igfxpers.exe

Intel Graphics Persistence Process

System ProcessSafeGraphics Driver
CPU Usage
0-3%
Memory
10-60 MB
Location
C:\Windows\System32
Publisher
Intel Corporation

Quick Answer

igfxpers.exe is safe. It’s part of the Intel Graphics driver stack and runs in the background to preserve GPU state and startup settings across user sessions.

Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\igfxpers.exe
Warning
Not a virus, but driver components may spawn multiple related processes
igfxpers.exe interacts with other Intel graphics services; multiple related processes can appear
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling may affect graphics startup; you can temporarily stop it, but it may return after driver updates

What is igfxpers.exe?

igfxpers.exe is the Intel Graphics Persistence process that ships with Intel graphics drivers. It helps maintain GPU state, load graphics configuration, and apply driver settings across user sessions. This background component runs quietly in Windows, enabling fast startup, stable display behavior, and reliable reinitialization after driver updates.

igfxpers.exe runs as a background service within the Intel graphics driver stack. It ensures persistence of GPU settings, handles driver initialization tasks, and cooperates with control panels to restore display profiles when you sign in or after a graphics driver reload.

Quick Fact: igfxpers.exe helps ensure graphics settings survive session restarts and driver reloads, reducing display flicker during startup.

Types of igfxpers-Related Processes

Is igfxpers.exe Safe?

Yes, igfxpers.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Intel signed by Intel Corporation and located in the Windows System32/SysWOW64 directories.

Is igfxpers.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real igfxpers.exe is not a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify the file location and digital signature.

How to Tell if igfxpers.exe is Legitimate or Malware

  1. File Location:: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\igfxpers.exe. Any igfxpers.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
  2. Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should display a signature from "Intel Corporation".
  3. Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 0-3% CPU and 10-60 MB memory. Constant high usage or spikes when idle is suspicious.
  4. Behavior:: Should run in the background and not crash the system. If it crashes repeatedly, check driver health.

Red Flags: If igfxpers.exe is outside System32/SysWOW64, lacks a valid digital signature, or consumes resources constantly, scan with antivirus and consider driver reinstallation.

Why Is igfxpers.exe Running on My PC?

igfxpers.exe runs as part of the Intel Graphics driver stack to ensure graphics state is preserved across sessions and to support quick driver reinitialization after events like login or driver updates.

Reasons it's running:

Can I Disable or Remove igfxpers.exe?

Disabling igfxpers.exe is possible but not recommended. It is part of the Intel graphics driver and helps startup and session persistence. You can stop it temporarily, but it may come back after driver updates or reboot.

How to Stop igfxpers.exe

How to Uninstall igfxpers.exe (as part of the driver)

Common Problems: igfxpers.exe

If igfxpers.exe is causing issues, review these common problems and solutions related to graphics persistence and driver health.

Common Causes & Solutions

Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Task Manager and identify igfxpers-related processes, then End Task if needed
3. Update or reinstall the Intel graphics driver from the official source
4. Restart the PC to ensure persistence components reinitialize correctly
5. Check for Windows updates that may include graphics driver fixes
6. Open Intel Graphics Command Center to adjust persistence or disable nonessential background tasks if supported

Frequently Asked Questions

Is igfxpers.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate igfxpers.exe from Intel is not a virus. Verify it is located at C:\Windows\System32\igfxpers.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\igfxpers.exe and signed by Intel Corporation.

Why is igfxpers.exe using so much CPU?

Typically it should use little CPU. High usage can indicate driver activity, background tasks, or a conflicting extension. Check with Task Manager, update drivers, and reboot.

Can I delete igfxpers.exe?

Deleting igfxpers.exe is not recommended as it is part of the graphics driver. You can uninstall the Intel Graphics Driver to remove related components, then reinstall a fresh driver if needed.

Can I disable igfxpers.exe?

You can stop it temporarily via Task Manager or disable startup entries, but it may re-enable after driver updates. Disabling may affect graphics startup and persistence.

Why does igfxpers.exe start when I log in?

It is designed to preserve GPU state and support quick startup. It may start at login to restore previous display settings after a sign-in or driver load.

Are there other Intel graphics processes I should know about?

Yes. Other common Intel graphics processes include igfxtray.exe (system tray) and igfxem.exe (executable manager). They work together to provide graphics control and persistence.

Related Processes