Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Basemark\Basemark.exe
Warning
Multiple test processes normal
Basemark launches separate modules for CPU, GPU, and IO tests; no single process indicates a problem
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Stop tests from the Basemark UI or close the app to halt all benchmarking
What is basemark.exe?
basemark.exe is the executable for Basemark Benchmark, a cross-platform performance testing tool that runs a suite of CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O tests to generate comparative scores. It launches multiple child processes to isolate tests and collect results, then presents a consolidated benchmark report.
Basemark uses a modular, multi-process architecture to run workloads in parallel. Each test is isolated to prevent cross-test interference, enabling precise measurement of raw computational and graphical performance across platforms.
Quick Fact: Basemark pioneered cross-platform benchmarking and continues to support CPU, GPU, and memory workloads across Windows, Linux, and mobile devices.
Types of Basemark Processes
- Benchmark Orchestrator: Coordinates all tests and aggregates results (1 instance)
- CPU Test Process: Runs CPU-bound benchmarks across synthetic and real workloads
- GPU Test Process: Runs graphics and shader benchmarks to measure GPU throughput
- Memory Test Process: Assesses memory bandwidth and latency under load
- IO Test Process: Evaluates disk I/O and storage subsystem performance
- UI/Reporting Process: Displays progress and writes final results to reports
Is basemark.exe Safe?
Yes, basemark.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Basemark downloaded from official sources.
Is basemark.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real basemark.exe is NOT a virus. However, like any software, you should verify its origin.
How to Tell if basemark.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Basemark\Basemark.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Basemark\Basemark.exe. Any basemark.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid Basemark signature, typically by Basemark Ltd.
- Resource Usage:: During a benchmark expect CPU and memory activity, but idle state should be low when not running tests.
- Behavior:: Basemark should launch tests only when started by the user or scheduled task. Continuous background operation without UI warrants investigation.
Red Flags: If basemark.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without user interaction, has no digital signature, or uses unusual network calls, scan with antivirus and verify vendor.
Why Is basemark.exe Running on My PC?
basemark.exe runs when you start a Basemark Benchmark, when a test is scheduled, or when results are being uploaded or synced.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Benchmark Run: You're currently executing a Basemark test or workload suite; each module may spawn its own process
- Background Data Collection: Basemark may collect telemetry-like data for aggregated results or report generation
- Scheduled Test: Tests may be configured to run on a timer or via a batch task
- Result Upload: Finished benchmarks may automatically upload results to Basemark cloud or local server
- UI and Reporting: The UI component runs to present progress and save final reports
Can I Disable or Remove basemark.exe?
Yes, you can disable basemark.exe. You can stop tests, prevent startup, or uninstall Basemark if you no longer need it.
How to Stop basemark.exe
- Pause or Stop Benchmark: In the Basemark UI, click Stop or Pause to halt tests gracefully
- Close the Application: Close all Basemark windows or use Alt+F4
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate basemark.exe, right-click End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Basemark
- Disable Background Data: In Basemark settings, turn off automatic uploads or telemetry
How to Uninstall Basemark
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Basemark → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Basemark → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete remaining Basemark directories under C:\Program Files\Basemark and C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Basemark
- ✔ Reboot the computer after uninstallation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If basemark.exe is consuming excessive resources during a benchmark:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Benchmark with Many Workloads: Allow the test to complete or pause, as multiple modules can spike CPU during sustained tests
- Background Telemetry: Disable automatic data uploads in Basemark settings to reduce network/CPU usage
- Outdated Basemark Version: Update to the latest Basemark build which optimizes resource handling
- Driver or OpenGL/Vulkan Issues: Update GPU drivers and ensure correct runtime libraries are installed
- Corrupted Benchmark Data: Repair or reinstall Basemark to restore normal operation
- Concurrent Benchmark Runs: Ensure only a single instance runs at a time; use the UI to stop parallel benchmarks
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Basemark UI and stop the current benchmark
3. Check GPU/CPU drivers and update if needed
4. Disable automatic uploads in Settings
5. Restart Basemark and re-run the test with fewer workloads
6. Monitor resource usage with Task Manager during the test
Frequently Asked Questions
Is basemark.exe a virus?
No, basemark.exe is the legitimate Basemark Benchmark executable. Verify it is located in C:\Program Files\Basemark and that it is digitally signed by Basemark Ltd.
Why is basemark.exe using so much CPU?
Benchmark workloads demand CPU power, especially during CPU-bound tests. Use Basemark Task Manager to see which test is active and consider reducing workload or ending the test.
Can I delete basemark.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Basemark via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your results may be retained if you use the cloud feature; otherwise they will be removed with uninstall.
Can I disable basemark.exe?
Yes, you can stop a running benchmark or disable startup in Task Manager. To stop background data, turn off telemetry in Basemark settings.
Why would Basemark run at startup?
If Basemark is configured to start automatically or as part of a test suite, it may launch at Windows startup. Disable from Task Manager → Startup or from Basemark settings.
How do I reduce Basemark memory usage?
Close unnecessary tests, lower workload levels, and ensure you have enough free RAM. Updating GPU/CPU drivers can also improve efficiency.