Quick Answer
BCompare.exe is safe. It is the official Beyond Compare executable used for file and folder diffs, merges, and automated compares via the UI or command line.
What is BCompare.exe?
BCompare.exe is the Windows launcher for Beyond Compare, Scooter Software’s robust file and folder comparison tool. It powers side-by-side diffs, folder synchronization, and three-way merges, and can be invoked from the UI or via the command line for automated checks. It may spawn worker processes for large folders.
Beyond Compare reads source data, computes textual or binary diffs, and presents a visual report. It supports 2-way and 3-way merges, folder diff, and rule-based comparisons, using separate worker threads to keep the interface responsive during heavy operations.
Quick Fact: Beyond Compare has long supported scriptable comparisons via the command line, enabling automated diff-and-merge workflows across folders and files.
Types of Beyond Compare Processes
- Main GUI Process: Launches Beyond Compare UI and manages sessions (1 instance)
- Text Diff Engine: Per-file textual diff computations (multiple instances)
- Binary Diff Engine: Binary comparison routine used for non-text files
- Folder Sync/Compare Engine: Folder-level comparison and synchronization operations
- Merge Engine: Three-way merge for conflict resolution
- Automation/CLI Worker: Command-line diff tasks and batch processing
Is bcompare.exe Safe?
Yes, bcompare.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Scooter Software downloaded from official sources (https://www.scootersoftware.com or the official installer).
Is bcompare.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real bcompare.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if bcompare.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Beyond Compare 4\BCompare.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Beyond Compare 4\BCompare.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Scooter Software, Inc." or similar.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per active comparison and 100-400 MB memory. Persistent high usage even when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: BCompare.exe should launch the Beyond Compare UI or run a CLI task when invoked. Unrequested background activity is a red flag.
Red Flags: If bcompare.exe is located outside the standard folders (e.g., Temp, AppData), runs without launching Beyond Compare, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses unusual resources constantly, scan with reputable antivirus and verify against the official installer.
Why Is BCompare.exe Running on My PC?
Beyond Compare runs to perform interactive comparisons or to complete scheduled or automated diff/merge tasks. It may also be active in the background when a session is open or a script is executing.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Comparison Session: You have an open 2-way, 3-way, or folder comparison, causing the process to run to render diffs and updates in real time.
- Folder Synchronization in Progress: A folder pair is being scanned or synchronized, spawning diff tasks for file-by-file evaluation.
- Command-Line or Scripted Task: A batch file or CI script invoked BCompare.exe to perform automated diffs or merges.
- Background or Startup Tasks: Beyond Compare is configured to run at startup or to monitor folders for changes via background tasks.
- Saved Sessions or Projects: A loaded or recently accessed project/session keeps BCompare.exe active to manage diff results.
Can I Disable or Remove bcompare.exe?
Yes, you can disable bcompare.exe. It is safe to close Beyond Compare when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop bcompare.exe
- End Active Sessions: Close Beyond Compare UI or press Alt+F4 to exit all windows
- End Individual Tasks: In Task Manager, find BCompare.exe and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Beyond Compare
- Disable Background Tasks: In Beyond Compare settings, disable background folder monitoring or 'Continue running background tasks when Beyond Compare is closed'
- Stop Command-Line Tasks: Terminate any running CLI sessions started with BCompare.exe
How to Uninstall Beyond Compare
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Beyond Compare → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Beyond Compare → Uninstall
- ✔ If desired, reboot and optionally install a different diff tool
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If bcompare.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Many Comparisons Open: Close unused comparisons or use the tab/window management features to group work.
- Large Folder Comparisons: Limit the scope or filter to a subset of files; consider performing periodic incremental diffs.
- Resource-Heavy Extensions or Scripts: Disable unnecessary scripts or extensions used by Beyond Compare, and review active tasks.
- Outdated Version: Update Beyond Compare to the latest version via Help → Check for Updates.
- Background Monitoring Enabled: Disable folder monitoring in Settings → General → Background tasks.
- Antivirus Interference: Whitelist Beyond Compare executables and ensure real-time protection isn’t scanning constantly.
Quick Fixes:
1. Use the built-in session manager to identify high-usage comparisons
2. Close or suspend idle diff operations
3. Update Beyond Compare to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary background tasks in Settings
5. Whitelist BCompare.exe in your antivirus software
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BCompare.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate BCompare.exe is the Beyond Compare launcher from Scooter Software. Always verify the path is C:\Program Files\Beyond Compare 4\BCompare.exe and that the digital signature shows Scooter Software.
Where is Beyond Compare installed by default?
The default installation path is C:\Program Files\Beyond Compare 4\, and the main executable is BCompare.exe. If you installed to a custom path, verify the corresponding folder.
How do I update Beyond Compare?
Open Beyond Compare and choose Help → Check for Updates, or download the latest installer from the official site and reinstall over the existing installation.
Can I use Beyond Compare from the command line?
Yes. Beyond Compare supports CLI usage to perform scripted diffs and merges. Use BCompare.exe with command-line arguments to specify folders or files for comparison.
Why are there multiple BCompare.exe processes?
Beyond Compare can spawn multiple worker processes for parallel text and binary diffs, as well as for folder comparison tasks, to keep the UI responsive during heavy operations.
How do I uninstall Beyond Compare?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features, select Beyond Compare, and choose Uninstall. Reboot if prompted.