Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Location should be in Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm <version>\bin\updater.exe
Warning
Updates can occur silently
Updater may run briefly in background when a patch is available
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can limit automatic checks from PyCharm settings, but updates may be required for security
What is updater.exe?
pycharm-updater is the background updater for JetBrains PyCharm IDE. It runs quietly to check for new IDE and plugin updates, downloads patches, verifies signatures, and applies updates when needed. It helps keep PyCharm current without interrupting ongoing work.
The updater coordinates with JetBrains update servers, validates patch integrity, and launches installation steps as required. It can run on PyCharm startup or when a new update is detected, minimizing downtime during patching.
Quick Fact: PyCharm updater was designed to work with minimal user interaction, mapping updates to the IDE’s own patching process.
Types of PyCharm Updater Processes
- Updater Process: Main background updater responsible for coordinating checks and launches
- Patch Downloader: Downloads update patches from JetBrains update servers
- Installer Launcher: Initiates the installer to apply updates
- Signature Verifier: Validates cryptographic signatures to ensure integrity
- Post-Update Task Runner: Runs tasks after updates, such as restart prompts and cache cleanup
- Telemetry/Status Reporter: Reports update status for internal telemetry (non-user data)
Is pycharm-updater Safe?
Yes, pycharm-updater is safe when it's the legitimate file from JetBrains and located in the PyCharm installation directory.
Is pycharm-updater a Virus or Malware?
The real updater is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names; verify the file path and signature to confirm legitimacy.
How to Tell if pycharm-updater is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm \bin\updater.exe or C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm \bin\pycharm64.exe. Any updater.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click updater.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show JetBrains s.r.o. as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 15-90 MB memory when idle. Repeated high usage without updates is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Updater should run briefly when updates are available or on IDE startup. Constant background activity with no updates is abnormal.
Red Flags: Updater located outside the PyCharm install folder (e.g., Temp, AppData), lacks a valid signature, or runs continuously without known updates. Scan with antivirus and verify with JetBrains support.
Why Is pycharm-updater Running on My PC?
pycharm-updater runs to keep your PyCharm IDE up to date. It may start on PyCharm launch or when JetBrains servers report new patches.
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Update Check: The updater checks for available IDE and plugin updates while PyCharm is installed.
- Background Patch Download: When an update is found, the updater downloads the patch in the background to minimize downtime.
- Startup Update Verification: On PyCharm startup, the updater verifies whether the installed version is current and applies if needed.
- Automatic Update Scheduling: If configured, the updater schedules and performs updates without interrupting active work.
- Plugin/Toolchain Updates Coordination: The updater coordinates updates for bundled plugins and essential tooling used by PyCharm.
Can I Disable or Remove pycharm-updater?
Yes, you can limit or disable automatic updates. You can adjust settings in PyCharm to minimize background activity, or uninstall PyCharm entirely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop pycharm-updater
- Disable automatic checks: In PyCharm, go to File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Updates and uncheck 'Check for updates automatically' and 'Update in background'.
- Close PyCharm: Close all PyCharm windows to ensure the updater isn’t active.
- End updater process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate updater.exe under PyCharm, and End Task.
- Disable in JetBrains Toolbox: If you installed PyCharm via JetBrains Toolbox, disable PyCharm auto-update in Toolbox settings.
- Optional uninstall: If you want to remove PyCharm/updater entirely, use Windows Settings → Apps → PyCharm → Uninstall.
How to Uninstall PyCharm (and updater)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → JetBrains PyCharm → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → JetBrains PyCharm → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove remaining config directories: C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains\PyCharm and C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\JetBrains\PyCharm
Common Problems: Updater Issues and Solutions
If the PyCharm updater has trouble, use these common causes and targeted fixes to restore normal operation.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Update download stuck: Check internet connection, disable VPN/proxy if needed, then re-initiate update from PyCharm or JetBrains Toolbox.
- Updater runs but does not install: Run PyCharm as Administrator or re-run the update installer after ensuring enough disk space.
- Certificate or signature errors: Verify system date/time, disable firewall temporarily, and ensure updater.exe signature indicates JetBrains s.r.o.
- High CPU or memory while idle: Disable background updates in settings and check for conflicting plugins or corrupted caches.
- Updater missing or not found: Repair or reinstall PyCharm via JetBrains Toolbox or official installer.
- Plugins fail to update: Update PyCharm first, then update plugins individually; disable problematic plugins if needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open PyCharm Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify heavy updater tasks
3. Check for updates manually and apply only essential patches
4. Clear cache: In PyCharm, File → Invalidate Caches / Restart
5. Update PyCharm to the latest build: Settings → Help → Check for Update
6. Disable automatic updates if not needed in Settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pycharm-updater a virus?
No, the legitimate updater is part of JetBrains PyCharm and should be located in the PyCharm installation directory with a valid digital signature from JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is the updater running when PyCharm is closed?
The updater may run in background to finish pending downloads or apply updates when you start PyCharm again; it should not continuously run when no updates are available.
Can I disable automatic updates for PyCharm?
Yes. In PyCharm, go to File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Updates and toggle off automatic checks and background updates.
Where does the updater download PyCharm updates from?
Updates are downloaded from JetBrains update servers. Ensure you are connected to the internet and your firewall allows access to update.jetbrains.com.
Will PyCharm updater restart my IDE after updating?
Often yes. Updates may require a restart to complete installation, and PyCharm will typically prompt you to restart if needed.
How do I manually update PyCharm?
You can update from within PyCharm via Help → Check for Updates, or download the latest installer from jetbrains.com and install over the existing IDE.