Quick Answer
gpu-tweak-exe is safe. It's ASUS' GPU tuning utility that adjusts clocks, voltages, fan curves, and sensors. It runs as a legitimate, digitally signed process when installed from ASUS.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\ASUS\GPU Tweak\gpu-tweak.exe
Warning
Multiple processes can be normal
GPU Tweak may spawn sensor/monitoring components and helper services
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the UI or disable startup in Task Manager; you can still use other ASUS tools
What is gpu-tweak.exe?
gpu-tweak.exe is the Windows executable for the ASUS GPU Tweak Utility, a graphics card tuning and monitoring tool used by enthusiasts to optimize clock speeds, adjust fan curves, and read sensors in real time. It runs as its own process to separate UI, monitoring, and telemetry from driver control.
It uses GPU driver interfaces and vendor SDKs to read sensors and apply clock/voltage and fan settings. Separate threads handle UI and monitoring to keep performance responsive and minimize driver instability.
Quick Fact: ASUS introduced GPU tuning utilities to provide per-card customization, with real-time monitoring integrated directly into the tool.
Types of GPU Tweak Processes
- UI Process: Main window, controls, and profile selection
- Sensor Monitor: Real-time GPU sensors and telemetry
- Clock/Voltage Controller: Applies overclock/voltage and fan-profile changes to the GPU
- Fan Control: Manages fan curves and RPM targets
- Telemetry/Update Service: Logs data and checks for updates
- Helper/Launcher: Auxiliary launcher for stable startup
Is gpu-tweak.exe Safe?
Yes, gpu-tweak.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from ASUS downloaded from official sources (asus.com or via the ASUS X App).
Is gpu-tweak.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gpu-tweak.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if gpu-tweak.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\ASUS\GPU Tweak\gpu-tweak.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\GPU Tweak\gpu-tweak.exe. Any gpu-tweak.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "ASUSTeK Computer Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU and 40-120 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: GPU Tweak should launch with ASUS software and display a GUI. Background-only launches without a UI could indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If gpu-tweak.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when Windows is not expected to, has no valid digital signature, or uses persistently high resources, scan with antivirus immediately. Watch for similarly named files.
Why Is gpu-tweak-exe Running on My PC?
gpu-tweak-exe runs when ASUS GPU Tweak Utility is active or configured to start on Windows startup. It also runs to monitor sensors and apply profile changes in real time.
Reasons it's running:
- Active GPU Tuning Session: You're actively applying clock, voltage, or fan-profile changes which start the monitoring and control components.
- Background Monitoring: Sensor readings, temperature checks, and fan control run in the background to enforce the selected profile.
- Startup Launch: The utility is configured to launch at Windows startup or on user login.
- Profile Switching: Changing profiles or enabling quick-switch hotkeys can start auxiliary processes for each profile.
- Update Checks: The tool may run background tasks to check for software updates or driver compatibility.
Can I Disable or Remove gpu-tweak-exe?
Yes, you can disable gpu-tweak-exe. It's safe to close the UI when not needed, and you can uninstall the ASUS GPU Tweak Utility if you prefer a different solution.
How to Stop gpu-tweak-exe
- Close UI: Click the X button or use Alt+F4 to close the ASUS GPU Tweak UI
- End Process: Open Task Manager, locate gpu-tweak.exe, right-click End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ASUS GPU Tweak Utility
- Disable Background Tasks: Within the ASUS software, turn off background monitoring or auto-start options
How to Uninstall GPU Tweak
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ASUS GPU Tweak Utility → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ASUS GPU Tweak Utility → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If gpu-tweak-exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active tuning on many profiles: Limit profiles or disable automatic profile switching; close unused profiles
- Background sensor polling: Reduce polling frequency in the UI settings or disable nonessential sensors
- Outdated GPU driver: Update driver to the latest version from the vendor site
- Conflicting software: Disable other hardware monitoring tools that may duplicate sensor reads
- Large number of apps using GPU: Limit background apps that access GPU or suspend non-essential tasks
- Bug or corrupted profile: Reset to default profile and reapply desired settings; reinstall if needed
Quick Fixes:
1. Open GPU Tweak UI and close unnecessary profiles
2. Disable unneeded sensors in Settings
3. Update GPU drivers to the latest version
4. Restart GPU Tweak and check for updates
5. Disable startup and run only when needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gpu-tweak-exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate gpu-tweak-exe from ASUS is safe when obtained from ASUS official channels and located in C:\Program Files\ASUS\GPU Tweak. Verify digital signature to confirm.
Why is gpu-tweak-exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage typically comes from real-time sensor polling, heavy fan control, or live overclock changes. Check GPU Tweak UI Task Manager view and reduce polling or close profiles.
Can I uninstall GPU Tweak and still run games?
Yes, you can uninstall GPU Tweak; it will not affect installed games. Your game performance is determined by GPU hardware and drivers.
Can I disable gpu-tweak-exe at startup?
Yes, disable the startup entry in Task Manager or in the GPU Tweak settings to prevent automatic launching.
Where should gpu-tweak-exe be located?
The legitimate gpu-tweak-exe should reside in C:\Program Files\ASUS\GPU Tweak\gpu-tweak.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\GPU Tweak\gpu-tweak.exe.
How do I update GPU Tweak?
Open GPU Tweak and use its built-in Update feature or download the latest version from ASUS Support for your GPU model.