Quick Answer
pcmark-launcher.exe is safe. It is the official UL PCMark Benchmark Launcher that starts, coordinates, and gathers results for benchmark tests.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\UL LLC\PCMark\pcmark-launcher.exe
Can I Disable?
✔ YES - It will prevent automatic benchmarking and background checks
Disabling stops automated benchmarks and results aggregation; may affect scheduling
What is pcmark-launcher.exe?
pcmark-launcher.exe is the executable that starts the UL PCMark benchmarking workflow. It coordinates test suites, launches individual tests, collects results, and ensures configuration consistency across a PCMark run. It is part of the PCMark installation.
pcmark-launcher.exe coordinates the PCMark test workflow, spawning test runners, applying settings from the config, and aggregating results. It does not perform the tests itself but orchestrates them.
Quick Fact: PCMark Benchmark Launcher delegates work to multiple test executables and services, enabling a controlled, repeatable benchmarking process.
Types of PCMark Processes
- Launcher Process: Orchestrates the PCMark run and coordinates tests
- Test Runner Process: Executes individual benchmarks such as CPU, GPU, storage tests
- Result Collector: Collects telemetry and aggregates scores
- Updater Helper: Ensures benchmark definitions are current during a run
- Background Service: Manages timers and scheduling for automated runs
- Config Loader: Reads run configurations and user profiles
Is pcmark-launcher.exe Safe?
Yes, pcmark-launcher.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from UL LLC included with an official PCMark installation.
Is pcmark-launcher.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real pcmark-launcher.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names; verify signature and source.
How to Tell if pcmark-launcher.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\UL LLC\PCMark\pcmark-launcher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\UL LLC\PCMark\pcmark-launcher.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "UL LLC" as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 2-8% CPU and 50-120 MB memory per run. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior:: pcmark-launcher.exe should only run when a PCMark benchmark is started or scheduled. Background execution without a test is unusual.
Red Flags: If pcmark-launcher.exe is found outside the PCMark folder (e.g., Temp, AppData), runs when benchmarks are not scheduled, lacks a digital signature, or consumes abnormal resources, scan for malware. Be cautious of similarly named files like "pcmark-launcher64.exe".
Why Is pcmark-launcher.exe Running on My PC?
pcmark-launcher.exe runs whenever a PCMark benchmark session starts, or when a scheduled/auto-run is triggered. It orchestrates tests, loads configurations, and collects results for reporting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Benchmark Run: A PCMark session is active, so the launcher coordinates test modules.
- Scheduled Benchmark: A pre-configured task triggers PCMark to run automatically at a set time.
- Background Test Orchestration: The launcher manages orchestration for background tests enabled by the user.
- Telemetry and Results: It spawns runners that collect performance data and compile final scores.
- Updater/Config Sync: During a run, the launcher may check for updated benchmarks and load new configurations.
Can I Disable or Remove pcmark-launcher.exe?
Yes, you can disable pcmark-launcher.exe. However, this will prevent PCMark from starting benchmarks automatically and may disrupt scheduled runs or automated reporting.
How to Stop pcmark-launcher.exe
- End Active Run: In PCMark, stop the current benchmark or cancel the run.
- Close PCMark: Exit the PCMark application completely.
- Disable Startup: If PCMark launcher starts on boot, disable related tasks in Task Scheduler and startup items.
- Adjust Background Settings: In PCMark options, turn off auto-run or background tests.
- Uninstall PCMark: If you don't plan to use PCMark, uninstall the suite from Settings > Apps.
How to Uninstall PCMark
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> PCMark -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features -> PCMark -> Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives: Other benchmark tools like 3DMark
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If pcmark-launcher.exe is consuming excessive resources during a run or when idle:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Long-running benchmark: Some tests are time-consuming; allow the run to complete or adjust test scope.
- Background tests enabled: Disable non-essential background benchmarks in settings.
- Outdated PCMark: Update to the latest PCMark version.
- Insufficient RAM: Close other applications or increase memory.
- High Disk I/O: Close disk-intensive applications or move PCMark to a faster drive.
- Antivirus scans: Exclude PCMark folders from real-time scanning temporarily during runs.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. End the current benchmark run and check the task manager for heavy modules
3. 2. Clear PCMark cache and temporary files
4. 3. Update PCMark to the latest version
5. 4. Disable unnecessary background tests in PCMark settings
6. 5. Ensure sufficient RAM for the test suite
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pcmark-launcher.exe a virus?
No—the legitimate launcher is part of PCMark from UL LLC. Verify the path and signature.
Why is pcmark-launcher.exe using CPU?
CPU usage occurs during an active benchmark run; use PCMark to view progress or stop tests.
Can I delete pcmark-launcher.exe?
Not recommended; it's part of PCMark. Uninstall PCMark if you don't use it.
Can I disable pcmark-launcher.exe?
Yes, you can disable startup or background runs, but benchmarking features will be unavailable.
Why does PCMark launch on startup?
If scheduled benchmarks are enabled, PCMark launcher may start automatically.
How to fix PCMark launcher high memory usage?
Update PCMark, reduce test load, and ensure enough RAM and disk speed.