Quick Answer
intel-graphics-command-center.exe is safe. It is Intel's official graphics control utility used to manage display settings, driver updates, and GPU profiles.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Intel\Graphics Command Center\intel-graphics-command-center.exe
Warning
Multiple helper components may run
UI, driver helper, and telemetry can run as separate processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the app and disable startup or remove the program if you don’t use it
What is intel-graphics-command-center.exe?
intel-graphics-command-center.exe is the Intel Graphics Command Center application. It provides a centralized UI to configure Intel integrated graphics settings, color calibration, display profiles, and driver updates. The tool interacts with the Intel GPU driver to apply changes across supported devices.
It is a Windows utility that communicates with the Intel graphics driver to adjust settings (color, resolution, power plans). It may spawn small helper processes for UI rendering, background checks, and telemetry, but remains part of the official Intel software stack.
Quick Fact: Intel Graphics Command Center originated as a dedicated UI to simplify GPU tuning beyond basic Windows settings.
Types of Intel Graphics Command Center Processes
- UI Process: Main window and user interface that users interact with
- Driver Helper Service: Background component applying graphics driver changes
- Update/Telemetry Service: Checks for driver updates and collects non-identifying telemetry
- Display Calibration Engine: Color calibration and display profile processing
- Startup Launcher: Launches the UI at Windows startup if enabled
- Background Monitor: Monitors GPU state such as temperatures and clocks
Is intel-graphics-command-center.exe Safe?
Yes, intel-graphics-command-center.exe is safe when it comes from Intel and is installed via official driver packages or Microsoft Store updates.
Is intel-graphics-command-center.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real file is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names, so verify the path and digital signature.
How to Tell if intel-graphics-command-center.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Intel\Graphics Command Center\intel-graphics-command-center.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Graphics Command Center\intel-graphics-command-center.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Intel Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 30-150 MB memory. Constantly high usage or absence of UI activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: The application should run when you open the Intel Graphics Command Center; persistent background operation without UI may indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If intel-graphics-command-center.exe is located outside the Intel directories, lacks a valid signature, or runs constantly without user interaction, scan with trusted antivirus. Beware of similarly named files like "intel-graphics-command-center.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is intel-graphics-command-center.exe Running on My PC?
intel-graphics-command-center.exe runs to provide real-time GPU tuning, display management, and driver integration. It may start when you log in or when you open the Intel Graphics Command Center app.
Reasons it's running:
- UI-Driven Configuration: You opened the Intel Graphics Command Center UI to adjust color, resolution, or power profiles; the main process and helper components launch accordingly.
- Driver Updates and Validation: The tool checks for driver updates and validates compatibility with the current GPU configuration.
- Startup and Background Tasks: If Windows startup is enabled, the launcher may start the UI in the background to quick-launch the app.
- Telemetry and Diagnostics: Lightweight telemetry may run to improve product stability and driver performance reporting.
- Display Profile Synchronization: Active display profiles or color calibration tasks may keep related processes active to apply changes promptly.
Can I Disable or Remove intel-graphics-command-center.exe?
Yes, you can disable intel-graphics-command-center.exe. You can stop it from auto-starting, close the UI, or uninstall the component if you no longer need Intel graphics tuning.
How to Stop intel-graphics-command-center.exe
- Close the UI: Exit the Intel Graphics Command Center window or choose Exit from the app.
- Disable Startup: In Windows Task Manager, go to the Startup tab and disable 'Intel Graphics Command Center' (or equivalent).
- Prevent Background Run: In the app settings, disable 'Launch at startup' or 'Continue running in the background' options if available.
- End Related Processes: Open Task Manager, locate igfx components (see related processes), right-click, and End Task as needed.
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Intel Graphics Command Center → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Intel Graphics Command Center
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Intel Graphics Command Center → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Intel Graphics Command Center → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstalling to ensure all components are removed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If intel-graphics-command-center.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active color calibration in progress: Let the calibration complete; if persistent, restart the app and retry with a smaller scope.
- Graphic profile changes pending: Apply a simpler profile or reset to default, then reconfigure gradually.
- Background telemetry enabled: Disable telemetry in the app settings and ensure updates are current.
- Outdated graphics driver: Update the driver from Intel's official site or via Windows Update.
- Multiple UI instances: Close extra UI windows and ensure only one instance runs.
- Background services lingering after close: End related igfx processes from Task Manager and disable startup launch.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Intel Graphics Command Center Task Manager view and end high-usage components
2. Update Intel graphics driver to the latest version
3. Disable unnecessary profiles or restore defaults
4. Turn off 'Launch on startup' in app settings
5. Uninstall if the tool is not required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is intel-graphics-command-center.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate intel-graphics-command-center.exe is not a virus. Verify the path is in C:\Program Files\Intel\Graphics Command Center and that the digital signature belongs to Intel Corporation.
Why is it running on startup?
It may be configured to launch at Windows startup to provide quick access to GPU settings. You can disable this in Task Manager → Startup or in the app's launch settings.
Can I uninstall it without removing my GPU drivers?
Yes. You can uninstall the Intel Graphics Command Center while keeping the Intel graphics drivers installed. The drivers will still function for rendering and basic display control.
How do I reduce its resource usage?
Close unused UI windows, reset to default profiles, disable telemetry if available, update drivers, and consider turning off automatic launch to minimize background activity.
Where is the file located and how to verify its signature?
The file is typically at C:\Program Files\Intel\Graphics Command Center\intel-graphics-command-center.exe. Right-click → Properties → Digital Signatures should show Intel Corporation.
What should I do if the UI won’t launch?
Ensure the latest graphics driver is installed, run the app as administrator, check Windows compatibility settings, and try reinstalling the Intel Graphics Command Center.