Quick Answer
araxis-merge.exe is safe. It runs Araxis Merge's comparison engine in a dual-pane window to diff and merge text or binary files, folders, and code with a clear visual interface.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Araxis\Araxis Merge\Compare.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Araxis\Araxis Merge\Compare.exe
Warning
Multiple processes common
Each open diff session may spawn its own Compare.exe process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Araxis Merge or disable shell integration to prevent automatic launches
What is araxis-merge.exe?
araxis-merge-exe is the Windows executable that launches Araxis Merge, a professional diff and merge tool. It powers side-by-side comparisons of two or three files or folders, highlights differences, and supports merging, patch creation, and synchronized scrolling for precise edits.
Araxis Merge uses a precise diff engine and semantic highlighting to compare files and folders. It supports two- and three-way merges, syntax-aware diffing, and folder-level comparisons, designed for developers, teams, and professional reviewers.
Quick Fact: Araxis Merge pioneered high-fidelity two- and three-way diffing, offering rich merge capabilities and code-aware comparison for complex projects.
Types of Araxis Processes
- Browser Process: Main UI for launching and managing compare sessions
- Renderer Process: Each open diff view or pane renders its content
- Extension/Integration Process: Shell integrations or editor plugins that invoke Compare.exe
- Utility Process: Background tasks such as update checks or license validation
- Command Line Helper: CLI wrappers used in automation scripts
- Updater/License Process: Keeps the product current and licensed
Is araxis-merge.exe Safe?
Yes, araxis-merge.exe is safe when from Araxis Ltd and located under the official program folder. Ensure you downloaded from araxis.com or through an authorized installer.
Is araxis-merge.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real araxis-merge.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names. Check path and digital signature.
How to Tell if araxis-merge.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Araxis\Araxis Merge\Compare.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Araxis\Araxis Merge\Compare.exe. Any Compare.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click Compare.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Araxis Ltd" as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0.5-5% CPU per active diff, 40-120 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when not actively diffing is suspicious.
- Behavior: Araxis Merge should run only when you open or trigger a diff. Continuous background activity without a session may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If araxis-merge.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when no editor is open, has no valid digital signature, or uses abnormal resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Look for similarly-named files like "diff.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is araxis-merge.exe Running on My PC?
araxis-merge.exe runs when you actively compare files with Araxis Merge or when shell integrations, automation scripts, or update tasks invoke the tool in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Diff Session: A user or script is actively diffing two or three files or folders, opening Compare.exe windows.
- Explorer Shell Integration: Right-click diff context actions or folder comparisons can launch Compare.exe via the Windows shell integration.
- Background Folder Monitoring: Automated folder comparisons or watchers may trigger Compare.exe in the background.
- Command-Line Automation: CI pipelines or scripts invoke Araxis Merge to produce diffs or merges programmatically.
- Startup/Update Tasks: Update checks or license validation tasks may start araxis-merge.exe in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove araxis-merge.exe?
Yes, you can disable araxis-merge.exe. It is safe to close or exit Araxis Merge, and you can uninstall it completely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop araxis-merge.exe
- End Diff Sessions: Close all Araxis Merge windows or press Alt+F4 to exit sessions
- Close UI: Use File → Exit or the close button to end the main window
- Terminate Background Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate Compare.exe or Araxis Merge related processes, and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Araxis Merge
- Disable Background Apps: In Araxis Merge Settings → System, turn off "Continue running background apps when Araxis Merge is closed"
How to Uninstall Araxis Merge
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Araxis Merge → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Araxis Merge → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider removing any remaining configuration folders under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Araxis and C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\Araxis
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If araxis-merge.exe is consuming excessive resources during diffs or launches:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many open comparisons: Close unused diff sessions or use one main Compare window with multiple panes enabled where supported.
- Large binary or text diffs: Limit diff scope for large files or enable binary-diff optimizations if available; consider splitting work into smaller chunks.
- Background shell integration: Disable Explorer integration or remove context menu entries from Araxis Merge settings.
- Outdated version: Update to the latest Araxis Merge build to benefit from performance fixes.
- Extensions or scripts: Review any integrated tools or scripts that auto-invoke merges; optimize or remove redundant automation.
- Insufficient system resources: Close other heavy applications; allocate more memory or run on a system with more RAM when diffing large projects.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unnecessary diff sessions via the Araxis Merge UI
2. Update to the latest version: Help → Check for Updates
3. Disable unnecessary extensions and shell integrations
4. Split large diffs into smaller tasks
5. Restart Araxis Merge or the system if resources are persistently high
Frequently Asked Questions
Is araxis-merge-exe safe to use?
Yes. The legitimate araxis-merge.exe from Araxis Ltd, located under C:\Program Files\Araxis\Araxis Merge, is a trusted diff/merge tool. Always verify the digital signature and path.
How do I run a diff from the command line?
Araxis Merge supports command-line diffing with flags like Compare.exe <path1> <path2> and additional options for folder comparisons or three-way merges. Refer to the official docs for precise syntax.
How can I uninstall Araxis Merge?
Open Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features, select Araxis Merge, and click Uninstall. Optionally remove residual config folders in your user profile.
Can I disable Explorer integration?
Yes. In Araxis Merge, disable shell/Explorer integration to stop context-menu diff launches and reduce background activity.
Does Araxis Merge support folder comparisons?
Yes. Araxis Merge provides both file and folder comparison capabilities with multi-pane views and side-by-side merge support.
Why are there multiple araxis-merge.exe processes?
Araxis Merge can spawn separate processes per active diff session or per extension integration. This is normal for parallel diffs but should decrease after sessions close.