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PinningServiceApi.dll: Is It Safe?

Supporting API for Intel Optane pinning / RST shell components. Not a primary context menu DLL alone, but missing or orphaned copies trigger 'Unable to load DLL' errors from Optane pinning Explorer extensions.

Quick facts

How to check this file on your PC

1. Open ShellExView ( download guide) as Administrator.
2. Find PinningServiceApi.dll in the list (Ctrl+F).
3. Note the full path. Prefer Program Files for known vendors; treat Temp, Downloads, or random AppData paths as higher risk.
4. Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures (or use Sysinternals sigcheck).

Disable without uninstalling

1. In ShellExView: Options → Hide All Microsoft Extensions.
2. Select the row for PinningServiceApi.dll.
3. Press F7 (Disable Selected Items).
4. Options → Restart Explorer (or Ctrl+E).
5. Test right-click. Re-enable with F8 if something breaks.

FAQ

Is PinningServiceApi.dll a virus?

PinningServiceApi.dll is not automatically malware, but it is flagged as Warning: Supporting API for Intel Optane pinning / RST shell components. Not a primary context menu DLL alone, but missing or orphaned copies trigger 'Unable to load DLL' errors from Optane pinning Explorer extensions.

How do I disable PinningServiceApi.dll?

Download ShellExView from NirSoft, run it as Administrator, hide Microsoft extensions, find PinningServiceApi.dll, press F7 to disable, then restart Explorer.

Who publishes PinningServiceApi.dll?

Listed company/vendor: Intel Corporation. Type: Storage.

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