Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\PassMark PerformanceTest\PassMark.exe
Warning
Many processes during tests
PassMark uses a controller and multiple worker processes for benchmarking; expect several passmark-related processes when tests run
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Exit the benchmark UI or stop background tasks; to prevent startup disable in Task Manager
What is passmark.exe?
passmark.exe is the executable for the PassMark PerformanceTest benchmarking suite. When you launch a benchmark, passmark.exe coordinates tests across CPU, memory, disk and graphics subtests, often spawning child processes to run individual tests and measure system performance.
PassMark PerformanceTest utilizes a modular, multi-process approach; each test runs in its own worker thread/process to isolate results and prevent one test from impacting others, while collecting hardware metrics for a final score.
Quick Fact: PassMark's PerformanceTest decouples tests into separate processes for accuracy and fault isolation during benchmarking.
Types of PassMark Processes
- Main Controller Process: Orchestrates the benchmark sequence and UI interactions (1 instance)
- Worker/Benchmark Process: Runs individual tests (multiple instances)
- Telemetry/Logging Process: Collects test results and logs for reporting
- UI/Reporting Module: Displays live results and charts
- System Information Collector: Gathers hardware data before tests
- Licensing/Update Module: Checks license validity and updates
Is passmark.exe Safe?
Yes, passmark.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from PassMark Software downloaded from passmark.com or installed via official distribution.
Is passmark.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real passmark.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may disguise itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if passmark.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\PassMark PerformanceTest\PassMark.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PassMark PerformanceTest\PassMark.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "PassMark Software".
- Resource Usage: Benchmarks will temporarily spike CPU and memory; persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: PassMark should run only during a benchmark session. Continuous activity in the background may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If passmark.exe is in an unusual folder (like AppData), runs when not benchmarking, has no valid signature, or uses resources constantly, run a full antivirus scan. Look for similarly-named files like "passmark64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is passmark.exe Running on My PC?
passmark.exe launches to perform benchmarking tasks and may run additional helper processes to collect hardware data and report results. It may run briefly or persist during a long test suite depending on settings.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Benchmark Run: You started a PassMark benchmark; multiple worker processes are launched to run tests in parallel and collect measurements.
- Background Data Collection: The tool gathers hardware information (CPU, memory, disks) during tests and may keep services active to ensure accurate results.
- Scheduled or Auto-Tests: Benchmarks may be scheduled or triggered by a script or license check; processes may stay alive during the run.
- UI Minimization/Reporting: Live results are updated in the UI; background workers continue to feed charts and summaries.
- Licensing/Update Checks: PassMark may check licensing or update status in the background if configured.
Can I Disable or Remove passmark.exe?
Yes, you can disable passmark.exe. If benchmarking is not needed, exit the UI or stop the process; you can uninstall PassMark PerformanceTest to remove it completely.
How to Stop passmark.exe
- End Individual Tasks: In the PassMark PerformanceTest UI, stop the current benchmark to terminate worker processes.
- Close UI: Close the application window to end most processes.
- End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate passmark.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable PassMark PerformanceTest
- Stop Background Services: Windows Services: check for any PassMark background services and disable them if present; or disable scheduled tasks related to PassMark.
How to Uninstall PassMark PerformanceTest
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → PassMark PerformanceTest → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → PassMark PerformanceTest → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative benchmarking tools if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If passmark.exe is consuming excessive resources during a benchmark or while idle, try these steps to reduce impact and diagnose issues.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Benchmark Run: Wait for tests to complete or pause the benchmark; many tests run in parallel by design.
- Multiple Tests/Profiles: Switch to a smaller test suite or disable nonessential tests to reduce load.
- Background Data Collection: Disable nonessential telemetry or heavy logging in settings; adjust data collection level.
- Outdated Version: Update PassMark PerformanceTest to the latest version from passmark.com.
- Hardware Detection: Disable or limit hardware detection in settings if not required for your benchmark.
- Insufficient RAM: Close other applications; increase system RAM if possible; consider smaller benchmark presets.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open PassMark PerformanceTest Task Manager to find high-usage tests
2. Pause or stop the current benchmark
3. Update to latest version from passmark.com
4. Reduce test suite size and disable extra modules
5. Review and adjust data collection and logging options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is passmark.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate passmark.exe from PassMark Software is not a virus. Ensure it's located in C:\Program Files\PassMark PerformanceTest\PassMark.exe and digitally signed by PassMark Software.
Why is passmark.exe using so much CPU?
During benchmarking, passmark.exe uses CPU to run tests across subsystems. If idle, check for stuck tests or background services; verify no malware masquerading as PassMark.
Can I delete passmark.exe?
Yes, uninstall PassMark PerformanceTest from Windows settings if you no longer need it. Your benchmark results are stored where configured.
Can I disable passmark.exe from starting at boot?
Yes, disable in Windows Task Manager > Startup or remove the PassMark scheduler/service if present.
Why are there multiple passmark processes?
Benchmark tests run as multiple worker processes to isolate test results and improve accuracy and stability.
How do I uninstall PassMark PerformanceTest?
Use Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > PassMark PerformanceTest > Uninstall and follow the prompts to remove it completely.