corsair-icue.exe

What is corsair-icue.exe?

corsair-icue.exe is the main executable for Corsair's iCUE software, which manages RGB lighting, device profiles, and synchronization for Corsair peripherals. It coordinates lighting effects across keyboards, mice, fans, and other hardware, communicating with services to apply and persist settings.

iCUE runs as a UI process that talks to a background service and device drivers to implement lighting profiles. It communicates with Corsair devices over USB and the internal services to load configurations and apply effects in real time.

Types of iCUE Processes

• UI Process: Main iCUE window and user interface (1 instance)
• Background Service: Keeps profiles loaded and devices synchronized
• Device Driver: Communicates with Corsair hardware via USB/Driver stack
• Driver Helper: Auxiliary components that assist device detection
• Updater: Checks for and downloads iCUE updates
• Logging/Telemetry: Collects diagnostics and activity data for support

Is corsair-icue.exe Safe?

Yes, corsair-icue.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Corsair downloaded from official sources (corsair.com or the Microsoft Store version bundled with Windows updates).

Is corsair-icue.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real corsair-icue.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names; verify with digital signatures and location.

How to Tell if corsair-icue.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Corsair\CORSAIR iCUE\corsair-icue.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Corsair\CORSAIR iCUE\corsair-icue.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Corsair Components, Inc.".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per process, 60-400 MB total memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Corsair iCUE should run when the application is active or required by devices. Unprompted background activity may indicate a problem.

Why Is corsair-icue.exe Running on My PC?

corsair-icue.exe runs to manage Corsair RGB hardware and profiles, either when you launch iCUE or when devices require ongoing control.

Reasons it's running:

• Active iCUE session: You have iCUE open or a profile is active; the UI and service coordinate lighting across devices.
• Background device synchronization: iCUE keeps lighting, timing, and profiles synchronized across connected Corsair peripherals even when not actively used.
• Startup and tray operation: iCUE is configured to start with Windows or stay resident in the system tray for quick access.
• Firmware update checks: iCUE may periodically check for firmware updates and apply updates to devices when available.
• Macro and hardware button integration: Profile actions, macro keys, and lighting effects may require iCUE services to run in the background.

Can I Disable or Remove corsair-icue.exe?

Yes, you can disable corsair-icue.exe. It's safe to exit iCUE when not needed and you can uninstall it if you don't plan to use Corsair hardware.

How to Stop corsair-icue.exe

• End iCUE session: Close the iCUE application from the UI or use Task Manager to end the corsair-icue.exe process.
• Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Corsair iCUE
• Stop background services: In Task Manager, locate any cor-air related services (e.g., corsair-icue-svc) and end task.
• Pause device activity: In Windows Settings, disable iCUE from starting automatically or remove profiles that trigger lighting on boot.
• Check for updates: If you still need iCUE later, update to the latest version before re-enabling.

How to Uninstall Corsair iCUE

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Corsair iCUE → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Corsair iCUE → Uninstall
• ✔ Restart PC after uninstall and consider using Corsair's support page for clean removal tooling

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage with corsair-icue.exe

If corsair-icue.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Excessive lighting effects or profiles: Reduce active profiles, disable unnecessary effects, or close the iCUE UI when not in use.
• Background synchronization: Limit automatic color syncing and disable continuous lighting updates in iCUE settings.
• Firmware update checks: Limit or schedule updates and ensure you are on the latest iCUE version.
• Driver or USB polling: Reconnect Corsair devices and update drivers via Corsair Support.
• Conflict with other RGB software: Disable other RGB control software temporarily to identify conflicts.
• Outdated iCUE version: Update iCUE to the latest version from Corsair's official site.

Related Processes