Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located at C:\Program Files\Elixir\bin\elixir.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Elixir\bin\elixir.exe
Warning
Many BEAM processes may be created
Elixir uses lightweight BEAM processes; a single elixir.exe may spawn multiple BEAM workers per task
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close running Elixir tasks or disable startup launching from Task Scheduler
What is elixir.exe?
elixir.exe is the Windows launcher for the Elixir language runtime. It starts the BEAM-based Erlang VM for your Elixir scripts, projects, or IEx sessions. You may see elixir.exe running alongside related BEAM processes when you compile, run, or debug Elixir code.
Elixir runs on BEAM, the Erlang virtual machine. elixir.exe coordinates script execution, compilation tasks, and IEx sessions, spawning BEAM processes to enable lightweight concurrency and fault isolation within the runtime.
Quick Fact: Elixir's BEAM-based architecture supports lightweight processes and fault tolerance, with the launcher coordinating multiple BEAM instances for concurrent tasks.
Types of Elixir Processes
- Launcher Process: Main elixir.exe that starts the Elixir runtime and coordinates tasks
- BEAM Subprocess: BEAM child processes launched for each Elixir project task or IEx session
- Compiler Helper: Build-related helper processes invoked during compilation
- IEx Session: Interactive Elixir session spawned by IEx
- Test Runner: Test tasks spawned by mix test using BEAM
- NIF/Native Task: Optional native code tasks invoked from Elixir
Is elixir.exe Safe?
Yes, elixir.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official Elixir distribution downloaded from the Elixir website or via a trusted package manager.
Is elixir.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real elixir.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade as software with similar names. Always verify signature and location.
How to Tell if elixir.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be located at C:\Program Files\Elixir\bin\elixir.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Elixir\bin\elixir.exe. Any elixir.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click elixir.exe in its folder, select Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from 'Elixir Core Team' or 'Elixir Contributors'.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU per process, 60-200 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Elixir should start only when you run a script or open IEx, not run continuously in the background.
Red Flags: If elixir.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when you haven't started Elixir, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files like 'elixir.exe.bak' or 'iex.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is elixir.exe Running on My PC?
elixir.exe runs when you execute Elixir scripts, start IEx, or when a Phoenix app or Mix task is running.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Script or Build Run: You're running an Elixir script or building a project; the launcher starts BEAM processes to execute code.
- IEx Session Active: An interactive shell like IEx is open; elixir.exe may be used to manage the session.
- Background Tasks or Watchers: Dev tasks such as tests or file watchers run in background; BEAM processes remain active.
- Startup or Auto-Launch: Elixir is configured to start on Windows startup or via a service or scheduled task.
- Development Tooling: Phoenix, Mix tasks, or live-reload tooling trigger BEAM activity that leaves elixir.exe running.
Can I Disable or Remove elixir.exe?
Yes, you can disable elixir.exe. It's safe to remove Elixir tooling if you no longer need it or disable startup launching.
How to Stop elixir.exe
- End Active Sessions: Exit IEx or stop running Mix tasks in your terminal.
- Close Indicated Processes: Use Task Manager to end BEAM-related processes or terminate elixir.exe.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable any Elixir-related entry.
- Remove Background Tasks: Check for background watchers (e.g., mix phx.server) and disable their auto-start.
- Uninstall Elixir: Windows Settings → Apps → Elixir → Uninstall; alternatively use the installer to remove.
How to Uninstall Elixir
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Elixir → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Elixir → Uninstall
- ✔ Remove related PATH entries and restart your computer if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If elixir.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Concurrent BEAM Processes: Review your Elixir application's supervision trees; reduce unnecessary spawned processes; consider using Task.Supervisor with limits.
- Heavy Build or Test Tasks Running: Limit parallel tasks; run builds with specific targets (MIX_ENV) and use --max-ws to constrain workers.
- Background Watchers or LiveReload: Disable nonessential watchers in development or configure Phoenix LiveReload to monitor only needed paths.
- Outdated Elixir Version: Update to the latest compatible Elixir and Erlang/OTP versions; run mix local.hex and mix local.rebar.
- I/O-Heavy or NIF-Intensive Code: Profile code paths, optimize hot loops, and ensure NIFs are safe and efficient; update dependencies.
- Malware Masquerading as elixir.exe: Verify digital signature and file location; scan with updated antivirus; compare hash with official release.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Windows Task Manager and identify high-usage BEAM processes
2. Exit unnecessary IEx sessions with Ctrl+C in the shell
3. Limit or disable background watchers in your Elixir project
4. Update Elixir to the latest version
5. Review PATH and uninstall if Elixir is no longer needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elixir.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate elixir.exe from the official Elixir distribution is not a virus. Verify that the file is located under C:\Program Files\Elixir\bin\elixir.exe and has a valid signature from the Elixir Core Team.
Why is elixir.exe running?
Elixir uses the BEAM virtual machine; elixir.exe runs when you execute scripts, start an IEx session, or run Mix tasks. It may spawn multiple BEAM processes for concurrency.
Can I delete elixir.exe?
Yes, if you no longer need Elixir, you can uninstall it via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your projects and dependencies will be removed unless you back them up.
Can I disable elixir.exe?
Yes. You can stop it by closing active Elixir sessions, ending BEAM processes, and disabling startup entries. Uninstalling Elixir also disables future launches.
Why are there multiple elixir.exe processes?
Elixir runs on BEAM, which creates multiple lightweight processes for concurrency. Each task or IEx session can result in separate BEAM processes; this is normal behavior.
How do I reduce Elixir's memory usage?
Close unused tasks, reduce concurrency, profile memory usage with release tooling, upgrade dependencies, and consider enabling supervision strategies that reclaim memory.