Quick Answer
pdf24.exe is safe. It is the main executable for PDF24 Creator, which provides a virtual PDF printer and PDF editing tools. Ensure it originates from PDF24.org and is located under the program folder.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\PDF24\PDF24.exe or Program Files (x86)\PDF24\PDF24.exe
Warning
PDF24 may spawn multiple helper processes
Background services may run during use (updater, printer helper)
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close PDF24 and disable startup in Windows if desired
What is pdf24.exe?
pdf24.exe is the core executable for the PDF24 Creator suite, providing the main user interface and the virtual PDF printer that converts documents to PDF. It may launch additional helper processes during printing, merging, or OCR tasks.
PDF24 uses a multi-process architecture: a GUI process, a virtual printer, and background helpers for tasks like merging, watermarking, and OCR. This design helps isolate printing functions from the UI and improves stability.
Quick Fact: PDF24 started as a desktop kit for easy PDF creation and printing, and it still relies on modular processes to manage printers, converters, and editors.
Types of PDF24 Processes
- Main GUI Process: The primary user interface for PDF24 Creator (1 instance)
- PDF Printer Process: Handles the virtual PDF printer and conversion pipeline
- Background Updater: Checks for updates and downloads components in the background
- Printer Helper Service: Supports printer-related tasks and interoperability
- OCR/Processing Module: Performs OCR and document processing when installed
- Background Task Runner: Executes scheduled tasks like merging or splitting PDFs
Is pdf24.exe Safe?
Yes, pdf24.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from PDF24.org downloaded from official sources.
Is pdf24.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real pdf24.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if pdf24.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\PDF24\PDF24.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PDF24\PDF24.exe. Any pdf24.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "PDF24.org" or equivalent publisher.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-15% CPU during printing tasks and 120-350 MB memory. Consistently higher usage may indicate issues.
- Behavior: PDF24 should run when you actively print or edit PDFs, not constantly in the background without user action.
Red Flags: If pdf24.exe is in an unusual folder (like Temp or AppData), runs without launching PDF24, has no digital signature, or uses resources constantly, run a full antivirus scan. Beware of similarly-named files such as "pdf24doc.exe".
Why Is pdf24.exe Running on My PC?
pdf24.exe runs when you open PDF24 Creator, print to the PDF24 printer, or when background components are active for updates or OCR tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Printing or PDF Creation: You are currently creating or converting documents to PDF, triggering the printer process.
- Background Components: Updater, OCR, or processing modules may run to prepare features or check for updates.
- Startup Program: PDF24 may be configured to start at Windows startup to provide quick access to PDF tools.
- Printer Integration: The PDF24 Printer appears as a system printer, which can run related helper processes.
- Background Sync or Tasks: PDF24 may perform background tasks like merging or splitting PDFs or applying watermarks.
Can I Disable or Remove pdf24.exe?
Yes, you can disable pdf24.exe. It's safe to close the PDF24 Creator when not in use, and you can uninstall PDF24 or disable startup if you prefer another PDF tool.
How to Stop pdf24.exe
- Exit PDF24: Click the PDF24 icon in the system tray and choose Exit or Close.
- Close Printing Tasks: If a print job is active, finish or cancel it before closing.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable PDF24 Creator.
- Stop Background Tasks: In PDF24 settings, disable "Run in background" or similar option.
- End Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end processes named pdf24.exe and pdf24updater.exe if present.
How to Uninstall PDF24 Creator
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → PDF24 Creator → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → PDF24 Creator → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove remaining PDF24 components or system printer from Devices and Printers
Common Problems: Printer or Performance Issues
If pdf24.exe or the PDF24 Printer causes problems or high resource use:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many tabs/documents in memory during PDF creation: Close unused documents and restart PDF24 to reset resources.
- Background Updater running often: Disable automatic updates in PDF24 settings or configure update schedule.
- Corrupted printer driver: Reinstall the PDF24 Printer driver from the official PDF24 website.
- Outdated PDF24 version: Update to the latest PDF24 Creator release.
- OCR module consuming resources: Disable OCR or limit its usage if not needed.
- Conflicting extensions or plugins: If PDF24 has optional plugins, disable or remove conflicting ones.
Quick Fixes:
1. Exit PDF24 completely and relaunch to reset resources
2. Update PDF24 to the latest version
3. Check the Printer status in Windows and re-install the PDF24 printer if needed
4. In PDF24 Settings, disable background tasks when closing
5. Clear temporary files and try again
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pdf24.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate pdf24.exe from PDF24.org is not a virus. Verify it is located under C:\Program Files\PDF24\PDF24.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PDF24\PDF24.exe. If you find pdf24.exe elsewhere, verify its source before running.
Why is pdf24.exe using CPU?
CPU usage typically spikes during printing, OCR, or when processing large documents. Check the PDF24 Task Manager, close unnecessary tasks, or disable OCR if not needed.
Can I delete pdf24.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall PDF24 Creator via Windows Settings. Your documents remain on your drive, but the PDF24 printer and tools will be removed.
Can I disable pdf24.exe?
Yes, close PDF24 or disable startup in Task Manager. To prevent background processes, turn off 'Run in background' in PDF24 settings.
Why is pdf24.exe running on startup?
PDF24 may be configured to start with Windows to provide quick access to PDF tools. Disable in Task Manager → Startup or via PDF24 settings.
Where is pdf24.exe located?
Typical locations include C:\Program Files\PDF24\PDF24.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PDF24\PDF24.exe. If you find pdf24.exe elsewhere, verify its source before running.