Quick Answer
picpick.exe is safe. It's the launcher for PicPick, a compact screen capture and image editor. It typically runs as a single foreground process with optional background helpers during capture, editing, or color-picking tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\PicPick\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\PicPick\; verify the Digital Signature to ensure authenticity.
Warning
Multiple processes can appear during capture/edit cycles
PicPick may spawn helper processes for capture, editor, and color picker; this is expected during active use.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can exit the app or disable startup/background features in Preferences.
What is picpick.exe?
picpick.exe is the executable that starts PicPick, a compact Windows utility offering screenshot capture, image editing, color picking, rulers, and annotation tools. It coordinates capture tasks, editors, and utilities through a central interface, and can run additional background helpers when features are active.
PicPick uses a modular, primarily single-process architecture where the main executable hosts the UI and capture workflows while optional helper components handle editors, color picker, and rulers. It integrates with Windows clipboard and hotkeys to deliver quick image editing experiences.
Quick Fact: PicPick began as a lightweight capture tool and editor, combining multiple utilities into a single package with a small footprint on modern Windows systems.
Types of PicPick Processes
- Launcher Process: Main PicPick window and UI (1 instance)
- Capture Engine: Screen capture and region selection components
- Editor Module: Image editing tools and filters
- Color Picker Helper: Eyedropper and color data routines
- Ruler/Measurement Tool: On-screen measurement utilities
- Tray Helper: System tray integration and background tasks
Is picpick.exe Safe?
Yes, picpick.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from NatallSoft downloaded from official sources. If obtained from unofficial mirrors, exercise caution.
Is picpick.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real picpick.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade as picpick.exe. Always verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if picpick.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\PicPick\picpick.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PicPick\picpick.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: In Explorer, right-click picpick.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "NatallSoft".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low when idle. Unusually high CPU/memory even when idle indicates potential malware.
- Behavior: PicPick should start when you run the app or use its features. Background startup without user action can indicate infection.
Red Flags: If picpick.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData) or runs at startup without user action, scan your system. Watch for similarly named files like 'picpick.exe.bak' or 'picpick_try.exe'.
Why Is picpick.exe Running on My PC?
picpick.exe runs when you start PicPick or when its capture tools or tray helper are active. It may also run background tasks to watch clipboard or provide quick access via hotkeys.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Capture or Editor Use: You're actively using PicPick to capture a screen or edit an image, which starts the capture/editor processes.
- Clipboard Monitoring: PicPick monitors clipboard changes to offer quick capture or paste-edit actions.
- Startup or Background Tasks: PicPick can be configured to start with Windows or to run in the background to provide hotkeys and tray options.
- Tray Icon and Quick Access: The system tray helper and hotkeys keep picpick.exe ready for instant use even when the main window is closed.
- Modular Helpers Active: The color picker, measurement tool, and other modules may spawn small helper processes during use.
Can I Disable or Remove picpick.exe?
Yes, you can disable picpick.exe. It's safe to close PicPick when not in use, and you can uninstall PicPick if you prefer a different tool.
How to Stop picpick.exe
- Exit PicPick: Use the Close button or System Tray menu to exit completely.
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate picpick.exe, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → right-click PicPick → Disable
- Disable Background Features: PicPick Settings → General → uncheck 'Start with Windows' and 'Run in background'.
- Uninstall PicPick: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → PicPick → Uninstall
How to Uninstall PicPick
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → PicPick → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → PicPick → Uninstall
- ✔ Visit official site to download an alternative tool if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If picpick.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Screenshots or Edits: Close unnecessary capture windows and editors; restart PicPick if needed.
- Background Tools Spinning: Disable or exit color picker, ruler, or clipboard helpers when not in use.
- Outdated Version: Update PicPick to the latest version from the official site.
- Corrupted Settings: Reset preferences in PicPick Settings or reinstall.
- Conflicting Software: Check for software that hooks into screen capture (other capture tools) and disable conflicts.
- High-DPI or Display Issues: Run in compatibility mode or adjust display scaling in Windows settings.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close all PicPick capture and editor windows
2. Exit to system tray and end the process if needed
3. Update PicPick to the latest version
4. Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup
5. Reset PicPick preferences: Settings → Advanced → Reset to defaults
Frequently Asked Questions
Is picpick.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate picpick.exe from NatallSoft is not a virus. Ensure it is located at C:\Program Files\PicPick\picpick.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\PicPick\ and has a valid signature from NatallSoft.
Where is PicPick installed on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\PicPick\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\PicPick\; you can confirm by right-clicking the PicPick shortcut → Open file location.
How do I update PicPick?
Open PicPick, go to Help or About, choose Check for updates, or download the latest installer from the official PicPick site and run it to upgrade.
Can I use PicPick on Windows 11/10?
Yes, PicPick supports modern Windows versions. Ensure you download the latest version from the official site for compatibility and new features.
How do I export images from PicPick?
Capture or edit an image, then use the File → Save As or Export options to choose formats like PNG, JPEG, or BMP and select a destination folder.
Why is PicPick running in the background after I close the window?
PicPick may keep a tray helper or background service enabled to provide hotkeys and quick access. Disable this in Settings → General → Run in background or exit from the tray menu.