privazer.exe

What is privazer.exe?

privazer.exe is the executable for Privazer Privacy Cleaner. It runs a comprehensive privacy cleanup by analyzing system traces, browser artifacts, and residual data, then securely erasing or shredding them to minimize footprints and improve privacy on Windows.

Privazer uses a targeted scanning engine to enumerate traces in system folders, browsers, and application data, then applies configurable cleanup modes. It supports selective deletion, overwriting free space, and scheduling for ongoing privacy hygiene.

Types of Privazer Processes

• Main UI Process: Handles user interactions and orchestrates scans
• Scan Engine: Performs file system enumeration and artifact detection
• Shredder Task: Overwrites deleted data in secure erasure passes
• Scheduler Task: Runs scheduled cleanups in background

Is privazer.exe Safe?

Yes, privazer.exe is Safe when it's the legitimate file from Goversoft downloaded from official sources (privazer.com) or bundled with a trusted installer.

Is privazer.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real privazer.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if privazer.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Privazer\Privazer.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Privazer\Privazer.exe. Any privazer.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click Privazer.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Goversoft".
3. Resource Usage: Normal cleanup runs modest CPU usage; excessive CPU when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Privazer should only run when you initiate cleanup or on a scheduled task.

Why Is privazer.exe Running on My PC?

Privazer runs when a cleanup is initiated, scheduled, or when a monitoring task triggers a privacy purge.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Cleanup Session: You started a privacy cleanup; Privazer enumerates traces and cleans artifacts in stages.
• Scheduled Maintenance: A scheduled task or Windows Task Scheduler triggers automatic cleanup at set times.
• Background Monitoring: Privazer may monitor for new traces (browser caches, logs) and queue cleanup tasks.
• Background Erasure Presets: Some cleanup presets perform secure erasure, which may cause longer runtimes and higher resource usage.
• Startup Entry: If configured, Privazer may start with Windows to perform routine privacy maintenance.

Can I Disable or Remove privazer.exe?

Yes, you can disable privazer.exe. You can stop automatic cleanups by disabling scheduled tasks and closing the UI, and you can uninstall Privazer if you no longer need it.

How to Stop privazer.exe

• End Active Scan: In the Privazer UI, cancel the cleanup or close the app.
• Close UI: Exit Privazer from the system tray or Taskbar.
• Disable Startup: In Task Manager > Startup, disable Privazer.
• Disable Scheduler: Open Privazer Settings > Scheduler and disable tasks.
• Uninstall: Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Privazer.

How to Uninstall Privazer

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Privazer → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Privazer → Uninstall
• ✔ If you only want to disable features, adjust Privazer settings instead

Common Problems: High CPU or Disk Usage

If privazer.exe is consuming noticeable resources during cleanup:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Large drive or extensive cleanup scope: Limit cleanup scope in Privazer, or perform smaller passes and schedule restarts.
• Background scanning enabled: Disable continuous background scanning in Privazer settings.
• High I/O due to temp file churn: Pause cleanup and clear temp files; run a lighter preset.
• Third-party antivirus interaction: Ensure Privazer is whitelisted in antivirus and run with appropriate permissions.
• Outdated version: Update Privazer to the latest version from privazer.com.
• Corrupt profile or config: Reset Privazer to default settings or reinstall.

Related Processes