Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\php\ or C:\Program Files\PHP\ and have a valid signature from "The PHP Group"
Warning
Usually normal for PHP CLI tasks
php-win.exe may spawn worker processes for CLI scripts or CGI setups
Can I Disable?
YES
If not running PHP scripts, you can stop the process. For automated tasks, adjust Task Scheduler or web server use
What is php-win.exe?
php-win.exe is the Windows native executable that runs PHP scripts on Windows, typically distributed with a PHP build. It provides a lightweight interpreter for CLI tasks and CGI workflow.
It uses a simple process model to execute PHP code, often spawning separate processes per script or request, with standard PHP runtime libraries and extensions loaded as configured.
Quick Fact: The Windows PHP distribution uses php-win.exe to run PHP CLI tasks without relying on a full Apache/Nginx stack.
Types of PHP Processes
- CLI Process: Runs PHP scripts from command line or schedulers (php-win.exe itself)
- CGI Process: Handles PHP requests when using CGI or FastCGI interfaces
- Composer/Script Runner: Executes PHP-based tooling and package scripts
- Background Worker: Long-running background PHP tasks
- PHP Extensions Loader: Loads extensions configured in php.ini for runtime
- Utility Process: System tasks or helper scripts invoked via PHP
Is php-win.exe Safe?
Yes, php-win.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from The PHP Group distributed with official PHP builds.
Is php-win.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real php-win.exe is NOT a virus, but malware may mimic names. Always verify location and signature.
How to Tell if php-win.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\php\ or C:\Program Files\PHP\, with a name only as php-win.exe.
- Digital Signature: Open the folder containing php-win.exe → Right-click php-win.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "The PHP Group".
- Resource Usage: Normal idle CPU is minimal; sudden spikes without active PHP tasks warrant further checks.
- Behavior: Should run only when PHP scripts are invoked by CLI/CGI. Persistent background behavior warrants a malware scan.
Red Flags: If php-win.exe is located in suspicious folders (Temp, AppData), runs when no PHP tasks are scheduled, or lacks a valid signature, scan your system. Beware of similarly named files like "pfwin.exe".
Why Is php-win.exe Running on My PC?
php-win.exe runs when you execute PHP CLI scripts, use PHP-based tools, or when a web server or scheduler spawns a PHP process.
Reasons it's running:
- Active PHP Script Execution: You launched a PHP script from the command line or a scheduled task; each run may spawn a php-win.exe instance.
- Background Task Runners: Tools like Composer, Laravel's scheduler, or custom PHP daemons may keep php-win.exe running.
- CGI/FastCGI Integration: Web server configurations using CGI/FastCGI spawn php-win.exe to handle PHP requests.
- Development Tools: IDEs or build tools invoking PHP scripts will start php-win.exe to run code or migrations.
- Scheduled Maintenance: CRON-like tasks on Windows Task Scheduler may trigger periodic PHP jobs via php-win.exe.
Can I Disable or Remove php-win.exe?
Yes, you can disable php-win.exe. If you will not use PHP CLI or CGI tasks, you can disable scheduled tasks or stop invoking PHP scripts.
How to Stop php-win.exe
- End a specific PHP Task: If running via Task Manager, locate php-win.exe and End Task.
- Close the CLI session: Terminate your terminal or command prompt where PHP script is running.
- Disable Scheduled Tasks: Open Task Scheduler and disable PHP-related tasks (e.g., composer, Laravel scheduler).
- Disable Web Server CGI/FCGI: If using PHP with IIS/Apache, disable the FastCGI/CGI bindings for PHP.
- Uninstall PHP distribution: If you no longer need PHP, uninstall the PHP distribution from Apps & Features.
How to Uninstall PHP
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> PHP -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> PHP -> Uninstall
- ✔ Download and install a minimal PHP runtime only if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If php-win.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Long-running PHP scripts: Review the script logic; optimize, add timeouts, or suspend when idle.
- Heavy CLI tool usage: Disable or limit cron/daemon tasks; run tools individually.
- Misconfigured php.ini: Verify extensions; disable unused ones; check error logs.
- Large temporary file generation: Clear temp files; ensure proper cleanup in code.
- Outdated PHP version: Update to latest PHP Windows build from official site.
- Antivirus false positives: Whitelist php-win.exe path in antivirus; rescan if anomalies persist.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open a Command Prompt and monitor with tasklist | findstr php-win.exe
2. Terminate unneeded php-win.exe instances with Task Manager
3. Review active PHP scripts; optimize or suspend tasks
4. Disable unnecessary PHP extensions in php.ini
5. Update PHP to the latest Windows build
Frequently Asked Questions
Is php-win.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate php-win.exe from The PHP Group is not a virus. Ensure it is located in C:\php\ or C:\Program Files\PHP\ and has a valid digital signature.
Why is php-win.exe using CPU?
High CPU usually comes from long-running PHP scripts or heavy CLI tasks. Check running tasks with Task Manager or php -v; identify processes and optimize.
Can I delete php-win.exe?
If you no longer need PHP, you can uninstall the PHP distribution. Deleting the file manually may crash scripts relying on it.
Can I disable php-win.exe?
Yes, disable or stop the PHP tasks; you can disable startup tasks or end running php-win.exe processes when not needed.
Why is php-win.exe running at startup?
If you installed a PHP-based tool that must run in background or configured Windows to run PHP at startup, php-win.exe will start automatically.
What is the difference between php-win.exe and php.exe?
php-win.exe is the Windows-native executable for CLI/CGI PHP tasks, while php.exe is the console PHP launcher. Both come from the PHP distribution and have different usage contexts.