Quick Answer
AdobeIPCBroker.exe is safe. It's Adobe's IPC broker that coordinates inter-process communication between Creative Cloud apps and other software to keep settings, assets, and licenses in sync.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe
Warning
Multiple broker processes are normal
IPC Broker runs per Adobe app; excessive instances may indicate a loop or unclean shutdown
Can I Disable?
<strong>NO</strong> - Not recommended
Disabling may disrupt Creative Cloud features and app integration. If not using CC, you can end the process temporarily, but it will restart with CC apps.
What is AdobeIPCBroker.exe?
AdobeIPCBroker.exe is the background broker that coordinates inter-process communication between Adobe Creative Cloud components and installed Adobe applications. It helps license validation, asset synchronization, user preferences, and cross-app settings by routing messages securely between processes for a seamless Creative Cloud experience.
It runs as a small, signed Windows process started by the Creative Cloud services to pass IPC messages using OS primitives and inter-process communications, ensuring apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat stay in sync without manual data transfers.
Quick Fact: Adobe pioneered IPC-based coordination for creative apps; the broker enables cross-application features without user intervention.
Types of Adobe IPC Broker Processes
- Broker Process for CC Desktop: Coordinates IPC for the Creative Cloud suite (one per app session)
- License & Synchronization Handler: Manages license validation and asset sync across apps
- Settings Transporter: Transfers user preferences between CC apps
- Background Listener: Listens for IPC messages from running Adobe apps
- Notification Router: Routes update and status notifications between components
Is adobeipcbroker.exe Safe?
Yes, adobeipcbroker.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Adobe downloaded from official sources (Creative Cloud).
Is adobeipcbroker.exe a Virus or Malware?
The genuine adobeipcbroker.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names.
How to Tell if adobeipcbroker.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe or C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe. Any adobeipcbroker.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager \u2192 Open file location \u2192 Right-click AdobeIPCBroker.exe \u2192 Properties \u2192 Digital Signatures. Should show "Adobe Systems Incorporated".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU and 20-120 MB memory. Constant, unusually high usage or 0% activity when CC is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Adobe IPC Broker should start with Creative Cloud activities and run in the background. If it runs without any CC apps or internet connectivity, investigate.
Red Flags: If adobeipcbroker.exe is located outside Adobe's standard install directories (e.g., Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when CC isn't open, lacks a valid signature, or uses persistent resources, scan with antivirus and verify CC installation integrity.
Why Is AdobeIPCBroker.exe Running on My PC?
AdobeIPCBroker.exe runs as part of Creative Cloud to enable smooth interaction between Adobe apps, license checks, asset syncing, and shared settings. It starts automatically when you use CC apps or when background tasks are enabled.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Creative Cloud Use: You're running one or more CC apps; the broker coordinates IPC between them to share data and settings.
- Background Asset Sync: Creative Cloud may sync assets, libraries, and licenses in the background, requiring IPC coordination.
- CC Startup and Initialization: Launching Creative Cloud or its desktop app initializes the broker to prepare app readiness.
- License Validation: The broker handles entitlement checks and license verification across Adobe products.
- Cross-App Notifications: Updates about status, updates, or errors are routed through IPC to relevant CC apps.
Can I Disable or Remove adobeipcbroker.exe?
Not recommended — Adobe IPC Broker is integral to Creative Cloud integration. Disabling may break licensing checks, syncing, and cross-app features.
How to Stop adobeipcbroker.exe
- End Individual Broker Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate AdobeIPCBroker.exe under Processes, and End Task for non-essential instances when CC is not in use.
- Close Creative Cloud Apps: Close all CC apps to reduce broker activity.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager \u2192 Startup tab \u2192 Disable Adobe Creative Cloud entry (if present).
- Pause Sync: Open Creative Cloud app \u2192 Preferences \u2192 General \u2192 Pause syncing or sign out temporarily.
- Check for Updates: Ensure Creative Cloud Desktop and apps are up to date; outdated components can cause repeated IPC restarts.
How to Uninstall Adobe IPC Broker (via CC)
- ✔ Open Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Adobe Creative Cloud > Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally run Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool if you remove CC components to fully clean traces
- ✔ Reinstall Creative Cloud if you plan to continue using Adobe apps
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If AdobeIPCBroker.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Background sync for assets and licenses: Pause or limit Creative Cloud sync in the CC app and reduce active syncing libraries.
- Outdated Adobe components: Update Creative Cloud Desktop and all installed Adobe apps to the latest versions.
- Multiple CC apps running simultaneously: Close unused CC apps or restart the Creative Cloud Desktop app to consolidate IPC tasks.
- Antivirus interference: Add exceptions for the Adobe IPCBroker path in your antivirus/EDR software.
- Corrupted IPC settings: Reset CC preferences or sign out and back into Creative Cloud to refresh IPC state.
- Network or licensing issues: Ensure your firewall allows Adobe servers and your network permits license validation traffic.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Creative Cloud Task Manager and identify high-usage items
2. Pause syncing temporarily and restart CC Desktop
3. Update all Adobe apps to the latest versions
4. Add an antivirus exception for Adobe IPCBroker.exe path
5. Restart the computer to reinitialize IPC tasks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adobeipcbroker.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate adobeipcbroker.exe from Adobe is not a virus. Verify the file location is in C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe or C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe and that it has a valid signature from Adobe.
Why is adobeipcbroker.exe running so much?
AdobeIPCBroker.exe runs to coordinate inter‑process communication between Creative Cloud apps. High activity typically occurs during syncing, licensing checks, or when multiple CC apps are open.
Where is adobeipcbroker.exe located?
Common locations are C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe or C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe IPCBroker\AdobeIPCBroker.exe.
Can I disable adobeipcbroker.exe?
Disabling is not recommended because CC apps rely on it for synchronization and licensing. If needed, you can temporarily end tasks or disable startup entries, but expect features to break.
How can I reduce the impact of AdobeIPCBroker.exe on performance?
Update Creative Cloud, limit background syncing, close unused CC apps, add antivirus exceptions for the Adobe IPCBroker path, and consider restarting the broker occasionally.
How do I check if adobeipcbroker.exe is legitimate?
Check file location (as above), verify the digital signature shows Adobe, monitor CPU/memory usage, and ensure CC components are up to date.