dxtory.exe

DXtory Screen Capture Tool

Application ProcessSafeScreen Capture

CPU Usage

2-12%

Memory

30-150 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Dxtory

Publisher

DXtory Project

Quick Answer

dxtory.exe is safe. It's the official DXtory screen capture tool's executable, running to capture DirectX/OpenGL frames with configurable overlays and per-file writes.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Dxtory\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dxtory\

Warning

Many processes normal

Each capture task may spawn encoder/writer sub-processes

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close or stop DXtory capture to reduce resource usage

What is dxtory.exe?

dxtory.exe is the executable for the DXtory Screen Capture tool. It hooks into DirectX/OpenGL frames to capture gameplay or application video, supporting multiple capture modes, per-file chunking, and overlays. The process runs when you start a capture and may spawn helper components for encoding and file writing.

DXtory uses DirectX/OpenGL capture hooks to grab frame data while allowing users to configure codecs, per-channel capture, and precise timing. It writes to video files with options for lossless or compressed output and overlay text.

Quick Fact: DXtory pioneered flexible per-channel capture and overlay-driven recording, optimizing performance for gaming sessions.

Types of DXtory Processes

Main Capture Process: Handles UI and capture coordination (1 instance)
Encoder/Writer Process: Writes frames to disk in chosen format (multiple during long captures)
Overlay Renderer: Renders on-screen statistics and HUD overlays
DirectX Hook Engine: Intercepts DirectX/OpenGL frames for capture
Audio Capture: Captures in-game audio as configured
Updater/Helper: Background utility that checks for updates

Is dxtory.exe Safe?

Yes, dxtory.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official DXtory source downloaded from the official site (dxtory.com) or from trusted distributors.

Is dxtory.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real dxtory.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verification is important.

How to Tell if dxtory.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Dxtory\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dxtory\. Any dxtory.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show the publisher related to the DXtory project.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per tab/scene, 30-150 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: DXtory should run primarily during active captures. Unexpected background activity or driver-level hooks without a UI could indicate malware.

Red Flags: If dxtory.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when not recording, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Be wary of similarly-named files like "dxtry.exe" or "dxtory64.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is dxtory.exe Running on My PC?

dxtory.exe runs when you start a DXtory capture or when the application is configured to monitor activity, overlays, or background tasks related to recording.

Reasons it's running:

Active Capture Session: You're currently recording; hooks, encoders, and writers stay active to process frames.
Background Overlay/HUD: DXtory renders overlays and on-screen data during capture, which can keep processes alive.
Encoder/Writer Tasks: Background processes write captured frames to disk according to the selected format and path.
Startup or Tray Execution: DXtory may be configured to start with Windows or run from the system tray for quick access.
Configuration Sync: DXtory may spawn helper tasks to synchronize capture settings across channels and scenes.

Can I Disable or Remove dxtory.exe?

Yes, you can disable dxtory.exe. It's safe to stop DXtory when not recording, and you can uninstall it if you no longer need it.

How to Stop dxtory.exe

End Capture Sessions: In DXtory, click Stop or use the hotkey to end the current capture
Close DXtory UI: Exit the DXtory application completely
Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable DXtory
Stop Background Tasks: Open Task Manager → End task for dxtory.exe and related processes
Prevent Automatic Start: Remove DXtory from startup or startup folder

How to Uninstall DXtory

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → DXtory → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → DXtory → Uninstall
✔ Restart your PC after the uninstallation

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If dxtory.exe is consuming excessive resources during capture or idle time:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too High Frame Rate: Lower the capture frame rate in DXtory settings and reduce resolution if needed.
Encoder Bottleneck: Switch to a faster codec/encoder and ensure disk write speed keeps up with data rate.
Disk Write Speed: Capture to a fast SSD or separate physical drive; ensure sufficient free space.
Overlay or HUD Load: Disable non-essential overlays to reduce GPU/CPU load.
Outdated Software: Update DXtory to the latest version for performance and compatibility improvements.
Driver / DirectX Issues: Update GPU drivers and ensure DirectX components are current.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open DXtory Task Manager (if available) and identify high-usage tasks
2. Lower resolution/frame rate in DXtory settings
3. Disable unnecessary overlays in DXtory
4. Update DXtory to the latest version
5. Ensure capture writes to a fast drive with ample free space

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dxtory.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate dxtory.exe from the DXtory project is not a virus. Verify the file location is in C:\Program Files\Dxtory or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dxtory and check the digital signature for the publisher.

Why is dxtory.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can be caused by high frame rates, complex overlays, or encoding settings. Lower the capture FPS, reduce overlay activity, and ensure you have enough CPU/GPU headroom.

How do I uninstall DXtory?

Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → DXtory → Uninstall. Alternatively use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → DXtory and restart if prompted.

Can I use DXtory with OBS for streaming?

Yes. You can use DXtory to capture gameplay and feed the captured files to OBS or use OBS directly with game capture. Ensure proper buffer settings and avoid conflicts in capture devices.

Where is dxtory.exe installed on Windows?

DXtory is typically installed under C:\Program Files\Dxtory or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dxtory, depending on the installer and system architecture.

Does DXtory work with Windows 11/DirectX 12 games?

DXtory supports DirectX/OpenGL capture on modern Windows versions. For some newer games using advanced anti-cheat or rendering paths, you may need to adjust capture settings or run in compatibility mode.