Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located at C:\Program Files\BootCat\Cache\bootcat-cache.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\BootCat\Cache\bootcat-cache.exe
Warning
Multiple BootCat processes are normal during active caching
BootCat uses separate processes for cache partitions and prefetch tasks
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable startup via Task Manager or BootCat Control Panel; closing BootCat apps also stops cache activity
What is bootcat-cache.exe?
bootcat-cache.exe is a background cache management service used by BootCat software. It accelerates startup and runtime performance by storing frequently accessed assets, manifests, and prefetch data locally. The cache is managed in system and per-user contexts to speed BootCat operations while keeping foreground apps responsive.
BootCat Cache maintains a disk-backed index and in-memory cache to serve assets quickly. It uses a per-user store under ProgramData and AppData, applying TTL-based invalidation and LRU eviction to keep the cache current without overusing resources.
Quick Fact: BootCat Cache supports per-application caching policies and helps reduce repeated disk I/O during startup and operation.
Types of BootCat Cache Processes
- Cache Manager Process: Main service coordinating cache entries and eviction
- Prefetch Process: Fetches anticipated assets before they are needed
- Disk Cache Process: Handles persistent on-disk storage for cached items
- In-Memory Cache Process: Keeps hot items in RAM for fast access
- Background Maintenance: Performs cleanup, TTL updates, and cache validation
- Cloud Sync Helper: Updates cache entries from BootCat cloud when connected
Is bootcat-cache.exe Safe?
Yes, bootcat-cache.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from BootCat Technologies downloaded from official sources or bundled by a trusted vendor.
Is bootcat-cache.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real bootcat-cache.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may imitate legitimate files. Always verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if bootcat-cache.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\BootCat\Cache\bootcat-cache.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\BootCat\Cache\bootcat-cache.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click bootcat-cache.exe in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "BootCat Technologies".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU and 20-80 MB memory. Higher usage when BootCat is performing cache warmups is expected; sustained spikes with no BootCat apps running is suspicious.
- Behavior: BootCat Cache should run as part of BootCat services or applications. If it runs continuously with no BootCat processes, that could indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If bootcat-cache.exe is in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when BootCat isn’t active, has no valid digital signature, or uses constant excessive resources, scan with a reputable antivirus. Watch for similarly named files such as "bootcat-cache.dll" or "bootcat.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is bootcat-cache.exe Running on My PC?
bootcat-cache.exe runs to maintain BootCat's local caches and prefetch data. It operates in the background to speed startup and ensure quick access to frequently used assets for BootCat applications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active BootCat Usage: You have BootCat applications open; the cache manager loads relevant data for faster startup and responsiveness.
- Background Caching: Prefetching, cache invalidation, and background updates occur to keep assets fresh without blocking the UI.
- Startup Service: BootCat caches may initialize at Windows startup to reduce startup time for BootCat programs.
- Cloud Sync: Cache entries may be refreshed from the BootCat cloud when network connectivity is available.
- Maintenance Tasks: Periodic cache cleanup and maintenance activities run to remove stale items and reclaim space.
Can I Disable or Remove bootcat-cache.exe?
Yes, you can disable bootcat-cache.exe. It's safe to stop the service if BootCat apps aren't in use; you can disable startup in Task Manager or BootCat Control Panel. Uninstall BootCat if you don't need any of its components.
How to Stop bootcat-cache.exe
- End Individual Tasks: Open Windows Task Manager and end the bootcat-cache.exe process
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable BootCat Cache
- Stop Services: Run services.msc, locate BootCat Cache Service, and Stop
- Modify BootCat Settings: BootCat Control Panel → Settings → Cache → Disable auto-cache
- Reboot: Restart the computer to apply changes
How to Uninstall BootCat Cache Components
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → BootCat → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → BootCat → Uninstall
- ✔ If other BootCat components are required by your workflows, consider alternatives before removal
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If bootcat-cache.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Cached Items: Clear BootCat cache via Control Panel or delete the cache directory under C:\ProgramData\BootCat\Cache
- Resource-Heavy Prefetch: Adjust prefetch settings in BootCat Control Panel to reduce background activity
- Background Extensions or Plugins: Disable unnecessary BootCat components in the BootCat settings
- Corrupted Cache Entries: Delete cache and let BootCat rebuild entries; verify integrity after restart
- Outdated Software: Update BootCat to the latest version from the official site
- Antivirus Interference: Whitelist bootcat-cache.exe and related BootCat folders in your antivirus software
Quick Fixes:
1. Open BootCat Cache settings and review Cache Size
2. Clear cache: BootCat Control Panel → Cache → Clear Cache
3. Disable nonessential BootCat components in settings
4. Update BootCat to the latest version
5. Restart the computer and monitor resource usage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bootcat-cache.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate bootcat-cache.exe from BootCat Technologies is not a virus. Verify the path (C:\Program Files\BootCat\Cache\bootcat-cache.exe) and digital signature to confirm authenticity.
Why is bootcat-cache.exe running in Task Manager?
It runs as a background cache management service to speed BootCat startup and access to assets. It may appear when BootCat apps are active or caching operations are underway.
Can I delete bootcat-cache.exe?
You should not delete the executable itself without understanding dependencies. You can disable or uninstall BootCat components if you no longer need them.
How do I disable bootcat-cache at startup?
Use Task Manager > Startup to disable BootCat Cache, or use BootCat Control Panel to turn off auto-cache at startup.
Where is the bootcat cache stored on disk?
System cache is typically stored under C:\ProgramData\BootCat\Cache. Per-user caches may also exist under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\BootCat\Cache depending on configuration.
Does disabling BootCat cache affect BootCat apps?
Disabling the cache can slow initial startup or asset access for BootCat apps. You can re-enable the cache later if needed.