bginfo.exe

What is bginfo.exe?

bginfo.exe is the main executable of BGInfo, a Sysinternals utility that gathers key system data and embeds it into your desktop wallpaper or output image. It can run on demand or at logon to refresh displayed information.

BGInfo reads OS data via Windows APIs and writes a bitmap or text overlay with hostname, IP, uptime, CPU, and memory. A single bginfo.exe instance can operate with a config to customize fields and update style.

Types of BGInfo Processes

• BGInfo Main Process: The primary bginfo.exe that collects data and generates the output image or wallpaper data.
• Output Setter: Applies the generated bitmap as the desktop wallpaper or saves it to a file.
• Config Reader: Parses bginfo.cfg or command-line arguments to decide which fields to display.
• Temporary Helper: Any auxiliary helper process spawned during rendering or sign-off tasks.

Is bginfo.exe Safe?

Yes, bginfo.exe is safe when obtained from the official Sysinternals/Microsoft sources (Sysinternals BGInfo) and located in trusted folders.

Is bginfo.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real bginfo.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with the same name. Always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if bginfo.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Check for C:\\Program Files\\BGInfo\\bginfo.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\BGInfo\\bginfo.exe. Nonstandard folders are suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click bginfo.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show 'Microsoft Corporation' or 'Sysinternals' trust chain.
3. Resource Usage: Normal BGInfo runs use minimal CPU unless actively rendering; 5-20 MB memory footprint is typical.
4. Behavior: BGInfo should not continuously run in the background. If it starts at unexpected times, inspect Startup and Task Scheduler entries.

Why Is bginfo.exe Running on My PC?

bginfo.exe runs when BGInfo is configured to populate the desktop with live data either at logon or on demand. It may also be triggered by a scheduled task or startup shortcut.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Configuration Run: You launched BGInfo to refresh or apply a new configuration (bginfo.cfg) to the wallpaper.
• Startup Logon: BGInfo is configured to run when Windows starts to auto-update the wallpaper.
• Scheduled Updates: A Task Scheduler entry runs BGInfo on a schedule to refresh displayed data.
• Background Data Sync: BGInfo updates can pull values from network or system sources to reflect current state.
• Config-Driven Triggers: Modifications to bginfo.cfg or command-line changes trigger a new run to reflect new fields.

Can I Disable or Remove bginfo.exe?

Yes, you can disable BGInfo. You can stop automatic runs, close the process, or uninstall BGInfo from your system.

How to Stop bginfo.exe

• End BGInfo Process: Open Task Manager, select bginfo.exe, and End Task.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable BGInfo entry (or remove the startup shortcut).
• Prevent Scheduled Runs: Open Task Scheduler -> locate BGInfo task -> Disable or Delete.
• Remove BGInfo Config: If you do not want automatic wallpaper updates, remove or rename bginfo.cfg.
• Uninstall BGInfo: Run the BGInfo installer again or delete the FGInfo folder in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) and remove registry entries.

How to Uninstall BGInfo

• ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> BGInfo -> Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> BGInfo -> Uninstall
• ✔ Delete the BGInfo folder (C:\Program Files\BGInfo or C:\Program Files (x86)\BGInfo) and remove any Start Menu startup shortcuts

Common Problems: BGInfo Running or Wallpaper Issues

If bginfo.exe misbehaves, try the following common scenarios and fixes tailored for BGInfo.

Common Causes & Solutions

• BGInfo does not update the wallpaper after edit: Ensure you saved changes to bginfo.cfg and re-run BGInfo to apply; confirm the wallpaper was refreshed.
• BGInfo starts at login but shows old data: Clear bginfo.cache or log off/on to refresh; verify the data fields in bginfo.cfg.
• BGInfo uses too much CPU during updates: Limit the displayed fields, reduce data points, or disable background data fetch; run BGInfo on demand instead.
• Wallpaper shows garbled text or missing fonts: Install required fonts or use a standard font; re-run BGInfo with a known good configuration.
• BGInfo cannot write to wallpaper file: Check permissions on the wallpaper output location; run as Administrator or set a writable path.
• BGInfo not found in expected folder: Verify installation directory; ensure bginfo.exe resides in C:\Program Files\BGInfo or C:\Program Files (x86)\BGInfo and update shortcuts.

Related Processes