pycharm64.exe

JetBrains PyCharm IDE

Application ProcessSafePython IDE

CPU Usage

1-15%

Memory

300-1200 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2024.3\bin

Publisher

JetBrains s.r.o.

Quick Answer

pycharm64.exe is safe. It is the launcher for JetBrains PyCharm IDE, which runs code analysis, indexing, and tooling in separate processes to keep the UI responsive.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2024.3\bin\pycharm64.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Main IDE window, code analysis, and plugin helpers may spawn multiple subprocesses

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close PyCharm to stop background indexing or disable startup via Task Manager.

What is pycharm64.exe?

pycharm64.exe is the launcher for JetBrains PyCharm IDE on 64-bit Windows. PyCharm hosts Python development, including editor, debugger, testing, and project management features, and starts multiple helper processes for analysis, VCS, and terminal support.

PyCharm uses a modular, multi-process architecture: the main IDE UI runs in the primary process, while background indexing, code analysis, and plugin services run as separate processes to keep the interface responsive and stable.

Quick Fact: PyCharm began offering deep code analysis and Jupyter support with its IntelliJ platform, enabling fast suggestions and refactorings across Python projects.

Types of PyCharm Processes

IDE Process: Main window and UI (one or more instances when multiple projects open)
Indexer/Analyzer: Background code analysis and indexing services
VCS/Git Integration: Version control helpers and background git tasks
Terminal/Console: Integrated terminal and run configurations
Plugin/Support: Plugins may spawn their own helper processes
Test Runner: JUnit and Python test execution controllers

Is pycharm64.exe Safe?

Yes, pycharm64.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from JetBrains downloaded from official sources (jetbrains.com/pycharm or from JetBrains Toolbox).

Is pycharm64.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real pycharm64.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names. Always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if pycharm64.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2024.3\bin\pycharm64.exe or within JetBrains Toolbox-managed locations. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show "JetBrains s.r.o." as the signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per process, 300-1200 MB total memory during active editing.
Behavior: PyCharm should launch from the launcher or shortcut. Unrelated processes showing unusual activity outside PyCharm may indicate malware.

Red Flags: If pycharm64.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without PyCharm launcher, has no valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus and check JetBrains official sources.

Why Is pycharm64.exe Running on My PC?

pycharm64.exe runs when you start PyCharm or when the IDE is configured to run in the background with indexing and tooling active.

Reasons it's running:

Active Project Editing: You are actively editing Python or other project files; PyCharm runs analysis and code insight tasks per change.
Background Indexing and Code Analysis: On project open or dependency changes, PyCharm indexes code and runs inspections in background.
Plugins and Tool Windows: Plugins like Python Support, Datalore, or Linting tools may spawn separate helper processes for performance.
Version Control and Build Tools: Git, Mercurial, or Gradle in the project can trigger background tasks during status checks and sync.
Startup and Background Tasks: PyCharm may run background tasks like indexing at startup, or keep background daemon threads for tooling.

Can I Disable or Remove pycharm64.exe?

Yes, you can disable pycharm64.exe. You can exit PyCharm safely and stop background tasks; to remove, uninstall PyCharm or disable startup using Windows settings.

How to Stop pycharm64.exe

Close Projects and Exit: Close all open projects and use File > Exit or close the main window to stop the IDE.
Disable Startup: Windows Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable JetBrains PyCharm
Stop Background Tasks: In PyCharm, disable "Continue running background tasks" in Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings
Memory and Heavy Apps: Increase memory settings or enable Power Save mode to reduce background indexing.
Uninstall: Settings > Apps > PyCharm > Uninstall; optional: remove configuration directory under user home if you want a clean reinstall.

How to Uninstall PyCharm

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → JetBrains PyCharm → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → JetBrains PyCharm → Uninstall
✔ If using JetBrains Toolbox, remove PyCharm from Toolbox and delete config directories if desired

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If pycharm64.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Files or Projects Open: Close unused projects or limit open folders. Enable Power Save mode to reduce indexing.
Background Indexing: Let indexing finish; consider marking large folders as excluded in Project Structure.
Resource-Heavy Plugins: Disable or uninstall plugins not in use; review under Settings → Plugins.
Insufficient Memory: Increase IDE heap size by editing pycharm64.vmoptions or using JetBrains Toolbox to set memory limits.
Antivirus Interference: Exclude PyCharm directories from antivirus scans to avoid I/O throttling.
Outdated IDE: Update PyCharm to the latest version to pick up performance fixes: Help → Check for Updates.

Quick Fixes:
1. Wait for indexing to complete; check the status bar
2. Close unused projects or folders
3. Disable unnecessary plugins in Settings → Plugins
4. Increase IDE memory via pycharm64.vmoptions
5. Enable Power Save Mode under File → Power Save Mode

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pycharm.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate pycharm64.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Verify the path is inside C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2024.3\bin\pycharm64.exe and that the digital signature shows JetBrains s.r.o.

Why is pycharm.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usage often results from indexing, code analysis, or running heavy tests. Check the IDE task manager (View > Appearance > Tool Windows > Tasks) and disable unneeded plugins; ensure indexing completes.

Can I disable pycharm64.exe?

Yes. You can exit PyCharm or disable startup in Windows Task Manager. To reduce background indexing, enable Power Save Mode and adjust Settings to limit background tasks.

Where is PyCharm located on Windows?

PyCharm is usually installed under C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2024.3\bin, or managed by JetBrains Toolbox in a user folder. Check the PyCharm shortcut properties to view the exact path.

How do I uninstall PyCharm completely?

Uninstall from Windows Settings > Apps > JetBrains PyCharm > Uninstall, and optionally remove configuration directories under C:\Users\YOURUSER\.PyCharm or C:\Users\YOURUSER\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains\PyCharm.

Why are there multiple pycharm64.exe processes?

PyCharm uses a multi-process architecture: the main IDE, indexing, plugin services, and external tool integrations can each run in separate processes to keep the UI responsive.