Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\\Program Files\\JetBrains\\IntelliJ IDEA <version>\\bin\\intellij-tray.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Tray app runs in background to support IDE, update checks, and notification delivery
Can I Disable?
YES
Close the IDE or disable startup of JetBrains Toolbox; tray can be stopped without removing the IDE
What is intellij-tray.exe?
intellij-tray.exe is the background tray helper for JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA-based IDEs. It manages system tray integration, background tasks, and update notifications, ensuring smooth IDE startup and consistent user interactions without occupying the main window.
This lightweight process acts as an IPC bridge between the IDE and the OS, coordinating status, indexing, and plugin events. It remains active to deliver alerts and streamline background operations.
Quick Fact: IntelliJ's tray helper has been part of JetBrains IDE ecosystems for years, enabling reliable background updates and quick access from the system tray.
Types of IntelliJ Tray Processes
- Tray Helper Process: Core background process that manages the system tray icon and events
- Update Monitor: Checks for IDE or plugin updates and notifies the user
- Notification Bridge: Delivers status messages from the IDE to the user
- IPC Listener: Inter-process communication with the main IDE window
- Background Tasks Watcher: Watches indexing, code analysis, and background tasks
- Startup Helper: May start on system boot to prepare the IDE environment
Is intellij-tray.exe Safe?
Yes, intellij-tray.exe is safe when it's the legitimate JetBrains file installed from the official JetBrains distribution.
Is intellij-tray.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real intellij-tray.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names; verify signature and location.
How to Tell if intellij-tray.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\JetBrains\\IntelliJ IDEA \\bin\\intellij-tray.exe. Any other directory is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "JetBrains s.r.o." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU, 20-120 MB memory. Persistent high usage when IDE is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: IntelliJ Tray should run when an IDE session is active or expected by startup; constant background activity with no IDE is suspicious.
Red Flags: If intellij-tray.exe is located outside JetBrains directories (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when IDE is closed, has no valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files.
Why Is intellij-tray.exe Running on My PC?
intellij-tray.exe runs to support JetBrains IDEs and their background tasks. It appears when IntelliJ IDEA or related IDEs need tray interactions or background operations.
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Session: You're running an IntelliJ IDEA-based IDE and the tray prepares the environment and shows status.
- Background Tasks: Indexing, code analysis, and live templates run in background via the tray bridge.
- Startup Programs: JetBrains Toolbox or IDE configured to start at login may launch intellij-tray.exe automatically.
- Update Checks: Tray checks for IDE and plugin updates and informs you of available updates.
- Notifications & Shortcuts: Tray handles system notifications and quick actions for IDE operations.
Can I Disable or Remove intellij-tray.exe?
Yes, you can disable intellij-tray.exe. It is safe to close the IDE; you can also disable startup items or the tray if you don’t want background tasks.
How to Stop intellij-tray.exe
- End Tray via Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) -> Details -> end process intellij-tray.exe
- Close IDE: Close IntelliJ IDEA; tray will terminate with the IDE
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable JetBrains Toolbox or IntelliJ IDEA launcher
- Disable Background Tasks: In JetBrains Toolbox/IDE settings, disable tray or background task options if available
- Uninstall or Reconfigure: Uninstall the IDE or adjust installation to remove the tray component
How to Uninstall IntelliJ Tray Component
- ✔ JetBrains Toolbox or IDE installer: Modify installation to remove Tray
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → IntelliJ IDEA → Modify/Uninstall; deselect Tray component if offered
- ✔ Uninstall the IDE completely if you don't plan to use JetBrains products
Common Problems: Tray Not Starting or High Background Activity
If intellij-tray.exe is misbehaving, try the following common fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Tray not launching on startup: Check Windows Startup, disable/enable JetBrains Toolbox; ensure the tray component is installed and not blocked by antivirus
- High CPU from indexing: Close unnecessary projects, adjust indexing and disable heavy plugins; restart IDE
- Memory usage grows over time: Restart IDE, clear caches; increase memory if required via IDE settings
- Tray icon disappeared: Restart the tray process or re-enable in system tray, ensure notification area is visible
- Antivirus false positives: Add intellij-tray.exe to allowed list in antivirus; ensure signer is JetBrains
- Corrupted installation: Repair or reinstall IntelliJ IDEA or JetBrains Toolbox to restore tray component
Quick Fixes:
1. Restart the IDE or tray process from Task Manager
2. Check for updates via JetBrains Toolbox or IDE
3. Disable problematic plugins in the IDE
4. Run a repair install of IntelliJ IDEA
5. Ensure antivirus allows intellij-tray.exe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is intellij-tray.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate intellij-tray.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Verify it's located in C:\\Program Files\\JetBrains\\IntelliJ IDEA <version>\\bin\\intellij-tray.exe and signed by JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is intellij-tray.exe running when IntelliJ IDEA is closed?
It may still run to handle background tasks or startup integration. If you disable startup and close the IDE, the tray should terminate.
Can I disable intellij-tray.exe?
Yes, you can disable it by stopping the tray via Task Manager or disabling startup items in Windows.
Where is intellij-tray.exe located?
Typically in C:\\Program Files\\JetBrains\\IntelliJ IDEA <version>\\bin\\intellij-tray.exe. If you installed via JetBrains Toolbox, path may differ slightly but should be under JetBrains directory.
Can I uninstall intellij-tray.exe separately from the IDE?
It's part of the IDE package. You can uninstall the IDE or disable the tray component if offered during installation, otherwise uninstall JetBrains Toolbox or the IDE.
What should I do if intellij-tray.exe uses too much CPU?
Identify the IDE task using Task Manager (Shift+Esc), disable unnecessary plugins, restart the IDE, and ensure you have latest updates installed.