Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\CLion 2025.3\bin\clion64.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
CLion uses multiple processes for indexing, code analysis, and plugin management
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close CLion to stop its processes or disable startup in Windows Task Manager if you don't use it.
What is clion64.exe?
clion64.exe is the 64-bit launcher for JetBrains CLion, the C/C++ IDE. When you start CLion, clion64.exe initializes the IDE runtime, loads your project, indexes files, and loads code analysis and plugins, spawning additional background tasks that support features like refactoring and debugging.
CLion uses the JetBrains Runtime and a modular architecture. clion64.exe starts the IDE and delegates heavy tasks such as indexing, code inspections, and builds to background components, while the UI remains responsive.
Quick Fact: CLion relies on the JetBrains Runtime for cross‑platform support and uses multiple background processes to keep coding smooth and responsive.
Types of CLion Processes
- Main IDE Process: The primary CLion user interface and control flow (1 instance)
- Indexer / Code Analysis: Background process(es) indexing the project and performing code analysis
- Build/Compiler Helper: Daemons handling builds and compiler interactions
- Debugger Host: Process coordinating debugging sessions
- Plugin Host: Runs CLion plugins and language support modules
- VCS Helper: Background tasks for version control operations
Is clion64.exe Safe?
Yes, clion64.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from JetBrains downloaded from official sources (jetbrains.com/clone or official JetBrains Toolbox installations).
Is clion64.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real clion64.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade using similar names, so verify location and signature.
How to Tell if clion64.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\CLion 2025.3\bin\clion64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\JetBrains\CLion 2025.3\bin\clion64.exe. Any clion64.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click clion64.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show 'JetBrains s.r.o.'
- Resource Usage: Normal CLion usage varies, but constant 100% CPU with no UI is suspicious. Typical CLion activity occurs when indexing or building.
- Behavior: CLion should launch the IDE only when you start it. Unexplained background launches warrant a malware scan.
Red Flags: If clion64.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when CLion isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Be wary of similarly-named files like "clion64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is clion64.exe Running on My PC?
clion64.exe runs when you start JetBrains CLion or when CLion is configured to run background tasks such as indexing and code analysis. It may remain active while you work on a project.
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Use: You're actively editing code or navigating a project; CLion keeps the UI responsive by running background services.
- Background Indexing: CLion indexes large projects in the background to speed up search and code insight features.
- Live Code Analysis: On-the-fly inspections run as you type to highlight issues and suggestions.
- Build / Run Actions: Starting a build, test, or run configuration will keep clion64.exe and related processes active.
- VCS and Extensions: Git integration and plugin-based features may spawn background tasks during operations.
Can I Disable or Remove clion64.exe?
Yes, you can stop CLion from running or uninstall the IDE. Close the IDE to stop the processes, and uninstall if you no longer need CLion.
How to Stop clion64.exe
- End CLion Tasks: In Task Manager, locate clion64.exe or CLion and select End Task
- Close the IDE: Close all CLion windows via the UI to ensure processes terminate
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable JetBrains CLion
- Stop Background Tasks: Preferences/Settings → Advanced → Disable background indexing or memory-hungry features if available
- Exit from Tray: If CLion runs in the system tray, exit from the tray icon to stop background services
How to Uninstall CLion
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → JetBrains CLion → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → JetBrains CLion → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, consider removing residual folders: C:\Users\Public\Documents\JetBrains or C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If clion64.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large project with many files: Limit simultaneous indexing by excluding large folders or using non-source folders in the project; open smaller modules when possible.
- Intense background indexer: Allow indexing to complete in a quiet period or pause indexing temporarily via CLion settings.
- Outdated plugins: Disable or update plugins via File → Settings → Plugins; remove plugins you don't need.
- Insufficient memory allocation: Increase -Xmx in clion64.vmoptions (e.g., -Xmx2g) and consider enabling Memory Saver in Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings.
- Antivirus or real-time scanning: Whitelist CLion install directory in your antivirus software to reduce interference.
- Corrupted caches: Invalidate caches and restart CLion via File → Invalidate Caches / Restart.
Quick Fixes:
1. Use Shift+Esc to open CLion Task Manager and identify high-usage modules
2. Invalidate caches: File → Invalidate Caches / Restart
3. Disable unnecessary plugins in File → Settings → Plugins
4. Increase memory allocation in clion64.vmoptions (e.g., -Xms128m -Xmx2g)
5. Enable Memory Saver: Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Memory Saver
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clion64.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate clion64.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Verify the file location at C:\Program Files\JetBrains\CLion 2025.3\bin\clion64.exe and ensure a valid digital signature from JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is clion64.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during indexing, real-time code analysis, or building large projects. Use CLion Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify the culprit tab or file and address by pausing indexing or closing heavy files.
Can I delete clion64.exe?
You should not delete clion64.exe directly. To remove CLion, uninstall the IDE via Windows Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Deleting the executable may leave residual files.
Can I disable clion64.exe from starting at startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup tab to disable JetBrains CLion, or remove the launcher from your startup scripts. This prevents automatic startup without uninstalling CLion.
Why does CLion start with Windows?
CLion can be configured to launch at startup via JetBrains Toolbox or a startup entry. Disable it in Task Manager or Toolbox settings to stop automatic startup.
How do I reduce CLion's memory usage?
Close unused projects, disable unnecessary plugins, increase heap size with clion64.vmoptions, enable Memory Saver, and consider suspending background indexing for large projects.