Quick Answer
ArmouryCrate.exe is safe. It's ASUS's Armoury Crate system utility that manages RGB lighting, hardware monitoring, and driver updates with multiple processes for stability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\ASUS\ArmouryCrate\ArmouryCrate.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Armoury Crate components (RGB, updater, background services) may run as separate processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close via system tray or disable startup to stop background activity
What is ArmouryCrate.exe?
ArmouryCrate.exe is the executable for ASUS Armoury Crate, a centralized software suite that manages RGB lighting, hardware monitoring, fan control, profiles, and driver updates for ASUS devices. It launches several background services to coordinate peripherals and system status.
ArmouryCrate uses a multi-process architecture to separate UI, RGB control, updater, and telemetry tasks. This isolation improves stability and responsiveness while enabling real-time hardware customization across connected ASUS devices.
Quick Fact: Armoury Crate centralized many device controls; distinct processes help prevent a single crash from affecting the whole suite.
Types of Armoury Crate Processes
- Armoury Crate Service: Core background service coordinating hardware management and profiles (1+ instances)
- UI Process: User interface for settings and lighting (single instance per session)
- RGB Controller: Per-device RGB lighting control (multi-instance)
- Driver/Firmware Updater: Checks for and installs driver/firmware updates
- Telemetry/Background Tasks: Collects usage/status telemetry and runs background tasks
- Notification Engine: Shows alerts and in-app notifications
Is ArmouryCrate Safe?
Yes, ArmouryCrate is safe when obtained from ASUS official sources (asus.com or preinstalled by the manufacturer).
Is ArmouryCrate a Virus or Malware?
The real ArmouryCrate is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if ArmouryCrate is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\ASUS\ArmouryCrate\ArmouryCrate.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\ArmouryCrate\ArmouryCrate.exe. Any ArmouryCrate.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Windows Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "ASUSTeK Computer Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-12% CPU per process, 100-500 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the program is not actively used is suspicious.
- Behavior: ArmouryCrate should run when you use the app or start Windows. Constant background activity with no user interaction may indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If ArmouryCrate.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when ArmouryCrate isn't opened, has no valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like "ArmouryCrateOld.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is ArmouryCrate Running on My PC?
ArmouryCrate runs to manage ASUS hardware features and user profiles. It may start at login or run in the background to maintain RGB settings, fan curves, and driver updates without requiring manual prompts.
Reasons it's running:
- Active hardware monitoring and control: The software continuously monitors sensors and applies profiles for RGB, fans, and power limits.
- Background update checks: It periodically checks for driver/firmware updates and may download or prompt for installation.
- RGB lighting profiles: Profiles map to devices; ArmouryCrate runs separate processes to orchestrate effects.
- Startup and background services: The suite can launch at Windows startup to ensure immediate device control.
- Telemetry and device status: Optional telemetry/reporting tasks run to improve features and compatibility.
Can I Disable or Remove ArmouryCrate?
Yes, you can disable ArmouryCrate. It's safe to close it when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different management solution.
How to Stop ArmouryCrate
- End Individual Tasks: Use Task Manager to end ArmouryCrate-related processes (ARMOURYCRATE.EXE, ArmouryCrateSvc.exe, etc.)
- Close Application: Use the system tray icon to exit ArmouryCrate
- Prevent Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ArmouryCrate
- Stop Background Apps: In Armoury Crate settings, disable 'Continue running background apps when ArmouryCrate is closed' if available
How to Uninstall Armoury Crate
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ArmouryCrate → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Armoury Crate → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives for RGB and device management if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If ArmouryCrate is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many RGB profiles or background tasks: Close unused profiles and disable nonessential peripheral monitoring in Armoury Crate settings.
- Resource-Heavy RGB effects or overlays: Switch to simpler lighting effects or reduce update frequency in RGB settings.
- Outdated Armoury Crate version: Check for updates in Armoury Crate or reinstall the latest version from ASUS.
- Conflicting overlays or third-party plugins: Disable other hardware management utilities to identify conflicts.
- Corrupted local data: Reset ArmouryCrate data or clear its cache from settings or reinstall.
- Driver/firmware update loop: Pause automatic updates, install pending updates, then re-enable with caution.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Armoury Crate Task Manager view to identify high-usage components
2. Update Armoury Crate to the latest version
3. Disable unnecessary RGB profiles and startup tasks
4. Restart Armoury Crate or reboot the PC
5. Check for driver updates via Armoury Crate or ASUS support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ArmouryCrate safe?
Yes, ArmouryCrate is safe when downloaded from ASUS official sources or preinstalled by the device manufacturer. Always verify the file path is under C:\Program Files\ASUS\ArmouryCrate and that the digital signature shows ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Why is ArmouryCrate using so much CPU?
High CPU usage can be caused by active overlay rendering, many RGB profiles, or conflicting extensions. Use Armoury Crate Task Manager to identify the culprit and consider reducing profiles or disabling background features.
Can I disable ArmouryCrate from starting at boot?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup tab to disable Armoury Crate, or disable individual startup tasks within Armoury Crate settings.
How do I uninstall ArmouryCrate?
Open Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features, select ArmouryCrate, and choose Uninstall. Reboot after uninstallation. If issues persist, use the uninstaller in C:\Program Files\ASUS\ArmouryCrate\unins000.exe.
Do I need ArmouryCrate for RGB control?
Not strictly required, but ArmouryCrate provides centralized RGB control and hardware monitoring for ASUS devices. Alternative tools may exist, but compatibility varies.
Where is ArmouryCrate installed?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files\ASUS\ArmouryCrate\ArmouryCrate.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\ArmouryCrate\ArmouryCrate.exe. The file should be signed by ASUSTeK Computer Inc.