Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\Kotlin\bin\kotlin.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Kotlin tooling may spawn separate processes per task (compile, script, IDE helper) during a build
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close IDEs or stop active Kotlin builds; uninstall the Kotlin distribution to remove kotlin.exe
What is kotlin.exe?
kotlin.exe is the Windows launcher for the Kotlin command-line tools. It starts the Kotlin compiler and runtime when you run Kotlin scripts or compile Kotlin code from a terminal or an IDE. It accepts options for script execution, classpath, and JVM parameters, and ships with official Kotlin distributions.
kotlin.exe launches the Kotlin compiler (kotlinc) and runtime, handling script or classpath options and JVM arguments to produce JVM bytecode or to execute .kts scripts directly.
Quick Fact: Kotlin tooling emphasizes quick startup and incremental compilation when used with modern IDEs.
Types of Kotlin Processes
- Compiler Process: Kotlin compiler instance translating Kotlin sources to JVM bytecode (kotlinc).
- Script Runtime Process: Executes Kotlin scripts (.kts) via kotlin.exe.
- JVM Runtime: The JVM instance running the compiled Kotlin program.
- Gradle/Maven Task: Build tools invoking kotlinc for project compilation.
- IDE Helper Process: IntelliJ IDEA/Android Studio tasks that run Kotlin tooling in the background.
- Launcher: The launcher that prepares environment and classpath for Kotlin execution.
Is kotlin.exe Safe?
Yes, kotlin.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from JetBrains downloaded from official sources (jetbrains.com/kotlin or your IDE's distribution).
Is kotlin.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real kotlin.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names. Always verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if kotlin.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\JetBrains\Kotlin\bin\kotlin.exe or an official JetBrains distribution path. Any kotlin.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "JetBrains s.r.o.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU during idle or light tasks; memory usage typically 50-180 MB during build tasks.
- Behavior: Kotlin launcher should launch only when you run Kotlin tools or scripts. Unexpected persistent background activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If kotlin.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without user action, has no valid signature, or uses constant CPU, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly-named files such as 'kotlinc.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is kotlin.exe Running on My PC?
kotlin.exe runs when Kotlin tooling is invoked, either directly from the command line or by an IDE/build tool to compile or execute Kotlin code.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Build/Compile Task: You are actively compiling Kotlin sources or running a script; the launcher starts a compiler or interpreter instance.
- IDE Background Task: IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, or other IDEs run Kotlin tooling in the background for code analysis and incremental compilation.
- Kotlin Scripting or REPL: If you execute a .kts script or launch the Kotlin REPL, kotlin.exe runs to process the script.
- Gradle/Maven Integration: The Kotlin plugin or wrapper calls kotlinc during project builds, launching kotlin.exe as part of the toolchain.
- Background Service or Tooling: Some development environments start Kotlin tooling services to support features like syntax highlighting and on-demand compilation.
Can I Disable or Remove kotlin.exe?
Yes, you can disable kotlin.exe. You can stop active builds or IDE tasks, and uninstall the Kotlin distribution if you no longer need it.
How to Stop kotlin.exe
- End Active Builds: In your IDE, stop the current Kotlin build/run task (e.g., Stop button in the Run tool window).
- Close IDE: Close IntelliJ IDEA/Android Studio to terminate Kotlin tooling sessions.
- End Process: Open Windows Task Manager, locate kotlin.exe, right-click → End Task.
- Disable Startup: If Kotlin is wired into startup tasks, remove it from startup entries in Task Manager.
- Stop Background Apps: If you use the Kotlin Toolbox or IDE plugins, disable background Kotlin services in IDE settings.
How to Uninstall Kotlin
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Kotlin (or JetBrains Toolbox) → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Kotlin (or JetBrains Toolbox) → Uninstall
- ✔ If installed via JetBrains Toolbox, remove the Kotlin distribution from Toolbox settings
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If kotlin.exe is consuming excessive resources during builds or script execution:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Concurrent Tasks: Limit parallel Kotlin compilation in your build tool or IDE settings; close unused tasks.
- Heavy Extensions or Plugins: Disable unnecessary Kotlin-related plugins in your IDE; review Gradle plugins that invoke Kotlin.
- Large or Complex Codebases: Incremental compilation; enable Gradle's build cache; use --dry-run to diagnose.
- Outdated Kotlin Distribution: Update Kotlin to the latest stable version via your IDE or kotlin.org download.
- Insufficient Heap for JVM: Increase JVM heap for kotlinc or Gradle daemon (set -Xmx in your build script or Kotlin options).
- Malicious Scripts: Scan scripts for security issues; ensure scripts come from trusted sources.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Kotlin Task Manager or IDE Run tool and identify heavy tasks
2. Terminate heavy Kotlin tasks or scripts
3. Update Kotlin and plugins
4. Enable incremental compilation and caching
5. Increase JVM heap via -Xmx if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kotlin.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate kotlin.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Verify the file location (C:\Program Files\JetBrains\Kotlin\bin\kotlin.exe) and signature from JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is kotlin.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage typically happens during heavy compilation or script execution. Use IDE task manager or Gradle profiling to identify the bottleneck, update Kotlin, and disable problematic plugins.
Can I delete kotlin.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Kotlin from Windows Settings or via JetBrains Toolbox if you no longer need the Kotlin distribution.
Can I disable kotlin.exe?
Yes. Stop active Kotlin tasks in your IDE, or uninstall Kotlin to prevent kotlin.exe from launching.
How do I run Kotlin scripts with kotlin.exe?
Run scripts with kotlin -script yourScript.kts or use a build tool configured to invoke kotlinc; kotlin.exe is the launcher that executes script logic.
Where is kotlin.exe located on Windows?
Common installation path is C:\Program Files\JetBrains\Kotlin\bin\kotlin.exe; your path may differ if you installed via JetBrains Toolbox or within an IDE.