Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro or C:\Program Files (x86)\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro
Warning
Background indexing may spawn several worker threads
During active searches or indexing tasks, multiple sub-processes may appear in Task Manager
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the UI or disable startup to stop automatic launches; see can_disable section for details
What is filelocator.exe?
filelocator.exe is the executable for FileLocator Pro, a Windows desktop utility that searches your file system for files and content using multiple criteria (name, size, date, contents, and metadata). It supports indexing, on-disk scans, and targeted searches across local drives and connected folders.
filelocator.exe uses a multi-threaded search engine with optional indexing to locate files quickly. It scans selected drives, applies name patterns, date filters, and content rules, then returns sortable results while keeping the UI responsive.
Quick Fact: FileLocator Pro can index large folders to speed up recurring searches and support regex patterns for advanced queries.
Types of FileLocator Pro Processes
- UI Process: Main FileLocator Pro window and user interactions
- Indexer Process: Background indexing of selected folders to speed future searches
- Searcher Worker: Worker threads executing search criteria across drives
- Preview Process: Content preview for matched files
- Update/Helper Service: Update checks and helper tasks
- Notification Process: Toast or system notifications for completed results
Is filelocator.exe Safe?
Yes, filelocator.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Mythicsoft downloaded from official sources.
Is filelocator.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real filelocator.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names.
How to Tell if filelocator.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro\FileLocator.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro\FileLocator.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show vendor "Mythicsoft Ltd".
- Hash Check: Compare SHA-256 hash with the official checksum on Mythicsoft's download page.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU, 50-150 MB memory during active searches. Persistent high CPU when idle is suspicious.
Red Flags: If filelocator.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when not expected, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly named files like "filelocator.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is filelocator.exe Running on My PC?
filelocator.exe runs when you initiate a search with FileLocator Pro or when the application performs background indexing and update tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Search Session: A user has started a search; the UI spawns workers to satisfy the query
- Background Indexing: FileLocator Pro indexes selected folders to speed future queries
- Startup or Auto-Launch: FileLocator Pro is configured to launch at Windows startup or on login
- Scheduled Scans: Automatic scans or folder monitoring may trigger a running instance
- Network Drive Scanning: Indexes or searches on mapped network shares can keep filelocator.exe active
Can I Disable or Remove filelocator.exe?
Yes, you can disable filelocator.exe. You can stop it from running, prevent startup, or uninstall FileLocator Pro entirely.
How to Stop filelocator.exe
- Close UI: Exit FileLocator Pro from the main window
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager → Processes → end FileLocator Pro related processes
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable FileLocator Pro
- Pause Indexing: In FileLocator Pro → Settings → Indexing, disable automatic indexing
- Stop Background Apps: In FileLocator Pro → Settings → General, uncheck Continue running background tasks
How to Uninstall FileLocator Pro
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FileLocator Pro → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → FileLocator Pro → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative search tools if needed: Everything, Locate32, or GNOME-like tools for Linux subsystems
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If filelocator.exe is consuming excessive resources during searches or indexing:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large folders indexed: Limit the indexed paths or exclude network shares with many files
- Resource-heavy extensions: Disable unnecessary plugins or extensions in FileLocator Pro
- Regex or complex filters: Simplify search criteria or test with simpler patterns
- Outdated version: Update FileLocator Pro to the latest build from Mythicsoft
- Network drive latency: Map drives properly, enable offline caching, or limit live network scans
- Corrupted index: Rebuild or reset the search index via FileLocator Pro settings
Quick Fixes:
1. Open FileLocator Pro Task Manager (if available) and terminate heavy workers
2. Clear results cache and temporary data in FileLocator Pro
3. Disable unnecessary extensions in FileLocator Pro
4. Update to the latest version from Mythicsoft
5. Rebuild the index for affected drives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is filelocator.exe safe to run on Windows?
Yes. The legitimate filelocator.exe from Mythicsoft is a trusted search utility. Verify it is located at C:\Program Files\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro\FileLocator.exe and that it has a valid signature from Mythicsoft Ltd.
Where should filelocator.exe be located?
The recommended location is C:\Program Files\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro\FileLocator.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Mythicsoft\FileLocator Pro\FileLocator.exe.
How do I uninstall FileLocator Pro?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features, select FileLocator Pro, then Uninstall. You can also use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → FileLocator Pro.
Can I disable filelocator.exe from starting at boot?
Yes. Disable FileLocator Pro from Task Manager → Startup, or configure in FileLocator Pro settings to stop automatic startup.
Can FileLocator Pro search network shares and mapped drives?
Yes, FileLocator Pro supports network shares. Ensure network paths are accessible and drives are mapped correctly for indexing and searching.
Why is FileLocator Pro slow on large directories?
Large directories and complex queries can slow down searches. Use indexing, simplify patterns, and consider splitting tasks across smaller folders or exclude heavy directories.