gpuz.exe

TechPowerUp GPU-Z

Application ProcessSafeGPU Monitoring

CPU Usage

0-5%

Memory

25-120 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z

Publisher

TechPowerUp

Quick Answer

gpuz.exe is safe. It's TechPowerUp GPU-Z, a lightweight GPU monitoring utility that reads sensor data from your GPU and displays temperatures, clock speeds, loads, and fan speeds. It runs as a simple application process.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpuz.exe

Warning

Common, benign

gpuz.exe typically runs with one main UI process and optional sensor modules

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close GPU-Z when not in use or disable startup if configured

What is gpuz.exe?

gpuz.exe is the executable for TechPowerUp GPU-Z, a lightweight utility that reads GPU sensor data and performance metrics from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPUs. It provides real-time sensor readouts and can export data for later analysis.

GPU-Z uses vendor APIs to fetch sensor data (temperature, clock speeds, fan speeds, voltages). It runs as a small, multi-threaded UI app that queries drivers and presents charts and details without installing a driver.

Quick Fact: GPU-Z supports multiple GPU architectures and refreshes sensor data in real time with minimal system impact.

Types of GPU-Z Processes

Main UI Process: The primary window and user interface (gpuz.exe)
Sensor Reader: Reads GPU sensors via vendor APIs and drivers
Data Logger (optional): Optionally logs sensor data to a file for later analysis
Update Checker: Checks for GPU-Z updates and news
Background Helper: Performs background tasks like validation and compatibility checks

Is gpuz.exe Safe?

Yes, gpuz.exe is safe when downloaded from TechPowerUp's official site or bundled with GPU-Z. Ensure the file is located in the GPU-Z installation folder.

Is gpuz.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real gpuz.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade as gpuz.exe; verify signature and location.

How to Tell if gpuz.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpuz.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpuz.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click gpuz.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show signer as "TechPowerUp" or related certificate.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU, 25-120 MB memory. Constant, high CPU with no UI is suspicious.
Behavior: GP-UZ should run as a user-initiated app with a visible window; background processes with no UI warrant further scrutiny.

Red Flags: gpuz.exe located outside the GPU-Z install folder, lacks a valid digital signature, or runs when GPU-Z isn't opened. Use antivirus/malware tools to scan and verify.

Why Is gpuz.exe Running on My PC?

gpuz.exe runs to provide real-time GPU sensor data, clock speeds, and fan information. It can run with the UI open or as a background data collector if logging is enabled.

Reasons it's running:

Active GPU Monitoring: You're actively using GPU-Z to view sensors and performance metrics; the app keeps data refreshed
Background Data Logging: Sensor data is being logged to a file for performance tracking or debugging
Background Services Enabled: GPU-Z configured to start with Windows or run as a background process for ongoing monitoring
Update Check: GPU-Z checks for new versions or news on startup or at regular intervals
Driver or API Access: GPUs expose sensor information via drivers; GPU-Z queries these interfaces via GPU APIs

Can I Disable or Remove gpuz.exe?

Yes, you can disable gpuz.exe. You can close GPU-Z when not in use and uninstall GPU-Z if you no longer need it.

How to Stop gpuz.exe

Close the UI: Click the X button or choose File > Exit to close GPU-Z
Hide Tray Icon: In GPU-Z settings, disable showing the tray icon; close to stop background activity
Disable Startup: If GPU-Z is configured to start with Windows, disable it in Task Manager > Startup
Stop Background Logging: In advanced settings, disable any data logging features
Uninstall: Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall TechPowerUp GPU-Z or Settings > Apps > GPU-Z

How to Uninstall GPU-Z

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → TechPowerUp GPU-Z → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → TechPowerUp GPU-Z
✔ Delete leftover GPU-Z files from the installation folder if any

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If gpuz.exe is consuming unexpected resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

High sampling rate: Lower the refresh rate in GPU-Z: Options or Settings → General → Refresh rate
Background logging enabled: Disable data logging in advanced settings
Outdated GPU-Z: Update to the latest GPU-Z version from techpowerup.com
Driver API issues: Update GPU drivers; reinstall if needed
Multiple sensors: Only enable sensors you use; disable others
Conflicts with other monitoring tools: Close other GPU monitoring tools to reduce conflicts

Quick Fixes:
1. Open GPU-Z and lower the refresh rate
2. Disable unnecessary sensors
3. Turn off data logging
4. Check for GPU driver updates
5. Update GPU-Z to the latest version

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gpuz.exe a virus?

No. The legitimate gpuz.exe from TechPowerUp is safe when downloaded from the official site and located in the GPU-Z installation folder.

What is GPU-Z used for?

GPU-Z provides real-time GPU sensor data, including temperatures, clock speeds, fan speeds, and memory usage for supported GPUs.

Where is gpuz.exe located?

Typically in C:\Program Files\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpuz.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\TechPowerUp\GPU-Z\gpuz.exe.

Does GPU-Z require internet?

GPU-Z itself does not require internet for monitoring. It can check for updates online if the feature is enabled.

Can I uninstall GPU-Z and reinstall later?

Yes. You can uninstall GPU-Z anytime from Windows Settings > Apps, and reinstall from techpowerup.com if needed.

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services.exe

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