idea64.exe

JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA

Application ProcessSafeJava IDE

CPU Usage

5-25%

Memory

300-1200 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin

Publisher

JetBrains s.r.o.

Quick Answer

idea64.exe is safe. It is JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA's 64-bit launcher on Windows, coordinating the IDE UI, indexing, and background tasks for code analysis and project management.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin or C:\Program Files (x86)\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin

Warning

Many processes normal

IntelliJ uses multiple processes for indexing, inspections, and plugin execution

Can I Disable?

✔ 2 YES

Close IDEA or disable background tasks in Settings > Build, Execution, Deployment > Compiler

What is idea64.exe?

idea64.exe is the main Windows launcher for JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA (64-bit). IntelliJ IDEA is a Java-based integrated development environment (IDE) used for developing applications in Java and other JVM languages. The idea64.exe process starts the IDE and coordinates indexing, plugin loading, and UI rendering.

idea64.exe launches the IDE using the bundled JRE, spawning multiple sub-processes for indexing, inspections, and plugin execution. It employs a multi-threaded architecture and background services to support fast code analysis, on-the-fly edits, and project synchronization.

Quick Fact: IntelliJ IDEA pioneered modular indexing and background inspections to keep code intelligence responsive across large projects.

Types of IntelliJ IDEA Processes

Launcher Process: idea64.exe starts the IDE and orchestrates UI and tooling
Indexer Process: Background indexing for code insight across modules
Inspection Processor: Live code analysis and quick-fix suggestions
Plugin Loader: Loads and isolates IDE plugins
Compiler/Build: Background compilation and build services
VM/Runtime: Bundled JRE used by the IDE

Is idea64.exe Safe?

Yes, idea64.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from JetBrains and installed from official sources.

Is idea64.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real idea64.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify location and signature.

How to Tell if idea64.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin\idea64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin\idea64.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click idea64.exe > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer "JetBrains s.r.o." and match the file path above.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 5-25% CPU per thread, 300-1200 MB total memory depending on project scope.
Behavior: IDEA should launch when you start IntelliJ and stay closed when you exit. Continuous background startup from boot is unusual.

Red Flags: If idea64.exe is located in an unfamiliar folder (e.g., Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without launching the IDE, lacks a valid signature, or uses unusual resources constantly, scan for malware and verify install source.

Why Is idea64.exe Running on My PC?

idea64.exe runs whenever JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA is open or configured to run background tasks such as indexing, plugin loading, or code analysis. It may also start when a project is loaded or when the IDE is configured to monitor files.

Reasons it's running:

Active IDE Use: You have an IntelliJ project open; the IDE starts multiple processes for indexing, inspection, and code analysis per project.
Background Indexing: IntelliJ indexes code to provide fast navigation, completion, and error checking even as you type.
Plugin and Tooling: Installed plugins run in separate subprocesses, potentially increasing CPU and memory usage.
Version Control and Sync: Background VCS operations (Git, SVN) synchronize file status and history, keeping the project state up to date.
IDE Configuration: Settings such as automatic compilation, live templates, or background tasks may trigger persistent processes.

Can I Disable or Remove idea64.exe?

Yes, you can disable idea64.exe. You can safely close IntelliJ IDEA when not in use, and uninstall or disable startup from Windows if you do not want the IDE to auto-launch.

How to Stop idea64.exe

Exit the IDE: File > Exit or click the close button to terminate the IDE gracefully.
Close Background Tasks: In Settings > Build, Execution, Deployment > Compiler, disable features that run in background
End Task: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate idea64.exe, right-click > End Task
Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable JetBrains Toolbox or IntelliJ IDEA
Stop Background Plugins: In the IDE, disable or uninstall plugins that run long-running background tasks

How to Uninstall IntelliJ IDEA

✔ Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA > Uninstall
✔ Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA > Uninstall
✔ Consider removing JetBrains Toolbox if you installed IDEA via Toolbox

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If idea64.exe is consuming excessive resources, try targeted fixes before reconfiguring the IDE entirely.

Common Causes & Solutions

Too many modules or large project: Close unused modules, enable Power Save Mode, and limit simultaneous indexing by configuring scopes.
Heavy plugins: Disable or uninstall unnecessary plugins via Settings > Plugins.
Background indexing: Let indexing complete or temporarily pause by File > Invalidate Caches / Restart.
Outdated IDE or plugins: Update IntelliJ IDEA and plugins to the latest compatible versions.
Insufficient memory: Increase IDE heap size in bin/idea64.vmoptions (e.g., -Xmx2g or higher) and monitor with Task Manager.
Antivirus interference: Add IDEA folders to antivirus exclusions and avoid real-time scanning of the IDE directory.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Shift+Ctrl+Esc) to identify high-usage components.
2. Invalidate caches and restart: File > Invalidate Caches / Restart.
3. Disable unnecessary plugins in Settings > Plugins.
4. Update IntelliJ IDEA to the latest version.
5. Increase memory heap: -Xmx in idea64.vmoptions and restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is idea64.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate idea64.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Verify the file location is C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin\idea64.exe and that it has a valid JetBrains signature.

Why is idea64.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually caused by active indexing, large projects, or heavy plugins. Check Task Manager for the specific process and pause indexing temporarily or disable heavy plugins.

Can I delete idea64.exe?

You can uninstall JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA from Windows Settings > Apps if you no longer need it. Deleting the exe directly can break the IDE; use proper uninstall methods.

Can I disable idea64.exe from starting at Windows startup?

Yes. Use Windows Task Manager > Startup tab to disable JetBrains Toolbox or IntelliJ IDEA, or adjust Toolbox settings to prevent automatic launches.

Where is idea64.exe located?

Typically in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin\idea64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA 2024.x\bin\idea64.exe.

How do I update IntelliJ IDEA?

In IDEA, go to Help > Check for Update, or download the latest installer from jetbrains.com and install over the existing IDE.