver by ReviverSoft is a great tool for doing this.

The ReviverSoft experts have not yet reviewed pnkbstrb.exe

A process usually a part of an installed application such as PunkBuster Software Process, or your operating system that is responsible for running in functions of that application. Some application require that they have processes running all the time so they can do things such as check for updates or notify you when you get an instant message. Some poorly written applications have many processes that run that may not be required and take up valuable processing power within your computer.

We have not received any complaint about this process having higher than normal impact on PC performance. If you have had bad experiences with it please let us know in a comment below and we will investigate it further.

The first thing you should do if pnkbstrb.exe. is causing errors on your computer is to run a Windows registry scan with Registry Reviver If you are still seeing errors after this you should uninstall the program that pnkbstrb.exe, belongs to, in this case PunkBuster Software Process