Quick Answer
lexmark-solution-center.exe is safe. It's Lexmark's official Solution Center utility used for printer setup, diagnostics, firmware checks, and status monitoring.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\Lexmark\Solution Center\LexmarkSolutionCenter.exe or Program Files (x86)\Lexmark\Solution Center\LexmarkSolutionCenter.exe
Warning
Multiple background components
Lexmark Solution Center uses launcher, services, and helpers; multiple processes can appear.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close via the main window or system tray; disable startup if not needed.
What is lexmark-solution-center.exe?
Lexmark Solution Center is the desktop utility Lexmark printers install to help you configure devices, run diagnostics, view status, update firmware, and manage print jobs. It provides a consolidated interface for printer setup, maintenance tasks, and driver tools on Windows PCs.
The process runs launcher and background services that communicate with Lexmark printers over USB or network. It coordinates status polling, feed of diagnostic data, and firmware checks to keep devices operating smoothly.
Quick Fact: Lexmark Solution Center consolidates printer setup, diagnostics, and firmware updates into a single desktop utility for supported Lexmark devices.
Types of Lexmark Solution Center Processes
- Launcher Process: User interface launcher that starts the main window
- Scanner/Diagnostic Service: Background service handling scan and diagnostic tasks for printers
- Driver Helper: Module that interacts with Lexmark printer drivers
- Firmware Updater: Background component that checks and applies firmware updates
- Print Queue Manager: Manages print jobs and status communication with printers
- Update Checker: Checks Lexmark servers for software updates
Is lexmark-solution-center.exe Safe?
Yes, lexmark-solution-center.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Lexmark downloaded from official sources (lexmark.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
Is lexmark-solution-center.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real lexmark-solution-center.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate legitimate names to trick users.
How to Tell if lexmark-solution-center.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Lexmark\Solution Center\LexmarkSolutionCenter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Lexmark\Solution Center\LexmarkSolutionCenter.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Lexmark International, Inc.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU with light memory use during idle; unusually high constant usage may indicate malware.
- Behavior: Lexmark Solution Center should launch when you actively manage a printer. Unexpected background operation or network activity warrants a malware scan.
Red Flags: If lexmark-solution-center.exe is located outside Lexmark folders, lacks a valid signature, or shows persistent network activity when idle, run a full antivirus scan. Be wary of similarly named files like solutioncenter.exe from untrusted sources.
Why Is Lexmark Solution Center Running on My PC?
Lexmark Solution Center runs when Lexmark printer software is installed or a printer is connected. It may also run background services for status monitoring, firmware checks, and queue management.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Printer Management: You are actively configuring or monitoring a Lexmark printer; the app keeps status, ink/toner levels, and job progress updated.
- Background Services: Printer status polling, diagnostics, and firmware checks run in background to keep data current.
- Startup Launch: Windows startup may be configured to launch Lexmark utilities automatically.
- Firmware and Driver Updates: The updater component checks for new driver or firmware packages and applies them when approved.
- Diagnostic Operations: Diagnostic tools may run in response to printer issues or user-initiated scans from the UI.
Can I Disable or Remove Lexmark Solution Center?
Yes, you can disable Lexmark Solution Center. It is safe to close when not in use, and you can uninstall it if you no longer need printer management utilities.
How to Stop Lexmark Solution Center
- Close Main Window: Click the X or close the main Lexmark Solution Center window.
- Quit from System Tray: Right-click the Lexmark icon in the system tray and choose Exit.
- End Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate Lexmark related processes, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Lexmark Solution Center.
- Stop Background Features: Within the Lexmark app, disable Run at startup or Continue running in background if available.
How to Uninstall Lexmark Solution Center
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Lexmark Solution Center → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Lexmark Solution Center → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot your PC and remove printer drivers if you no longer need Lexmark support
Common Problems: Printer Connectivity or Performance
If Lexmark Solution Center is slow, unresponsive, or failing to connect to printers:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Printer not detected: Ensure printer is powered on, connected via USB or network, and the correct driver is installed. Re-run printer discovery in the Solution Center.
- Outdated software: Check for updates within the Solution Center or from Lexmark's support site and install the latest driver and firmware.
- Corrupted cache: Clear application cache or reset settings from the Help menu if available, then restart the app.
- Conflicting security software: Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall rules that might block Lexmark components; re-enable after testing.
- Network discovery issues: Verify network visibility, ensure printer is on same subnet, and run Network Troubleshooter; re-add the printer if needed.
- Incomplete installation: Repair or reinstall Lexmark Solution Center to restore missing components.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Lexmark Solution Center and run Printer Discovery again
2. Update drivers and firmware from the Help or Updates section
3. Restart Lexmark services from Task Manager if they become unresponsive
4. Check network connectivity to the printer
5. Restart Windows if printers fail to appear after updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lexmark-solution-center.exe safe?
Yes, the Lexmark Solution Center executable is safe when installed from Lexmark and located in the official Program Files folders. Verify the digital signature from Lexmark International, Inc.
Why is Lexmark Solution Center running when I don’t use a Lexmark printer?
Some Lexmark software components start at login to provide printer readiness, driver updates, and background status checks. You can disable startup and background features if you don’t use Lexmark printers.
Can I uninstall Lexmark Solution Center but keep printer drivers?
Yes. You can uninstall the Solution Center while preserving printer drivers in Windows. Reinstalling later will restore management features if you reconnect a Lexmark printer.
How do I update Lexmark Solution Center?
Open the Lexmark Solution Center and use the Updates or Check for Updates option to download the latest components and firmware.
Why does Lexmark Solution Center crash or fail to start?
Crashes can be caused by corrupted installation, conflicting software, or missing .NET/runtime components. Repair or reinstall the Solution Center and ensure drivers are current.
How can I improve Lexmark Solution Center performance?
Close unused printer connections, disable unnecessary background tasks, update to the latest version, and ensure your system meets the required hardware specifications.