gswin64.exe

Ghostscript Interpreter (64-bit)

Application ProcessSafePostScript & PDF Rendering

CPU Usage

2-12%

Memory

40-200 MB

Location

Program Files

Publisher

Artifex Software, Inc.

Quick Answer

gswin64.exe is safe. It is the 64-bit Ghostscript interpreter used to render and convert PostScript and PDF files, typically invoked by printer software or document workflows.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.56.0\bin\gswin64.exe

Warning

Potential multiple invocations

Many apps may spawn gswin64.exe for rendering during PDF/PS processing

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close apps using Ghostscript or uninstall Ghostscript if not needed

What is gswin64.exe?

gswin64.exe is the 64-bit Ghostscript interpreter used to render, convert, and process PostScript and PDF files. It is commonly invoked by printers, PDF viewers, and document workflows to translate page descriptions into output, previews, or raster images. Ghostscript powers many automated pipelines and driver utilities.

Ghostscript parses PS and PDF streams via its stack-based interpreter, executing rendering commands and directing output to devices such as printers, image files, or PDFs. It enables conversion, rasterization, and preview generation in software pipelines.

Quick Fact: Ghostscript originated as a tooling backbone for PostScript workflows and remains a core renderer in many printing and PDF pipelines.

Types of Ghostscript Processes

Interpreter Process: The main gswin64.exe instance that interprets Ghostscript commands and coordinates rendering
Renderer Process: Renders pages to printers, bitmaps, or image files via devices
Converter Process: Converts documents between PS, PDF, and image formats
Device Driver Process: Interacts with printer drivers and virtual printers
Utility Process: Background tasks such as font handling and file I/O during batch processing

Is gswin64.exe Safe?

Yes, gswin64.exe is safe when downloaded from official Ghostscript sources (ghostscript.com or artifex.com) and used as part of legitimate rendering or printing workflows.

Is gswin64.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real gswin64.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can disguise as Ghostscript; always verify signature and location.

How to Tell if gswin64.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.56.0\bin\gswin64.exe or C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.56.0\bin\gswin64c.exe. Any gswin64.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Artifex Software, Inc." or "Ghostscript".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically moderate when rendering; extremely high usage outside of a render job is suspicious.
Behavior: gswin64.exe should run when invoked by Ghostscript-enabled software or a CLI; persistent background activity without a task is suspicious.

Red Flags: If gswin64.exe is found in Temp or AppData folders, runs without user action, lacks a signature, or shows unusual resource spikes, scan with antivirus. Look for similarly-named files like "gswin32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is gswin64.exe Running on My PC?

gswin64.exe runs when Ghostscript is invoked to render or convert documents, when printer software uses Ghostscript as a backend, or when a workflow automation triggers a PDF/PS operation.

Reasons it's running:

Active Rendering/Conversion: You're actively processing a PostScript or PDF file; Ghostscript runs to render or convert pages.
Background Printer Utilities: Printer drivers or virtual printers rely on Ghostscript to process print jobs.
PDF/PS Pipeline in Apps: Apps like PDF editors or document converters spawn Ghostscript to handle specific tasks.
Batch Processing: Background tasks or batch scripts invoke Ghostscript for automated conversions.
Startup or System Integration: Some system tools launch Ghostscript at startup to ready print/workflow services.

Can I Disable or Remove gswin64.exe?

Yes, you can disable gswin64.exe. If you don't use Ghostscript-based tools, you can uninstall the Ghostscript package or disable related printer features.

How to Stop gswin64.exe

End Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate gswin64.exe, and End Task
Close Apps: Close any applications that are actively performing Ghostscript operations
Uninstall Ghostscript: Windows Settings → Apps → Ghostscript → Uninstall
Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Ghostscript or printer utilities
Remove Printer Drivers: If used by a printer, remove Ghostscript-based drivers or set a different renderer

How to Uninstall Ghostscript

✔ Windows Settings \u2192 Apps \u2192 Apps & Features \u2192 Ghostscript \u2192 Uninstall
✔ Control Panel \u2192 Programs \u2192 Uninstall a program \u2192 Ghostscript \u2192 Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative rendering tools like SumatraPDF or native printers

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If gswin64.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Large or complex PDFs: Try reducing rendering DPI or using a simpler device; avoid heavy vector graphics when unnecessary.
Many concurrent jobs: Limit parallel conversions; batch jobs or use queue management.
Outdated Ghostscript: Update Ghostscript to the latest version.
Incompatible printer drivers: Update or reinstall Ghostscript printer devices.
Improper command-line options: Review options; use -dSAFER and validated devices.
Malicious inputs: Ensure input files are trusted; scan for malware.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify gswin64.exe workload
2. Close heavy jobs or cancel conversion tasks
3. Update Ghostscript to latest version
4. Reinstall printer drivers if necessary
5. Run a malware scan if activity seems suspicious

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gswin64.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate gswin64.exe from Ghostscript is not a virus. Verify the file location under C:\Program Files\gs\gs9.56.0\bin\gswin64.exe and look for a valid digital signature from Artifex Software, Inc.

Why is gswin64.exe running at startup?

Ghostscript is typically not a startup service. If gswin64.exe launches at boot, check for printer utilities or batch scripts that call Ghostscript automatically.

How do I uninstall Ghostscript?

Go to Windows Settings → Apps, select Ghostscript, and click Uninstall. You can also use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Ghostscript.

Can I disable Ghostscript background processes?

Yes, disable or remove Ghostscript-based printer drivers or services from the Startup tab or Services manager if not needed.

What is Ghostscript used for?

Ghostscript interprets PostScript and PDF inputs, rendering them to raster images or other document formats, and serves as a backend for printers and PDF tools.

How can I reduce gswin64.exe memory usage?

Limit input complexity, reduce rendering DPI, process fewer pages per job, and ensure you're running a recent Ghostscript version with memory management options.