Quick Answer
ghostscript.exe is safe. It's the Ghostscript command-line interpreter used to render PostScript and PDF files, convert formats, or rasterize pages. It runs when invoked by a user or script, not as adware or unrelated software.
What is gswin64c.exe?
ghostscript.exe is the executable wrapper for Ghostscript's PostScript and PDF rendering engine. It interprets PS and PDF input, applies fonts and device drivers, and can convert pages into images, PDFs, or printer-ready formats. It is typically invoked by Ghostscript-based tools or workflows rather than a standalone app.
Ghostscript executes a PostScript/PDF interpreter with device drivers that render pages to formats like PDF, PNG, TIFF, or printer languages. It runs as gswin64c.exe in Windows and is invoked by shells, workflows, or GUI tools to convert and rasterize documents.
Quick Fact: Ghostscript paved the way for scriptable PostScript/PDF processing and format conversion since its early versions.
Types of Ghostscript Processes
- Main Interpreter Process: Core Ghostscript executable handling commands and control flow
- PostScript Rendering: Driver path for rendering PS content to devices or images
- PDF Conversion: Processes PDFs to other formats or rasterized images
- Font/Resource Manager: Manages embedded fonts and resources used during rendering
- Output Device Driver: Interfaces with output formats (PDF, PNG, TIFF, printer languages)
- Batch/Scripted Conversions: Invoked by scripts or automation for bulk processing
Is ghostscript.exe Safe?
Yes, ghostscript.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Artifex Software downloaded from ghostscript.com or installed by a trusted vendor.
Is ghostscript.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real ghostscript.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names.
How to Tell if ghostscript.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.55.0\bin\gswin64c.exe or C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.55.0\bin\gswin64.exe. Any ghostscript.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click gswin64c.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Artifex Software, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Idle usage should be low; during conversions, CPU scales. Constant high CPU when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Ghostscript should run only when invoked by a program or user action. Persistent background activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If ghostscript.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when not required, has no valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly named files.
Why Is ghostscript.exe Running on My PC?
ghostscript.exe runs when a PS/PDF workflow is active or when a frontend uses Ghostscript to render or convert documents.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Conversion Task: A PS/PDF file is being converted or rasterized, spawning a Ghostscript process for the job.
- Background Rendering by Frontends: GUI tools or printers may invoke Ghostscript in the background to preview or prepare pages.
- Printer/Driver Integration: Printer drivers rely on Ghostscript to render pages into printer-ready formats.
- Automation and Batch Jobs: Scheduled scripts or pipelines call Ghostscript to process files automatically.
- Software Updates or Installers: Some installers use Ghostscript temporarily to handle PostScript/PDF assets during setup.
Can I Disable or Remove ghostscript-exe?
Yes, you can disable ghostscript.exe. If you don’t use Ghostscript, you can uninstall it. Some applications may depend on it, so verify before removal.
How to Stop ghostscript.exe
- End Individual Jobs: If invoked by a GUI tool, close or cancel the conversion task within that tool.
- Close Front-end: Close any Ghostscript-based viewer or front-end that may be running a render task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Ghostscript if listed.
- Stop Background Tasks: Check Task Scheduler for tasks that call Ghostscript and disable or delete them.
- Uninstall Ghostscript: Windows Settings → Apps → Ghostscript → Uninstall (or Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program).
How to Uninstall Ghostscript
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Ghostscript → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Ghostscript → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after removal to clear any residual hooks
Common Problems: Conversion Failures or Slow Ghostscript
If ghostscript.exe is not performing as expected during PostScript/PDF processing, the following issues and fixes apply.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Unsupported or corrupt input file: Validate the input PS/PDF and try a smaller sample; run with -dBATCH -dNOPAUSE for batch processing.
- Large or complex documents: Split large files into chunks or simplify fonts/graphics; consider using a lower resolution for previews.
- Outdated Ghostscript version: Update to the latest Ghostscript release from ghostscript.com.
- Missing or substituted fonts: Provide embedded fonts or install the necessary fonts for proper rendering.
- Incorrect device/configuration: Specify a proper -sDEVICE option (e.g., pdfwrite, PNG16m) and correct output path with -sOutputFile.
- Permission or path issues: Run as Administrator or ensure output directories are writable; verify input/output paths exist.
Quick Fixes:
1. Test with a small sample file to verify Ghostscript works
2. Review and adjust -sDEVICE and -sOutputFile options for your task
3. Check for font issues or missing fonts and install necessary fonts
4. Update Ghostscript to the latest version
5. Run as Administrator if permissions are blocked
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ghostscript-exe a virus?
No, the legitimate ghostscript.exe from Artifex Software is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.55.0\bin and has a valid digital signature from Artifex Software, Inc.
Why is ghostscript.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during heavy PS/PDF processing or when fonts and images are complex. Use -dNOPAUSE -dBATCH for batch runs and monitor with Task Manager to identify the offending job.
Can I delete ghostscript.exe?
Yes, if you no longer need Ghostscript. Uninstall Ghostscript from Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Some software may rely on it, so ensure you won't need it first.
Can I disable ghostscript.exe at startup?
Yes. If Ghostscript is listed in Startup, disable it via Task Manager → Startup. Removing it will not affect other programs unless they require Ghostscript.
How do I install Ghostscript on Windows?
Download the installer from ghostscript.com and follow the prompts. After installation, reboot and verify path C:\Program Files\gs\gsX.Y\bin is added to PATH if you need command-line access.
What is Ghostscript typically used for?
Ghostscript renders PostScript and PDF content, converts between formats (PDF, PNG, TIFF), and supports printer languages. It’s commonly used by printers, document workflows, and developers for automated document processing.