Quick Answer
gitkraken-launcher.exe is safe. It's the official launcher for GitKraken that starts the desktop app and coordinates updates, sessions, and startup tasks.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\GitKraken\gitkraken-launcher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\GitKraken\gitkraken-launcher.exe
Warning
Launcher spawns updater/processes
GitKraken uses a launcher to start the app and perform background checks; multiple launcher-related processes may appear
Can I Disable?
YES
Close GitKraken or end the launcher task; disable startup to prevent auto-launch
What is gitkraken-launcher.exe?
gitkraken-launcher.exe is the small executable that starts the GitKraken desktop application and coordinates its startup sequence. It runs as a separate process to hand off control to the main Electron-based GitKraken UI, manages initial checks for updates, and handles background tasks required for a smooth launch.
It uses a launcher architecture to spawn the main GitKraken app (Electron), perform update checks, and keep launcher and UI isolated for stability and security.
Quick Fact: GitKraken uses a launcher to streamline startup, with separate launcher and main UI processes for better responsiveness and update handling.
Types of GitKraken Launcher Processes
- Launcher Process: Main launcher that starts GitKraken and coordinates startup
- Updater Process: Checks for and applies updates automatically
- Background Helper: Background tasks like telemetry and session management
- Electron Main Process: The core Electron process that runs the GUI
- Electron Renderer: Renderer for UI components and tabs within the app
- Plugin/Integration Helper: Supports plugins or integrations launched by the app
Is gitkraken-launcher.exe Safe?
Yes, gitkraken-launcher.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from GitKraken, downloaded from official sources (gitkraken.com or the bundled installer).
Is gitkraken-launcher.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gitkraken-launcher.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can imitate names; always verify location and digital signature.
How to Tell if gitkraken-launcher.exe is Legitimate
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\GitKraken\gitkraken-launcher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\GitKraken\gitkraken-launcher.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click gitkraken-launcher.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "GitKraken, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU and 20-60 MB memory; abnormal usage when GitKraken is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Launcher should start the main app and then exit; if it remains active or launches repeatedly without user action, investigate.
Red Flags: If gitkraken-launcher.exe is found in unusual folders (AppData\Roaming, Temp, System32), runs when GitKraken isn’t open, lacks a valid signature, or uses high resources constantly, scan your system and consider reinstalling GitKraken. Beware of similarly named files.
Why Is gitkraken-launcher.exe Running on My PC?
gitkraken-launcher.exe runs to prepare and manage the GitKraken desktop experience. It may stay active while updates are checked or while the app is in use, between startup and full UI readiness.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Launcher Start: You opened GitKraken; the launcher initiates and hands control to the main Electron UI.
- Background Update Checks: The launcher performs update checks and may download metadata or installer assets in the background.
- Session and Token Management: Launcher coordinates login tokens, session restoration, and profile data during startup.
- Windows Startup: If GitKraken is configured to start with Windows, the launcher may run briefly on system boot.
- Background Features: Telemetry, integrations, or helper tasks can keep the launcher active while the app is ready.
Can I Disable or Remove gitkraken-launcher.exe?
Yes, you can disable gitkraken-launcher.exe. It's safe to prevent startup; GitKraken will still install but won't launch automatically until you start the app.
How to Stop gitkraken-launcher.exe
- End Launcher Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Processes → find gitkraken-launcher.exe → End Task
- Close GitKraken: Quit all GitKraken windows to ensure launcher isn't active
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable GitKraken
- Disable Background Apps: GitKraken Settings → Advanced → System → Disable "Continue running background apps when GitKraken is closed"
- Uninstall or Reinstall: If you want to remove it completely, uninstall GitKraken via Settings or Control Panel and reinstall only if needed
How to Uninstall GitKraken
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → GitKraken → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → GitKraken → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative browsers: if you only want to disable the launcher, you can keep GitKraken installed and stop it from auto-starting
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If gitkraken-launcher.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Background updates or indexing: Allow updates to complete or temporarily pause indexing; check for updates manually and restart GitKraken
- Launcher and app in separate processes: Close unused GitKraken windows; use Task Manager to identify tasks related to gitkraken-launcher.exe
- Outdated launcher: Update GitKraken to the latest version from the official site or within the app
- Startup integration: Disable GitKraken from launching at Windows startup if not required
- Background components: Disable 'Continue running background apps when GitKraken is closed' in GitKraken settings
- Antivirus false positives: Whitelist GitKraken launcher in your antivirus or security suite and rescan
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify the high-usage gitkraken-launcher.exe
2. Close unused GitKraken tabs or tasks
3. Update GitKraken to the latest version
4. Disable startup startup if not needed
5. Clear cache and restart GitKraken
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gitkraken-launcher.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate gitkraken-launcher.exe from GitKraken is safe when located in C:\Program Files\GitKraken\gitkraken-launcher.exe (or C:\Program Files (x86)\GitKraken\gitkraken-launcher.exe) and signed by GitKraken, Inc.
Why is gitkraken-launcher.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during heavy Git operations, updates, or indexing. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify the active GitKraken task and close or pause it; ensure you are running the latest version.
Can I delete gitkraken-launcher.exe?
You should not delete it independently. Uninstall GitKraken via Windows Settings or Control Panel if you no longer need it. Reinstall only if you want to use GitKraken again.
Can I disable gitkraken-launcher.exe?
Yes. You can prevent it from launching at startup and/or close it when you’re done using GitKraken. Go to Task Manager startup settings and disable GitKraken, and adjust in-app background settings.
Why does GitKraken launch at startup?
If you enabled Windows startup for GitKraken, gitkraken-launcher.exe will run to start the app when your PC boots. Disable in Task Manager → Startup to stop this behavior.
Why are there multiple gitkraken processes?
GitKraken uses a multi-process architecture (Electron) to improve stability and performance. The launcher, main UI, and background tasks may appear as separate processes.