gpu-z.exe

What is gpu-z.exe?

gpu-z.exe is the executable for TechPowerUp GPU-Z, a compact utility that reads GPU hardware details and sensor data in real time. It displays GPU model, clocks, temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, memory size, GPU load, PCIe details, and driver information. It’s a lightweight tool favored by enthusiasts for quick diagnostics.

GPU-Z queries GPU sensors via vendor interfaces to present real-time data such as clocks, temps, voltages, fan speeds, and memory usage. It runs with minimal overhead and shows comprehensive GPU specifications and PCIe/driver details in a compact interface.

Types of GPU-Z Processes

• Main GUI Process: The primary window showing sensors, clocks, and GPU specs
• Sensor Logger: Optional background logging of sensor data to a file
• Driver Query Helper: Module that queries driver or library data for accuracy
• Multi-GPU Reader: Reads sensors for systems with more than one GPU

Is gpu-z.exe Safe?

Yes, gpu-z.exe is safe when obtained from TechPowerUp and used as intended. It does not install drivers or modify system settings.

Is gpu-z.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate gpu-z.exe from TechPowerUp is not a virus. However, counterfeit copies or misnamed files can be malicious.

How to Tell if gpu-z.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpu-z.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpu-z.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click gpu-z.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show signer 'TechPowerUp' or 'TechPowerUp.com'.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-6% CPU, 20-120 MB memory. Extremely high usage when not actively monitoring is suspicious.
4. Behavior: GPU-Z should run when launched by user and should not perform network activity unless you enable updates or logging.

Why Is gpu-z.exe Running on My PC?

gpu-z.exe runs when you launch GPU-Z or when you enable real-time sensor logging. It may stay active while you monitor GPU metrics or collect sensor data for a session.

Reasons it's running:

• Active GPU Monitoring: You opened GPU-Z to view real-time clocks, temps, voltages, and fan speeds for one or more GPUs.
• Background Logging Enabled: Sensor data logging to a file is active, which keeps the process alive to write data.
• Startup Auto-Launch: GPU-Z is configured to start with Windows to provide constant monitoring and quick access.
• Multi-GPU Systems: Systems with multiple GPUs may show sensors for each device, increasing activity or requiring separate reads.
• Driver/Hardware Changes: Detection of new GPUs or driver updates can refresh sensor data and reinitialize reading intervals.

Can I Disable or Remove gpu-z.exe?

Yes, you can disable gpu-z.exe. It's a monitoring tool and can be closed when not in use; you can uninstall it or disable startup to stop automatic runs.

How to Stop gpu-z.exe

• End GPU-Z Task: In Task Manager, select gpu-z.exe and click End Task.
• Close GUI: Close all GPU-Z windows from the tray or the main UI.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> find TechPowerUp GPU-Z -> Disable
• Disable Logging: If you enabled logging, turn off through GPU-Z options or delete the log file path.
• Uninstall GPU-Z: Use Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> TechPowerUp GPU-Z -> Uninstall

How to Uninstall GPU-Z

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → TechPowerUp GPU-Z → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → TechPowerUp GPU-Z → Uninstall
• ✔ Delete remaining GPU-Z files from C:\Program Files\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z

Common Problems: Sensor Not Showing or Crashes

If gpu-z.exe isn’t displaying sensors or crashes, try these common fixes targeted to GPU-Z behavior.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Sensors not visible: Open GPU-Z, go to the Sensors tab, and enable the sensors. Ensure you have the latest GPU drivers installed.
• GPU-Z won’t start: Install or repair the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages; reboot and try again.
• Incorrect GPU or missing sensors after update: Update GPU drivers to the latest version and re-run GPU-Z; consider using the latest GPU-Z release from TechPowerUp.
• High CPU or memory usage: Close other monitoring tools, disable logging, and ensure you’re running the latest GPU-Z build.
• Cannot save log file: Check write permissions to the log directory; run GPU-Z as administrator or change the log path to a writable folder.
• GPU-Z crashes on startup: Reinstall GPU-Z, clear registry keys if applicable, and run the installer with admin rights.

Related Processes