pcmark.exe

What is pcmark.exe?

pcmark.exe is the primary launcher for UL PCMark Benchmark Suite. When launched, it runs a carefully curated set of synthetic workloads that evaluate CPU, GPU, storage, memory, and overall system responsiveness. The tool spawns multiple worker threads and helper processes during tests, producing a local results report.

PCMark uses modular workloads executed in sequence or parallel, collecting metrics such as completion time, score, and throughput. It writes a report to a local folder (installation or Documents) and uses multithreading to emulate real-world usage.

Types of PCMark Processes

• Launcher Process: Main PCMark launcher that starts and coordinates benchmarks (1 instance)
• Worker Process: CPU/GPU/Storage benchmarks run in dedicated worker threads (multiple instances)
• IO/Access Process: Handles disk I/O operations and file handling for tests
• Reporting Process: Writes results to local report files and optional log data
• Updater Helper: Checks for and applies PCMark suite updates when available

Is pcmark.exe Safe?

Yes, pcmark.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from UL installed from official sources (ul.com/pcmark or through legitimate software distributors).

Is pcmark.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real pcmark.exe is not a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names; always verify the file location and signature.

How to Tell if pcmark.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\UL\PCMark 10\PCMark10.exe or C:\Program Files\UL\PCMark 10\PCMark10.exe. Any pcmark.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "UL LLC".
3. Resource Usage: Benchmark runs may spike CPU and IO; abnormal idle usage or constant spikes outside tests is suspicious.
4. Behavior: pcmark.exe should start benchmarks only after manual start or scheduled task; persistent background activity when idle is suspicious.

Why Is pcmark.exe Running on My PC?

pcmark.exe runs when you start a PCMark benchmark, or when the suite is configured to run tests on a schedule or via a background updater.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Benchmark Run: You have manually started a PCMark benchmark; the launcher coordinates tests across CPU, GPU, and storage.
• Background Scheduling: The suite or your system task scheduler may initiate tests or telemetry checks at intervals.
• Automatic Updates: PCMark checks for updates and may launch helper components to download new test packs.
• Results Sync: Local results generation and saving may spawn processes to write and format reports.
• Telemetry or Diagnostics: Optional diagnostic modules may run to capture environment data for troubleshooting.

Can I Disable or Remove pcmark.exe?

Yes, you can disable pcmark.exe. It's safe to stop or uninstall PCMark if you no longer need benchmarking.

How to Stop pcmark.exe

• End Benchmark: In PCMark, click Stop or Cancel on the running job to halt tests
• Close PCMark: Close the PCMark application windows
• Terminate Processes: Open Task Manager, locate pcmark.exe and related worker processes, right-click End Task
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable PCMark
• Stop Background Tests: In PCMark settings, disable background benchmarking or telemetry if available

How to Uninstall PCMark

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → PCMark → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → PCMark → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider keeping the installer for future reinstallation or using an alternative benchmarking tool

Common Problems: Benchmark Fails or Runs Slow

If pcmark.exe is not performing as expected during a run, check common causes and fixes related to hardware, software, and configuration.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Tool hangs or stalls during a test: Cancel and restart the benchmark; ensure hardware is not throttling due to thermal limits and check for driver updates
• High CPU or IO usage outside tests: Verify no other heavy processes run concurrently; disable background services temporarily during the test
• Insufficient storage speed or space: Run tests on a fast SSD; free up space and ensure write cache is enabled
• Antivirus interference: Add PCMark directories to antivirus exclusions or temporarily pause protection during the benchmark
• Outdated PCMark or drivers: Update PCMark to the latest version and update GPU/CPU/storage drivers
• Poor power plan settings: Set Windows power plan to High Performance or Ultra Performance during the test

Related Processes