Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\, and signed by MPC-HC Team
Warning
Multiple processes can appear during playback
Each playback stream may spawn its own thread; not a malware sign
Can I Disable?
YES
Close MPC-HC gracefully or disable startup/login behavior
What is mpc-hc64.exe?
mpc-hc64.exe is the 64-bit executable for Media Player Classic - Home Cinema. It is a lightweight, open-source media player designed to play a wide range of video and audio formats with minimal system overhead. It relies on internal filters or external codecs to deliver smooth playback on Windows without bloat.
MPC-HC64 runs as a main process with separate decoding/output threads, relying on internal filters or external codecs to handle formats. It offers flexible output modes (EVR, VMR, Overlay) and aims for low CPU usage and fast startup on Windows.
Quick Fact: MPC-HC has been a lightweight, do-it-all player for years, known for low resource use and straightforward UI.
Types of MPC-HC Processes
- Main Process: Handles UI, user input, and playback controls
- Video Decode Thread: Performs video decoding using chosen codecs
- Audio Decode Thread: Performs audio decoding and synchronized playback
- Video Output: Renders frames to screen via EVR/VMR/DirectShow
- File Access: Reads media from local drives, network shares, or discs
- Library/Playlist Helper: Manages playback queue, metadata, and playlists
Is mpc-hc64.exe Safe?
Yes, mpc-hc64.exe is safe when downloaded from the official MPC-HC project site or trusted sources.
Is mpc-hc64.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate mpc-hc64.exe is not a virus. However, fake installers or bundled software can carry malware.
How to Tell if mpc-hc64.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\MPC-HC\. Any mpc-hc64.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from MPC-HC Team or MPC-HC Project.
- Resource Usage:: Normal playback uses modest CPU and memory. Constant extreme CPU without active playback is suspicious.
- Behavior:: MPC-HC should run when opened and exit cleanly. Persistent background activity without a window can indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If mpc-hc64.exe is located outside standard folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without UI, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses resources continuously, scan with reputable antivirus software. Look for similarly named files like "mpc-hc64.exe.bak" or "mpc-hc64_alt.exe".
Why Is mpc-hc64.exe Running on My PC?
mpc-hc64.exe runs when you play media with MPC-HC or when Windows is configured to launch MPC-HC at startup. It may also start to handle decoding and rendering tasks for a loaded file.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Playback: You are currently playing or have media loaded; the main and decode threads run to process video and audio.
- Background Decoding/Rendering: Decoding pipelines and video output threads may stay active to maintain smooth playback or pre-buffer frames.
- Startup or Login Launch: MPC-HC can be configured to start with Windows or to launch when a media file is opened from Explorer.
- File Associations: MPC-HC may be registered as the default handler for common video formats, opening automatically when files are double-clicked.
- Codec/Output Initialization: On app startup, MPC-HC initializes codecs and output renderers (EVR/VMR) which may momentarily keep the process active.
Can I Disable or Remove mpc-hc64.exe?
Yes, you can disable mpc-hc64.exe. It's safe to close MPC-HC and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different player.
How to Stop mpc-hc64.exe
- Close MPC-HC Gracefully: Use File -> Exit or press Alt+F4 to close the application.
- End the Running Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate mpc-hc64.exe, right-click -> End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> right-click MPC-HC -> Disable
- Check for Scheduled Tasks: Open Task Scheduler and disable any MPC-HC related tasks if present.
- Uninstall MPC-HC: Proceed to Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> MPC-HC -> Uninstall
How to Uninstall MPC-HC
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MPC-HC → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MPC-HC → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove residual config files from %APPDATA%\MPC-HC and %LOCALAPPDATA%\MPC-HC
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If mpc-hc64.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- High CPU during playback: Switch to a different video renderer (EVR/VMR9) and enable hardware acceleration if available; update to latest build.
- Excessive memory usage with long playlists: Limit the playlist length, disable unnecessary subtitle tracks, and consider using a smaller gallery of media.
- No audioOutput: Check Audio Renderer in Options → Playback → Output; select a valid device and test with a different renderer.
- Video stuttering: Update codecs, enable hardware decoding, or switch to a lower resolution playback for the file.
- Crashes on startup: Update to the latest MPC-HC build, run as administrator if required, or reset settings by deleting MPC-HC configuration files.
- Unsupported format: Install and configure external codecs if needed, or use the built-in codecs with a compatible container.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open MPC-HC Settings → Playback → Output and try a different renderer (EVR or VMR9).
3. Enable hardware acceleration if your GPU supports it.
4. Update MPC-HC to the latest release from the official source.
5. Reset MPC-HC settings to default and reconfigure playback options.
6. Test playback with a different file to isolate format-specific issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mpc-hc64.exe safe to run on Windows?
Yes, when obtained from the official MPC-HC project site or trusted repositories. Verify the file path is typically C:\Program Files\MPC-HC\mpc-hc64.exe and that a valid signature appears in the file properties.
Why is mpc-hc64.exe using CPU when nothing is playing?
Background decoding, pre-buffering, or a misconfigured render path can cause brief CPU usage. Check the task in Task Manager and ensure no other decoders are competing.
How do I uninstall MPC-HC?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MPC-HC → Uninstall, or Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MPC-HC.
Can MPC-HC play all video formats?
MPC-HC supports a wide range of formats through internal codecs or external filters. Some exotic formats may require additional codecs or a different player.
Is MPC-HC64 better than MPC-HC 32-bit?
The 64-bit build can take better advantage of large RAM and modern GPUs, potentially offering improved performance on 64-bit Windows systems for high-resolution playback.
Does MPC-HC auto-update?
Some builds allow auto-update; check Settings → General to enable or disable auto-update, and download new versions from the official MPC-HC site when needed.