Quick Answer
irfanview-exe is safe. IrfanView's main executable (i_view64.exe) is a lightweight image viewer; it opens images, supports many formats, and uses plugins for extra features.
What is i_view64.exe?
irfanview-exe is the main executable for IrfanView, a fast and lightweight image viewer and basic editor for Windows. It opens images quickly, supports numerous formats, and can batch convert or apply simple edits via keyboard shortcuts. The process may spawn plugins for extended features when enabled.
This executable loads image codecs, renders bitmaps, and manages user input for viewing and editing tasks. It relies on plugins and DLLs for extended formats and functionality, with memory usage scaling with image size and active operations.
Quick Fact: IrfanView emphasizes speed and low resource use; it remains a popular choice for quick image viewing and basic edits.
Types of IrfanView Processes
- Viewer Process: Main IrfanView window and user interface (i_view64.exe)
- Batch/Converter Process: Batch conversion and rename operations invoked from the program
- Thumbnail/Preview Process: Thumbnail generation and list preview rendering for image folders
- Plugin Process: Plugins loaded from the Plugins folder for extended formats
- Clipboard/Automation Process: Clipboard operations and automation tasks via command line
Is irfanview-exe Safe?
Yes, irfanview-exe is safe when downloaded from official sources (irfanview.com) or pre-packaged by reputable vendors.
Is irfanview-exe a Virus or Malware?
The real i_view64.exe is not a virus. Malware may mimic names; always verify with digital signature and hash.
How to Tell if irfanview-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be in C:\Program Files\IrfanView\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\IrfanView\; any i_view64.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click i_view64.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show 'IrfanView' or 'Irfan Skiljan'.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low: 1-5% CPU and 10-60 MB memory per instance at idle; spikes during heavy image processing may occur.
- Behavior: IrfanView should run only when you open it; persistent background processes warrant malware scan.
Red Flags: If i_view64.exe is found outside the IrfanView install path, lacks a valid signature, or runs without user action, scan for malware. Beware of similarly named files like 'irfanview.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is irfanview-exe Running on My PC?
irfanview-exe runs when you open IrfanView or when Windows is configured to handle image types with IrfanView by default. It may also run as part of batch processing or thumbnail generation.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Image Viewing: You're currently viewing an image; each open image is handled by i_view64.exe.
- Background Plugins: Plugins for color management or extra codecs load when needed.
- Startup Association: Windows may launch IrfanView for certain file associations or thumbnail generation on startup.
- Batch or Converter Jobs: Invoked when you run batch conversion or automated tasks from the program.
- Folder Thumbnails or Shell Extensions: IrfanView often installs thumbnail or shell extensions that may run helper tasks in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove irfanview-exe?
Yes, you can disable irfanview-exe. It's safe to close IrfanView when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer another image viewer.
How to Stop irfanview-exe
- Close IrfanView: Close all IrfanView windows to stop the main process.
- End Process: Open Windows Task Manager → Processes → select i_view64.exe → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable IrfanView
- Uninstall IrfanView: Windows Settings → Apps → IrfanView → Uninstall
- Change Default Viewer: Set a different image viewer as default for image types in Windows Settings
How to Uninstall IrfanView
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → IrfanView → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → IrfanView → Uninstall
- ✔ Download and install an alternative viewer if you still need a replacement
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If irfanview-exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Images or Windows Open: Close unnecessary image windows; batch operations may spawn multiple tasks; limit concurrent work.
- Background Plugins Running: Disable nonessential plugins via Options → Plug-ins; remove unused codecs.
- Large RAW or High-Res Images: Convert or downscale for viewing; ensure appropriate RAW plugins are installed.
- Outdated IrfanView Version: Update IrfanView to the latest version from irfanview.com.
- Shell Extensions or File Associations: Disable or repair IrfanView's file associations in the program's Settings.
- Antivirus Interference: Exclude IrfanView installation folder from real-time scanning to reduce overhead.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unnecessary image windows and retry the operation
2. Update IrfanView to the latest version
3. Disable nonessential plugins in Options → Plug-ins
4. Check for large or RAW image formats and convert if needed
5. Add IrfanView folder to antivirus exclusions if scans slow down performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is irfanview-exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate i_view64.exe from IrfanView is safe when downloaded from irfanview.com or bundled by reputable sources. Verify the digital signature and install location.
Why is irfanview-exe using so much CPU or memory?
High usage usually stems from viewing large images, RAW formats with plugins, or multiple windows. Close unused images, update IrfanView, and disable unnecessary plugins.
Where is IrfanView installed by default?
Default paths are C:\Program Files\IrfanView\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\IrfanView\ depending on system architecture.
How do I uninstall IrfanView?
Open Windows Settings → Apps → IrfanView → Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall IrfanView.
Can IrfanView run at Windows startup?
By default it does not; you can disable any startup entry in Task Manager → Startup or remove file associations if you don’t want it to auto-launch.
How do I update IrfanView or fix issues caused by plugins?
Download the latest version from irfanview.com and reinstall. In the program, go to Options → Plug-ins to enable/disable specific plugins as needed.