What is clion-updater64.exe?
clion-updater is the background updater for JetBrains CLion. It checks JetBrains servers for IDE updates, patch releases, and tool updates, downloading and applying them to keep CLion current without interrupting your work.
The updater runs as a separate process from the CLion IDE, performing signature verification, download of diffs, and silent or prompt-based installation, integrating with the IDE update loop to minimize user disruption.
Quick Fact: CLion's updater supports delta updates to reduce download size and time during patching.
Types of CLion Update Processes
- Updater Service: Core background agent that checks and downloads updates
- Patch Installer: Applies downloaded patches to CLion components
- License/Tool Update: Updates bundled toolchains or license components when required
- Telemetry and Logs: Collects update logs for diagnostic purposes
Is clion-updater Safe?
Yes, clion-updater is safe when it's the legitimate JetBrains updater binary located in the CLion installation folder and signed by JetBrains s.r.o.
Is clion-updater a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate updater is not a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if clion-updater is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\JetBrains\CLion\bin\clion-updater64.exe (or clion-updater.exe). Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "JetBrains s.r.o." as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal updater activity uses 0-5% CPU and 20-100 MB RAM; sustained high usage when CLion is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Updater should run briefly during update checks and exit; persistent background activity or frequent restarts can indicate malware.
Red Flags: If clion-updater64.exe is located outside the JetBrains folder, lacks a signature, or runs when CLion is closed, scan for malware and verify installation from JetBrains site.
Why Is clion-updater Running on My PC?
CLion updater starts when checks are due or when CLion detects patch availability, and may run briefly to apply updates or verify licenses and tools.
Reasons it's running:
- Scheduled Update Checks: Updater runs on a schedule to check for new CLion builds and patch releases
- Active CLion Usage: If CLion is open, the updater may run to fetch in-product updates or components
- Background Tool Updates: Bundled tools (C/C++ toolchains, linters) may update in the background
- Startup and Settings: CLion may spawn the updater at startup to ensure tools are current
- License and Telemetry: Updater may verify license status and collect diagnostic logs during update cycles
Can I Disable or Remove clion-updater?
Yes, you can disable clion-updater. It will prevent automatic updates but you can still update CLion manually or re-enable checks later.
How to Stop clion-updater
- Close CLion: Exit CLion to stop the update process from active session
- End Updater Process: Open Task Manager, locate clion-updater64.exe, and End Task
- Disable Startup: Windows Startup: remove JetBrains CLion from startup items
- Pause Automatic Checks: Within CLion: Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Updates, disable automatic updates or switch to manual mode
- Block Network Access: As a last resort, block updater's network access via firewall rules
How to Uninstall CLion (and Updater)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → CLion → Uninstall
- ✔ JetBrains Toolbox (if used) → CLion → Uninstall
- ✔ Reinstall from jetbrains.com/clion if needed
Common Problems: Update Failures or High Resource Use
If clion-updater is failing or using resources heavily:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Network or firewall blocking update: Ensure internet access, check firewall rules, and verify JetBrains update server reachability
- Corrupted updater cache: Clear updater cache from CLion settings or delete cache folder under AppData
- Incompatible toolchain: Update CLion or reinstall toolchains to match the IDE version
- Antivirus interfering: Whitelist clion-updater64.exe in antivirus or temporarily disable during update
- Outdated IDE version: Update CLion to latest release to ensure updater compatibility
- Concurrent updates: Disable other JetBrains updater processes to avoid conflicts
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Close CLion and restart updater
3. Check for updates manually: CLion → Help → Check for Updates
4. Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall
5. Run CLion as Administrator for update installation
6. Reinstall CLion if updates consistently fail
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clion-updater a virus?
No, the legitimate clion-updater64.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. It should reside in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\CLion\bin and be signed by JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is clion-updater using CPU?
Update checks and patch installations can briefly use CPU; if it stays high, check for stuck updates, or suspicious extensions, and review updater logs.
Can I disable clion-updater?
Yes, but note updates may delay; you can disable automatic checks in CLion settings or end the updater process.
Where is clion-updater installed?
Typically in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\CLion\bin, as clion-updater64.exe (or clion-updater.exe). Ensure signature from JetBrains s.r.o.
What happens if updates fail?
CLion will log the failure; you can retry via Help → Check for Updates, or reinstall CLion to restore updater health.
Can I update CLion offline?
Some updates can be downloaded as patches when online and then installed offline if you have the patch package from JetBrains.