HWiNFO32 Hardware Information Tool
hwinfo32.exe is safe. It's the 32‑bit HWiNFO32 sensor and hardware information utility from REALiX used for real‑time hardware monitoring.
hwinfo32.exe is the 32‑bit executable component of HWiNFO, a comprehensive hardware information and sensor monitoring tool. It collects real‑time data from your CPU, GPU, memory, motherboard, and other sensors, then presents it in a GUI or as background data for logging. It helps diagnose hardware status and temperatures.
HWiNFO32 runs with multiple processes to query sensors, driver interfaces, and the user interface. It uses Windows drivers, WMI, and ACPI interfaces to gather data without destabilizing the system, providing precise readings and configurable polling intervals.
Quick Fact: HWiNFO32 was among the early multi‑sensor monitors and remains a staple for enthusiasts needing detailed hardware telemetry.
Yes, hwinfo32.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from REALiX downloaded from the official source (hwinfo.com) or distributed by a trusted vendor.
The real hwinfo32.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify the file path and signature.
C:\Program Files (x86)\HWiNFO32\hwinfo32.exe or C:\Program Files\HWiNFO32\hwinfo32.exe. Any hwinfo32.exe elsewhere is suspicious.Red Flags: If hwinfo32.exe is located in unusual folders (AppData, Temp) or lacks a signature, or runs constantly with no UI, scan with antivirus software. Be wary of similarly named files like "hwinfo32fake.exe".
hwinfo32.exe runs when you install or start HWiNFO32 and may stay resident to monitor sensors, log data, or respond to threshold alerts.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can disable hwinfo32.exe. It's safe to close HWiNFO32 when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you don't need hardware monitoring.
If hwinfo32.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Quick Fixes:
1. Open HWiNFO32 Task Manager view and identify high‑usage sensors
2. Disable unnecessary sensors and close unused modules
3. Update to the latest HWiNFO32 version
4. Reduce polling interval or disable background logging
5. Restart HWiNFO32 and Windows if needed
No, the legitimate hwinfo32.exe from REALiX is not a virus. Verify the path is in C:\Program Files (x86)\HWiNFO32 and that the digital signature shows REALiX or HWiNFO.
High CPU usage is typically caused by extensive sensor polling or many active sensors. Reduce the number of sensors in use or adjust the polling interval in HWiNFO32 settings.
Yes, you can uninstall HWiNFO32 via Windows Settings → Apps. Your sensor data and preferences will be removed unless you back them up or sync with a Google/online account if applicable.
Yes. Disable HWiNFO32 from Task Manager → Startup. This stops auto-launch on login but does not affect uninstallation.
Common locations are C:\Program Files (x86)\HWiNFO32\hwinfo32.exe or C:\Program Files\HWiNFO32\hwinfo32.exe, depending on system architecture and installer choices.
Visit the official HWiNFO site and download the latest HWiNFO32 package, then install over the existing version or use the updater within the application if available.