Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\LatencyMon\LatencyMon.exe or C:\LatencyMon\LatencyMon.exe
Warning
LatencyMon can spawn multiple helper processes during a scan
Each measurement step runs in its own thread; ensure you run the official binary from a trusted source
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close LatencyMon or disable startup/background monitoring from within the UI
What is latencymon.exe?
latencymon.exe is the executable for the LatencyMon System Latency Checker. It monitors your PC's DPC latency by sampling interrupt handling and ISR timing to identify drivers and hardware components that introduce latency. The tool helps you pinpoint the sources of stutter, audio glitches, or latency spikes by producing a detailed latency report.
LatencyMon measures DPC latency across CPU cores, logs ISR timings, and analyzes driver behavior during a short stress window. It flags drivers and devices that correlate with latency spikes, enabling targeted updates or configuration changes.
Quick Fact: LatencyMon originated as a practical tool to diagnose latency issues in Windows, focusing on DPC and ISR timing to guide driver updates.
Types of LatencyMon Processes
- Main GUI Process: User interface and control logic for LatencyMon
- Measurement Engine: Core component that collects DPC/ISR latency data
- Driver Analysis Module: Analyzes driver contributions to latency totals
- Report Generator: Produces latency reports and charts
- Data Logger: Assembles long-term latency measurements (if enabled)
- Background Monitor: Optional background sampling when configured
Is latencymon.exe Safe?
Yes, latencymon.exe is safe when downloaded from the official LatencyMon site or bundled with legitimate system maintenance suites.
Is latencymon.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real latencymon.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify the digital signature and source.
How to Tell if latencymon.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\LatencyMon\LatencyMon.exe or C:\LatencyMon\LatencyMon.exe. Any latencymon.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click LatencyMon.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Resplendence Software Projects" or related publisher.
- Resource Usage: Normal operation uses modest CPU while sampling. Unusually high, constant CPU when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: LatencyMon should run only when explicitly started by the user; persistent background running without UI may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If latencymon.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when the computer is idle, has no valid digital signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with a reputable antivirus. Beware of similarly named files like "latencymon32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is latencymon.exe Running on My PC?
LatencyMon runs to measure and document system latency as you use the tool or as you configure it to monitor in the background. It helps identify drivers and hardware that contribute to latency spikes.
Reasons it's running:
- Manual Analysis: You launched LatencyMon to perform a latency check or generate a report.
- Startup Monitoring Enabled: LatencyMon is configured to start with Windows to provide ongoing insight into latency behavior.
- Background Sampling Enabled: The tool is set to collect data while other applications run, capturing representative latency under typical workloads.
- Driver/Device Activity: A driver or USB/PCI device activity correlates with latency events, triggering more detailed monitoring.
- System Changes: After driver updates or new hardware, LatencyMon re-evaluates latency to reflect the new configuration.
Can I Disable or Remove latencymon.exe?
Yes, you can disable latencymon.exe. You can close the GUI, stop background monitoring, or uninstall LatencyMon if you no longer need it.
How to Stop latencymon.exe
- End LatencyMon from GUI: Close the LatencyMon window or use the Exit option to stop monitoring
- End Process: Open Task Manager, locate latencymon.exe, right-click End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable LatencyMon
- Turn Off Background Sampling: In LatencyMon settings, disable background monitoring to stop data collection
- Uninstall LatencyMon: Windows Settings -> Apps -> LatencyMon -> Uninstall
How to Uninstall LatencyMon
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> LatencyMon -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> LatencyMon -> Uninstall
- ✔ Delete remaining LatencyMon files in C:\Program Files\LatencyMon or C:\LatencyMon
Common Problems: DPC Latency Readings
LatencyMon reports can vary by workload. If readings look high or inconsistent, review these common causes and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Outdated or poorly optimized drivers: Update drivers from the device manufacturer's site or use Windows Update to obtain the latest signed versions.
- Audio or USB drivers: Update or disable exclusive mode in audio settings; unplug problematic USB devices and re-test.
- Background utilities: Close non-essential apps and background services that may spike latency during measurement.
- Malware or unwanted software: Run a full system antivirus/malware scan and remove any suspicious software.
- Outdated LatencyMon version: Update LatencyMon to the latest release to ensure compatibility with current Windows builds.
- High sampling rate without context: Lower the sampling duration or disable continuous background monitoring when not needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open LatencyMon and start a fresh latency capture
2. Update all critical drivers from manufacturers or via Windows Update
3. Disable unnecessary background programs during testing
4. Check for audio driver settings and disable exclusive mode if enabled
5. Re-run LatencyMon with default settings to compare results
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LatencyMon used for?
LatencyMon measures DPC latency and ISR timing to help identify drivers and hardware components causing stutter, audio glitches, or latency spikes.
Is LatencyMon safe to run on Windows?
Yes, LatencyMon is a legitimate diagnostic utility. Always download from the official site and verify signatures to avoid counterfeit software.
Will LatencyMon fix my latency issues automatically?
No. LatencyMon helps you identify problematic drivers or devices; you must update drivers or adjust settings to reduce latency.
Can LatencyMon run on Windows 11/10?
Yes, LatencyMon supports recent Windows versions; ensure you have latest updates and run with appropriate permissions.
Where are LatencyMon reports stored?
Reports are generated in the LatencyMon UI and may be exported as CSV/HTML depending on the version. Check the output directory shown in the app.
Does LatencyMon affect system performance?
During testing, LatencyMon uses some CPU time to measure latency. Normal readings are lightweight; heavy workloads or misconfigured tests can increase usage.