What is phpstorm-updater.exe?
phpstorm-updater.exe is a background updater for JetBrains PhpStorm. It periodically checks JetBrains servers for new PhpStorm releases, downloads patches, and applies them to the IDE without requiring manual intervention.
It uses JetBrains update framework, authenticates patches via signatures, downloads installers, and launches a silent update flow. If needed, PhpStorm restarts to complete the upgrade while preserving settings.
Quick Fact: PhpStorm updater coordinates IDE and plugin updates to minimize disruption during development.
Types of PhpStorm Update Processes
- Updater Process: Core updater that checks for PhpStorm updates and downloads patches.
- Installer Process: Applies downloaded updates to PhpStorm binaries and components.
- Launcher/Restart Process: Restarts PhpStorm after a successful update.
- Background Service: Schedules and performs updates while the OS is running.
- Patch Verifier: Validates signatures and integrity before installation.
- Telemetry/Logger: Sends non-identifying update events for JetBrains telemetry.
Is phpstorm-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, phpstorm-updater.exe is safe when it is the legitimate JetBrains updater from an official PhpStorm installation.
Is phpstorm-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real updater is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; always verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if phpstorm-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PhpStorm 2026.1\bin\PhpStormUpdater64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\JetBrains\PhpStorm 2026.1\bin\PhpStormUpdater64.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. It should show 'JetBrains s.r.o.' as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal updater activity uses low CPU (1-5%) and modest memory (20-100 MB) during checks; constant high resources are suspicious.
- Behavior: Updater should run when PhpStorm checks for updates or when updates are available; random, perpetual activity is a red flag.
Red Flags: If phpstorm-updater.exe is found outside the PhpStorm install folder, lacks a valid signature from JetBrains, or runs constantly without PhpStorm open, scan with antivirus and verify the JetBrains installer.
Why Is phpstorm-updater.exe Running on My PC?
PhpStorm updater runs when PhpStorm is installed and configured to update automatically, or when updates are scheduled. It may also run briefly during IDE startup to check for updates.
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Update Check: The updater is actively checking JetBrains servers for newer PhpStorm releases.
- Background Update Scheduler: A background task or service triggers periodic checks even if PhpStorm is closed.
- Automatic Restart After Update: If an update is installed, PhpStorm may restart automatically to complete the patch.
- Plugin and Component Updates: Updater coordinates plugin updates and component patches alongside the IDE core.
- Maintenance and Integrity Checks: The updater runs signature verification and integrity checks before applying patches.
Can I Disable or Remove phpstorm-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable automatic updater behavior. You can stop automatic checks, pause the updater, or uninstall PhpStorm if desired.
How to Stop phpstorm-updater.exe
- Disable Automatic Updates in PhpStorm: In PhpStorm, go to Settings/Preferences -> Appearance & Behavior -> System Settings -> Updates and uncheck 'Automatically check for updates'.
- End the Updater Process: Open Task Manager, locate phpstorm-updater.exe in Details, and End Task.
- Prevent Startup: If the updater starts with Windows, disable PhpStorm autostart from Windows Task Manager -> Startup.
- Stop Background Apps: In PhpStorm, disable 'Continue running background apps when PhpStorm is closed' under Settings -> Advanced -> System.
- Manual Uninstall: To remove updater, uninstall PhpStorm from Settings/Control Panel. The updater is part of the IDE package.
How to Uninstall PhpStorm (and Updater)
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features -> PhpStorm -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> PhpStorm -> Uninstall
- ✔ If you only want to remove updater components, consider reinstalling PhpStorm and choosing a clean install
Common Problems: Update Issues or High Resource Use
If phpstorm-updater.exe has trouble updating or consumes excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Network or Proxy Interference: Check firewall/proxy settings and ensure PhpStorm's update servers are reachable from Settings -> Appearance & Behavior -> System Settings -> HTTP Proxy.
- Antivirus Interference: Whitelist PhpStormUpdater64.exe and PhpStormUpdater.exe in your antivirus or security suite.
- Insufficient Disk Space: Free up space on the OS drive and update cache directories.
- Corrupted Update Download: Clear the update cache: %LOCALAPPDATA%\JetBrains\PhpStorm\updates and retry.
- Incompatible PhpStorm Version: Update PhpStorm to a supported version that matches your updater.
- Background Activity During IDE Usage: Limit simultaneous tasks; allow PhpStorm to focus on development and update during idle periods.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open PhpStorm Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to find the updater's activity
2. Verify internet access and retry update
3. Whitelist updater in antivirus
4. Clear update cache: %LOCALAPPDATA%\JetBrains\PhpStorm\updates
5. Check for PhpStorm updates manually via Settings -> Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is phpstorm-updater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate phpstorm-updater.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Ensure the file path is within C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PhpStorm <version>\bin and that the Digital Signature shows JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is phpstorm-updater.exe using CPU?
CPU use occurs during update checks or patch downloads. If it runs constantly, verify there isn't a stuck update or malware masquerading as the updater.
Can I disable phpstorm-updater.exe?
Yes. You can disable automatic checks in PhpStorm settings, end the updater task in Task Manager, and stop Windows startup entries for PhpStorm.
How do I update PhpStorm manually?
Open PhpStorm -> Help -> Check for Update or download the latest PhpStorm installer from jetbrains.com and install over the existing version.
Where is phpstorm-updater.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PhpStorm 2026.1\bin. If found elsewhere, verify the path and signature before running.
Will disabling updater prevent PhpStorm updates?
Disabling automatic checks will require manual updates. You can still update via the PhpStorm installer when you choose.