Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Geekbench\geekbench.exe
Warning
Multiple worker threads during a benchmark
Geekbench launches concurrent workers; resource use is expected during tests
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Geekbench or end the process when the benchmark completes
What is geekbench.exe?
geekbench.exe is the executable for the Geekbench benchmarking suite. It runs CPU and memory workloads to measure performance across cores, cache, and memory bandwidth, and then reports scores for comparison.
Geekbench executes parallel workloads across CPU cores, logging timings and throughput to produce single-core and multi-core scores, while profiling memory and cache behavior for consistency.
Quick Fact: Geekbench has established standardized tests for cross-platform performance comparisons, enabling consistent score reporting across devices.
Types of Geekbench Processes
- Benchmark Thread: Worker thread(s) performing CPU and memory tests during the benchmark
- Result Logger: Writes results to disk and updates the UI
- Progress Monitor: UI thread showing live benchmark progress
- Temporary Data Storage: Stores intermediate results in temp files during testing
- Telemetry/Update Checker: Optional network activity for submission of anonymized results or update checks
- Power/Thermal Manager: Adjusts throttling and monitors system temperature during tests
Is geekbench.exe Safe?
Yes, geekbench.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Primate Labs downloaded from official sources (geekbench.com or the Microsoft Store).
Is geekbench.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real geekbench.exe is not a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if geekbench.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Geekbench\geekbench.exe or C:\Program Files\Geekbench 6\geekbench.exe. Any geekbench.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Primate Labs, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: During a run, CPU usage spikes according to the workload; normal memory usage ranges from 100-600 MB depending on test and core count.
- Behavior: Geekbench should start when you launch the app and terminate after completion. Constant background activity without a benchmark is suspicious.
Red Flags: If geekbench.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without user action, lacks a digital signature, or shows unexpected network activity beyond official updates, scan your system with antivirus software immediately.
Why Is geekbench.exe Running on My PC?
geekbench.exe runs when you start a Geekbench benchmark or when a scheduled/auto-update check is performed. It may also run briefly to validate environment before tests begin.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Benchmark Run: You're currently running a Geekbench benchmark; the process will spawn multiple worker threads to execute tests.
- Background Telemetry or Checks: Optional background checks for updates or anonymized results submission may trigger lightweight activity.
- Startup or Startup-Repair Checks: Some setups run quick checks during startup to verify system compatibility before benchmarking.
- Driver or Hardware Profiling: Geekbench may access hardware counters and drivers to profile performance, causing transient activity.
- Result Saving and Sync: As results are generated, Geekbench writes to disk and prepares data for export or cloud sync.
Can I Disable or Remove geekbench.exe?
Yes, you can disable geekbench.exe. Close Geekbench when not testing, and uninstall if you no longer need the benchmarking tool.
How to Stop geekbench.exe
- End Benchmark or Close App: Click Stop or exit Geekbench to end the benchmark gracefully
- Close via Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate geekbench.exe, and End Task
- Disable Startup: If Geekbench starts on login, disable it in Task Manager -> Startup
- Pause Background Services: In Geekbench settings, turn off background telemetry or update checks
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Geekbench → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Geekbench
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Geekbench → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Geekbench → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after removal to ensure no residual processes remain
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If geekbench.exe uses excessive resources during a test or idle periods, try these troubleshooting steps.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Benchmark in progress: Wait for the benchmark to finish; the process uses significant CPU and memory during tests.
- Many cores utilized: Geekbench scales with core count; reduce load by changing settings or using fewer cores if available.
- Background telemetry enabled: Disable telemetry in Geekbench settings to reduce small background activity.
- Outdated version: Update Geekbench to the latest version from geekbench.com to fix performance issues.
- Antivirus false positives: Add Geekbench to allowed list or temporarily disable real-time protection during testing.
- Hardware throttling: Ensure power plan is set to High Performance and disable aggressive throttling in BIOS if needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Geekbench Task Manager (if provided) or Windows Task Manager and end unnecessary tests
2. Update to the latest Geekbench version from geekbench.com
3. Disable telemetry or background checks in settings
4. Run the benchmark with fewer cores or a short test profile
5. Restart the computer to clear temporary resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is geekbench.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate geekbench.exe from Primate Labs is not a virus. Verify the file location at C:\Program Files\Geekbench\geekbench.exe and ensure a valid digital signature from "Primate Labs, Inc.".
Why is geekbench.exe using so much CPU?
During a benchmark, Geekbench intentionally stresses the CPU to measure performance. If usage seems excessive outside testing, check for background tests, malware, or telemetry activity.
Can I delete geekbench.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Geekbench from Windows Settings → Apps. Data stored in Geekbench results will be removed unless you export or sync.
How do I run Geekbench on Windows?
Install Geekbench from geekbench.com, launch geekbench.exe, choose a test profile, and start the benchmark. Results will appear in the UI and can be exported.
Where are Geekbench results stored?
Results are saved in your user profile within the Geekbench results folder, typically under C:\Users\<YourUser>\Documents\Geekbench or within the Geekbench app data.
Is Geekbench safe to run on Windows?
Yes. Geekbench is a widely used benchmarking tool from Primate Labs. Run from official sources to avoid tampering and ensure antivirus does not block legitimate tests.