prowritingaid.exe

ProWritingAid Desktop Client

Application ProcessSafeWriting Tool

CPU Usage

1-10%

Memory

40-120 MB

Location

Program Files\ProWritingAid

Publisher

ProWritingAid Ltd

Quick Answer

prowritingaid.exe is safe. It is the official ProWritingAid desktop client that coordinates grammar, style, and clarity checks while editing documents locally.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\ProWritingAid\prowritingaid.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each analysis task runs in separate worker processes to avoid UI freezes

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close the UI or disable startup from Task Manager; the app can be run on demand

What is prowritingaid.exe?

prowritingaid.exe is the executable for the ProWritingAid desktop client. It launches the local grammar, style, readability, and plagiarism checks, and provides the editing UI for Windows. The app uses a multi-process model to separate analysis tasks from the interface and to allow background checks while you work.

ProWritingAid's executable hosts the rule engine in a multi-process desktop architecture. A UI process handles interactions, while dedicated worker processes carry out grammar and style analysis, with data synchronized to the local database and cloud services when online.

Quick Fact: The ProWritingAid desktop client uses separate processes to keep editing responsive even while extensive checks run in the background.

Types of ProWritingAid Processes

UI Process: Main desktop window and controls
Checker Process: Grammar, style, and readability analysis
Sync Service: License verification and cloud sync
Updater Process: Background update checks and install
Telemetry Process: Usage telemetry and diagnostics

Is prowritingaid.exe Safe?

Yes, prowritingaid.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from ProWritingAid downloaded from official sources (writingaid.com or the official Microsoft Store distribution).

Is prowritingaid.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real prowritingaid.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade with similar names. Always verify the file path and signature.

How to Tell if prowritingaid.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\ProWritingAid\prowritingaid.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ProWritingAid\prowritingaid.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the exe path in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from ProWritingAid Ltd or the official signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU per task and 40-120 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: The process should only run when ProWritingAid is active or when the app performs checks. Constant background activity without UI indicates potential malware.

Red Flags: If prowritingaid.exe is located in unusual folders (like AppData, Temp, or System32), runs when the editor is not open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus immediately. Watch for similarly-named files like "prowritingaid64.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is prowritingaid.exe Running on My PC?

prowritingaid.exe runs when you launch the ProWritingAid desktop client or when background checks are configured to run while editing or syncing with the cloud.

Reasons it's running:

Active Editing Session: You are actively editing a document; the UI loads and the grammar/style checkers analyze text in real time.
Background Checks Enabled: The app runs background analyzers to provide suggestions as you type, even with multiple documents open.
Startup or Background Service: ProWritingAid may be configured to start with Windows or remain resident to provide quick checks.
Cloud Sync and License Verification: The client may run background processes to verify your license and sync preferences with the cloud.
Auto-Update Checks: An updater process periodically checks for new versions to keep the tool current.

Can I Disable or Remove prowritingaid.exe?

Yes, you can disable prowritingaid.exe. It is safe to close the UI when not editing, and you can uninstall ProWritingAid if you prefer another writing assistant.

How to Stop prowritingaid.exe

End Individual Tasks: In the ProWritingAid UI, use the built-in task manager to end specific analysis tasks; or exit the application.
Close the UI: Click the X button or use Alt+F4 to close all ProWritingAid windows.
End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (C:\Windows\System32\Taskmgr.exe), locate prowritingaid.exe, right-click → End Task
Prevent Startup: Task Manager (C:\Windows\System32\Taskmgr.exe) → Startup tab → Disable ProWritingAid
Stop Background Apps: In ProWritingAid Settings → General → System, disable "Continue running in background"

How to Uninstall ProWritingAid

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ProWritingAid → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ProWritingAid → Uninstall
✔ Consider using a different writing tool if preferred

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If prowritingaid.exe is consuming excessive resources, try the following targeted fixes for the ProWritingAid desktop client.

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Documents Open: Close unused documents or split work across fewer open instances to reduce per-document analysis load.
Resource-Heavy Checks Enabled: Disable or adjust aggressive checks in Settings → Editor → Checks; consider turning off real-time plagiarism in high-load scenarios.
Outdated Version: Update to the latest ProWritingAid build via Settings → Help → Check for updates.
Conflicting Extensions or Plugins: Disable nonessential integrations in Settings → Integrations; restart the app.
Corrupted Cache or Settings: Reset ProWritingAid cache and preferences from Settings → Advanced → Reset settings; reimport preferences if needed.
Malware or Pseudo-Executables: Run a full system scan with a trusted antivirus; verify the executable path is C:\Program Files\ProWritingAid\prowritingaid.exe

Quick Fixes:
1. Use the in-app task manager to identify high-usage checks and pause them
2. Close unnecessary documents and restart ProWritingAid
3. Update ProWritingAid to the latest version
4. Disable nonessential integrations in Settings
5. Clear temporary data and restart the application

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prowritingaid.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate prowritingaid.exe from ProWritingAid is not a virus. Verify the file path is C:\Program Files\ProWritingAid\prowritingaid.exe and that the digital signature shows a valid signer from ProWritingAid Ltd.

Why is prowritingaid.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usage is usually caused by active editing with heavy checks, large documents, or conflicting extensions. Use the in-app task manager to identify the culprit and consider disabling real-time checks during heavy work.

Can I delete prowritingaid.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall ProWritingAid through Windows Settings → Apps if you no longer need it. Your settings may be preserved if you choose to keep the profile, but you will lose editor features.

Can I disable prowritingaid.exe?

Yes. You can close the UI, disable startup in Task Manager, and stop background checks in Settings. This will prevent automatic checks while you work in other apps.

Why does ProWritingAid launch at startup?

Startup launch can be configured to enable quick checks or license verification. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup (or in ProWritingAid Settings) if you don’t want it to start with Windows.

How do I uninstall ProWritingAid and keep data?

Uninstall via Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Data such as saved preferences may be retained in your user profile for re-import if you reinstall later.