Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be the legitimate CutePDF Writer executable in C:\Program Files\CutePDF Writer\CutePDFWriter.exe
Warning
Typically safe; driver contexts run under the spooler
Virtual printer drivers spawn processes when a print job is created; not malicious by itself
Can I Disable?
YES
Uninstall CutePDF Writer via Programs and Features, or disable the printer in Windows Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
What is cutepdf.exe?
cutepdf.exe is the executable component of CutePDF Writer, a virtual PDF printer. It installs as a printer driver and intercepts print jobs from applications, converting them into PDF files for saving or sharing.
It uses a virtual printer pipeline to render documents as PDF. The process typically runs only during printing tasks and participates in the Windows print spooler, with minimal background activity when idle.
Quick Fact: CutePDF Writer has been a widely used virtual PDF printer, enabling PDF creation from any print-capable application.
Types of CutePDF Processes
- Printer Driver Process: Intercepts print jobs and converts to PDF (one per print session)
- Spooler Interaction: Communicates with the Windows Print Spooler to manage jobs
- GUI Helper: Prompts for PDF save location and settings via the CutePDF interface
- Background Service (if installed): Optional background components that monitor tasks
- Update/Installer Components: Installer and update routines that may run during installation
- Helper Utilities: Small utilities that accompany the main driver
Is cutepdf.exe Safe?
Yes, cutepdf.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Acro Software, downloaded from official sources (cutePDF.com or bundled with Microsoft-certified installers).
Is cutepdf.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real cutepdf.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if cutepdf.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\CutePDF Writer\CutePDFWriter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\CutePDF Writer\CutePDFWriter.exe. Any cutepdf.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show the signer as "Acro Software, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low when idle; moderate during print to PDF; sustained high CPU when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: It should launch the CutePDF dialogue only during printing; constant background activity indicates potential malware.
Red Flags: If cutepdf.exe is in an unusual folder (Temp, AppData), runs without printing, has no digital signature, or spawns unexpected network activity, scan with reputable antivirus software. Beware of similarly named files like "pdfcreator.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is cutepdf.exe Running on My PC?
cutepdf.exe runs when you print to the CutePDF Writer or when the printer is configured to monitor or auto-print tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Printing: You or an application is currently sending a print job to CutePDF Writer to create a PDF.
- Background Printing: Some apps auto-print or batch print to the virtual printer without explicit user interaction.
- Default Printer: CutePDF Writer may be set as the system default printer, triggering spooler activity for every print action.
- Print Spooler: Windows Print Spooler coordinates the print data between apps and the CutePDF driver.
- Startup/Auto-run Components: Installer components or services may load at startup to prepare the virtual printer for use.
Can I Disable or Remove cutepdf.exe?
Yes, you can disable cutepdf.exe. You can stop using CutePDF Writer by uninstalling it or by turning off the virtual printer in Windows settings.
How to Stop cutepdf.exe
- End Active Print Jobs: In applications, finish or cancel active print jobs to avoid spawning the converter.
- Pause Printing: Set the default printer to another printer or use print pause options.
- Disable Virtual Printer: Windows Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > select CutePDF Writer > Remove device or Disable.
- Stop Auto-Launch: Open Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable CutePDF Writer entry (if present).
- Uninstall: Control Panel or Settings > Apps > Google/CutePDF Writer > Uninstall. Follow prompts.
How to Uninstall CutePDF Writer
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → CutePDF Writer → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → CutePDF Writer → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, consider alternatives: doPDF, PDFCreator
Common Problems: PDF Creation or Printing Issues
If cutepdf.exe has issues creating PDFs or printing, try the following troubleshooting steps.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Print job fails to convert: Check that the print job is sent to CutePDF Writer and that the Save As dialog appears; update CutePDF Writer if needed.
- PDF saved in unexpected location: Check the Save As path in the dialog; ensure there is write permission to the target folder.
- Missing or corrupt Ghostscript component: Repair or reinstall CutePDF Writer to restore the Ghostscript binaries used for PDF generation.
- Printer icon not appearing: Install or re-enable the CutePDF Writer printer in Windows Printers & scanners.
- Error during uninstallation: Run the uninstall from an Administrator command prompt or use a dedicated uninstaller tool and reboot.
- Print dialog stuck or unresponsive: Cancel print, restart the application, or reboot Windows to reset the spooler state.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open a document and print to CutePDF Writer to verify the flow
2. Ensure the Save As dialog appears and choose a valid path
3. Update CutePDF Writer to the latest version
4. Reinstall the printer if necessary
5. Run Windows Update and check for printer-related fixes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cutepdf.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate cutepdf.exe from Acro Software is not a virus. Verify the path C:\Program Files\CutePDF Writer\CutePDFWriter.exe and the digital signature from Acro Software, Inc.
Why does cutepdf.exe run when I print to PDF?
Cutepdf.exe runs to handle the print job and convert it to PDF via the CutePDF Writer driver; it should start when you initiate a print to the CutePDF printer.
Can I delete cutepdf.exe?
You can uninstall CutePDF Writer from Windows Settings; deleting the executable manually can break the printer. Consider using the official uninstaller.
Can I disable cutepdf.exe from starting automatically?
Yes, you can disable the CutePDF Writer printer in Windows Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners or remove the printer entirely.
Where is the PDF saved by CutePDF Writer?
The Save As dialog prompts for a location and file name during each print job; choose a folder with write permission.
Does CutePDF Writer support password-protected PDFs?
PDF password protection is typically configured through the PDF creation options; CutePDF Writer itself delegates protection to the PDF generator or editor you use.