Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Grammarly\GrammarlyDesktop\grammarly-desktop.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal
Grammarly uses a main client plus background checkers and services for live text analysis
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Grammarly UI or disable startup to stop background checks when not needed
What is grammarly-desktop.exe?
grammarly-desktop.exe is the executable for the Grammarly Desktop Application. It enables Grammarly's real-time writing assistance across native apps and browser text fields by running a lightweight background service and UI component. The app analyzes text as you type, offering grammar, style, and clarity suggestions.
Grammarly Desktop uses a client service to monitor text input across apps. It sends text to Grammarly's cloud servers for checks, then returns inline suggestions for grammar, style, and clarity.
Quick Fact: Grammarly's desktop app integrates across multiple text fields, providing suggestions in real time while you type.
Types of Grammarly Desktop Processes
- Main Client Process: The primary Grammarly window and UI coordinating checks
- Background Checker: Background service analyzing text from active apps and browsers
- Updater: Auto-update component that checks for new Grammarly versions
- Sync Service: Background synchronization of your Grammarly settings and preferences
- Notification Service: System tray notifications and in-app prompts
Is grammarly-desktop.exe Safe?
Yes, grammarly-desktop.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Grammarly downloaded from official sources (grammarly.com or the official app store distribution).
Is grammarly-desktop.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real grammarly-desktop.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if grammarly-desktop.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Grammarly\GrammarlyDesktop\grammarly-desktop.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Grammarly\GrammarlyDesktop\grammarly-desktop.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click grammarly-desktop.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Grammarly, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-8% CPU per instance, 60-200 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when Grammarly is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Grammarly should only run when the app is active or a text field is in focus. Background operation without UI indicates malware.
Red Flags: If grammarly-desktop.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Grammarly isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "grammarly.exe" or "grammarly-desktop.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is grammarly-desktop.exe Running on My PC?
grammarly-desktop.exe runs when you open the Grammarly Desktop application or when Grammarly features are enabled to monitor text input and provide real-time suggestions across supported apps.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Grammarly Use: You're currently using Grammarly in the desktop app or integrated into other apps; the process runs to provide real-time checks.
- Background Checking: Grammarly runs background checkers to monitor text input across apps and deliver inline suggestions even when the window is minimized.
- Startup Launch: Grammarly is configured to start with Windows, launching the client automatically.
- Text Field Focus: A text field in a supported app (Word, email client, browser) is focused, prompting Grammarly to run checks.
- Background Sync: Grammarly syncs your settings and preferences with your Grammarly account, which can keep the process active.
Can I Disable or Remove grammarly-desktop.exe?
Yes, you can disable grammarly-desktop.exe. It's safe to close Grammarly when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different writing assistant.
How to Stop grammarly-desktop.exe
- End Individual Grammarly Tasks: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate grammarly-desktop.exe, and end the task or end specific background services.
- Close Grammarly UI: Quit the Grammarly desktop window or use the system tray icon to exit the app.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Grammarly Desktop
- Stop Background Features: Grammarly Settings → General → Disable "Start Grammarly with Windows" or similar background features
- Safe Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Grammarly Desktop → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Grammarly Desktop
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Grammarly Desktop → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Grammarly Desktop → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative writing assistants: ProWritingAid, Hemingway, or Microsoft Editor
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If grammarly-desktop.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active text fields across multiple apps: Limit the number of active text fields or disable Grammarly in apps not in use; consider turning off live checks for certain apps.
- Background checking and syncing enabled: In Grammarly settings, disable non-essential background checks and reduce syncing frequency.
- Outdated Grammarly Desktop version: Update Grammarly to the latest version via the app or official site.
- Conflicts with browser extensions or other editors: Disable conflicting extensions or disable Grammarly across specific browsers.
- Firewall/antivirus blocking Grammarly services: Allow grammarly-desktop.exe network access or add Grammarly to your allowed list.
- Corrupted cache or settings: Reset Grammarly settings or reinstall the application to clear cached data.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end grammarly-desktop.exe processes with high CPU
2. Close the Grammarly app and reopen
3. Update to the latest Grammarly Desktop version
4. Clear Grammarly cache and local data: navigate to AppData\Roaming\Grammarly and delete cache folders
5. Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup → Grammarly Desktop → Disable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grammarly-desktop.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate grammarly-desktop.exe from Grammarly is not a virus. Ensure the file is located at C:\Program Files\Grammarly\GrammarlyDesktop\grammarly-desktop.exe and has a valid digital signature from Grammarly, Inc.
Why is grammarly-desktop.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usually comes from real-time checks across multiple text fields or from background syncing. Use Windows Task Manager to identify the exact process and consider disabling background checks for nonessential apps or updating Grammarly.
Can I uninstall Grammarly Desktop?
Yes. Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Grammarly Desktop → Uninstall. You can reinstall later from grammarly.com if needed.
Can I disable grammarly-desktop.exe?
Yes. Close the Grammarly UI or end its process in Task Manager. To prevent startup, disable Grammarly in Task Manager → Startup. You can also disable background features in the Grammarly settings.
Why is Grammarly Desktop running at startup?
Grammarly Desktop may be configured to start with Windows. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup tab; this won't remove the app, it just stops automatic launching.
Where is grammarly-desktop.exe located on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Grammarly\GrammarlyDesktop\grammarly-desktop.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Grammarly\GrammarlyDesktop\grammarly-desktop.exe. If you find it elsewhere, verify the source.