Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\HWiNFO or C:\Program Files\HWiNFO64\ and signed by the official publisher
Warning
Sensor-based activity is normal
HWiNFO often runs multiple sensor modules; excessive standalone processes without an associated UI can indicate a misconfiguration or tampered copy
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the app or disable startup and background logging to stop monitoring
What is HWiNFO64.exe?
hwinfo-exe is the executable for the HWiNFO64 hardware information tool. It collects real-time sensor data and hardware details, presenting temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, clocks, and driver information for diagnostics.
HWiNFO64 uses vendor-specific sensors and Windows management interfaces to fetch data from hardware components. It implements a compact polling model and a clean UI to show you current system health and configuration.
Quick Fact: HWiNFO64 supports extensive sensor sets across CPU, GPU, motherboard, memory, and storage, with logging options for later analysis.
Types of HWiNFO Processes
- Main GUI: User interface window showing sensors and summary panels
- Sensor Reader: Background module pulling sensor values from drivers
- Logging/Telemetry: Optional background logging to file
- Service Helper: Support processes for stability and updates
- Updater Helper: Module that checks for new versions
Is hwinfo.exe Safe?
Yes, hwinfo.exe is safe when sourced from the official HWiNFO installer and signed by the legitimate publisher.
Is hwinfo.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real hwinfo.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if hwinfo.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\HWiNFO\ or C:\Program Files\HWiNFO64\. Any hwinfo.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click HWiNFO64.exe or the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from the publisher.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU per sensor group and 40-120 MB total memory during typical monitoring.
- Behavior: HWInfo should run when you launch the program and only keep sensors active while the UI or logging is enabled.
Red Flags: If hwinfo.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData) or runs without a visible UI, or lacks a valid digital signature, scan for malware with a reputable antivirus tool.
Why Is hwinfo.exe Running on My PC?
HWiNFO64 runs to monitor hardware sensors and provide real-time or logged data. It starts when you launch the app or when configured to collect sensor data in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Hardware Inspection: You opened HWiNFO64 or the sensor display; the app reads temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and clock speeds.
- Background Sensor Monitoring: Sensor modules can run in the background to feed dashboards or alerts even when the main window is closed.
- Startup or Scheduled Launch: If installed with startup option or a scheduled task, hwinfo64.exe may launch at login for automatic monitoring.
- Logging and Data Capture: Logging options write sensor data to log files or spreadsheets for performance analysis over time.
- Driver and Service Access: HWiNFO uses driver interfaces to access low-level hardware data; some components may spawn helper processes.
Can I Disable or Remove hwinfo.exe?
Yes, you can disable hwinfo.exe. You can exit the application, disable startup items, and turn off background logging to stop monitoring.
How to Stop hwinfo.exe
- Close the GUI: Exit HWiNFO64 or close the main window and any tray icon
- Disable Startup: Windows Task Manager → Startup tab → disable HWiNFO64
- Turn Off Background Logging: In HWiNFO64 settings, disable logging and background data collection
- End Running Processes: If needed, open Task Manager and end any running HWiNFO64 processes
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps & Features → HWiNFO64 → Uninstall
How to Uninstall HWiNFO64
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps & Features → HWiNFO64 → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs and Features → HWiNFO64 → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the computer after uninstall
Common Problems: Sensor Readings or Performance
If hwinfo.exe is not behaving as expected, try these troubleshooting steps focused on HWiNFO64 sensor data and performance.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Sensors not updating: Ensure you opened the correct sensor list and that the drivers are up to date; restart HWiNFO64 if needed.
- High CPU from monitoring: Reduce polling rate in settings or disable unnecessary sensor groups; consider disabling logging.
- Missing sensor data on some hardware: Update to the latest version of HWiNFO64 and install updated motherboard or chipset drivers.
- Sensors showing unrealistic values: Check for driver conflicts or incorrect sensor offsets; verify with official hardware tools and re-run hardware tests.
- HWiNFO64 won't start: Run as administrator, reinstall with official installer, and ensure Windows Defender or antivirus is not blocking it.
- Conflicts with antivirus: Temporarily whitelist HWiNFO64 in your antivirus settings to allow sensor polling.
Quick Fixes:
1. Launch HWiNFO64 and select only necessary sensors
2. Update to the latest version from hwinfo.com
3. Disable excessive sensor groups in the options
4. Restart the computer if readings lag
5. Whitelist HWiNFO64 in antivirus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hwinfo.exe a virus?
No, hwinfo.exe from the official HWiNFO64 installer is not a virus. Always verify the file is located under C:\Program Files\HWiNFO64\ and is digitally signed.
Why does hwinfo64.exe use CPU?
It polls hardware sensors; CPU usage rises with many active sensors or logging. Use a smaller sensor set or adjust polling rates to reduce load.
How do I uninstall HWiNFO64?
Open Windows Settings → Apps & Features → HWiNFO64 → Uninstall. You can also use Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall.
Can I run HWiNFO64 in the background?
Yes, but you can disable background monitoring in the settings to prevent sensor polling when the main window is closed.
Why is HWiNFO64 not starting?
Ensure you run the installer from hwinfo.com, run as administrator if needed, and disable conflicting antivirus rules that block the executable.
What should I do if sensors show invalid values?
Update drivers, verify with official hardware tools, and reconfigure sensor ranges; if needed reinstall HWiNFO64.