git-gui.exe

Git Graphical User Interface

Application ProcessSafeVersion Control GUI

CPU Usage

1-15%

Memory

40-150 MB

Location

Program Files

Publisher

Git for Windows

Quick Answer

git-gui.exe is safe. It's the official Git GUI frontend that runs alongside git.exe to provide a visual workflow for commits, branches, and diffs.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in Program Files\Git\git-gui.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Git\git-gui.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Git GUI often launches helper processes; excessive background activity without UI can indicate a misconfiguration or malware if located elsewhere.

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close Git GUI or prevent startup via Task Manager; you can uninstall Git for Windows to remove git-gui.exe

What is git-gui.exe?

git-gui.exe is the graphical user interface for Git on Windows. It provides a visual workflow for staging, committing, and viewing changes, launching underlying Git commands through git.exe. It helps users manage repositories without typing commands, and integrates with typical Git workflows.

Git GUI is a front-end that calls the core Git commands via git.exe. It runs as a separate process and uses dialogs to stage, commit, and view changes, while delegating actual operations to the underlying Git binary.

Quick Fact: Git GUI has been a staple for visual Git workflows since its early Windows releases, helping users perform common tasks without the command line.

Types of Git GUI Processes

Main GUI Process: User interface window with menus for staging, committing, and viewing history
Command Runner: Executes Git commands via git.exe in response to GUI actions
Dialog/Commit Editor: Dialog boxes for entering commit messages and options
Diff Viewer: Presents file changes and patch previews within the GUI
Credential Helper: Interacts with stored credentials for remote repositories
Background Utilities: Background helpers for status checks and repo refresh

Is git-gui.exe Safe?

Yes, git-gui.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Git for Windows downloaded from official sources (git-scm.com or the official Git for Windows installer).

Is git-gui.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real git-gui.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names. Always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if git-gui.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Git\git-gui.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Git\git-gui.exe. Any git-gui.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a legitimate signer such as "Git for Windows".
Resource Usage: Baseline CPU is typically low; unusual, sustained high CPU when GUI is idle warrants scrutiny.
Behavior: Git GUI should launch only when you start the application or trigger a Git action. Unexpected background launches merit malware checks.

Red Flags: If git-gui.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when Git GUI isn’t opened, has no valid signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "gitgui.exe" or "git-gui32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is git-gui.exe Running on My PC?

git-gui.exe runs when you open the Git GUI, or when tools integrate with Git to stage, commit, or fetch history. It can also start if a repository action triggers a helper.

Reasons it's running:

Active Git GUI Session: You launched Git GUI to manage a repository; the GUI runs to handle staging, commits, and visual history.
IDE or Editor Integration: Some IDEs or editors invoke Git GUI for commit messages or visual diff when you perform VCS actions.
Background Repository Refresh: Git GUI may refresh status information in the background to reflect remote changes or local diffs.
Startup or Resume Session: If Windows or the Git installer is configured to reopen the GUI, git-gui.exe may run on startup or session restore.
Hook or Automation Triggers: Scripts or hooks that invoke Git GUI as part of a custom workflow can start the process.

Can I Disable or Remove git-gui.exe?

Yes, you can disable git-gui.exe. It's safe to close Git GUI when not in use, and you can uninstall Git for Windows if you prefer a different workflow.

How to Stop git-gui.exe

End GUI Session: Close the Git GUI window or use File -> Exit to terminate the process
Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Git for Windows
End All Git GUI Processes: Open Task Manager, find git-gui.exe, and End Task
Prevent Background Runs: In Windows, disable any scheduled tasks or shell integrations that launch Git GUI automatically
Uninstall Git for Windows: Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Git for Windows

How to Uninstall Git GUI (Git for Windows)

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Git for Windows → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Git for Windows → Uninstall
✔ Restart your computer after uninstalling

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If git-gui.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Active Git operations with large repos: Close large repos or limit GUI operations to smaller changes; consider using command-line for heavy tasks.
Background repository refresh: Disable unnecessary background checks in Git GUI settings or in IDE integrations.
Misbehaving extensions or integrations: Disable or remove problematic integrations or plugins in the GUI or IDE.
Out-of-date Git for Windows: Update Git for Windows to the latest version from git-scm.com.
Corrupt configuration: Reset GUI settings or move the .gitconfig to a backup and reconfigure.
Antivirus scanning: Ensure the antivirus is not repeatedly scanning the git-gui.exe executable; whitelist Git for Windows if appropriate.

Quick Fixes:
1. Close Git GUI and restart the application
2. Check for updates: Git for Windows -> Help -> About or reinstall
3. Disable unnecessary integrations in your IDE
4. Limit repository size by staging smaller changes
5. Clear caches or reset GUI preferences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is git-gui.exe used for?

git-gui.exe launches the Git GUI to provide a visual interface for staging, committing, viewing diffs, and handling basic Git workflows without using the command line.

Where is git-gui.exe located on Windows?

Typically: C:\Program Files\Git\git-gui.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Git\git-gui.exe. If installed elsewhere, it may be a sign of a non-standard setup.

Is git-gui.exe safe to run?

Yes, when obtained from official Git for Windows sources. Verify the file path and digital signature to ensure authenticity.

How do I disable or uninstall Git GUI?

To disable, close the GUI and disable startup items. To uninstall, use Windows Settings → Apps → Git for Windows → Uninstall, then reinstall if needed.

How can I update Git GUI?

Update Git for Windows from the official site or run the Git installer to update both the GUI and the Git binaries.

Why does git-gui.exe start even when I’m not using Git?

It can be triggered by IDE integrations, startup tasks, or automation scripts that invoke the GUI for commit dialogs. Check startup items and IDE settings.