Quick Answer
pycharm64.exe is safe. It's the 64-bit launcher for JetBrains PyCharm IDE. It runs a Java-based JVM and spawns background processes for indexing, code analysis, terminal, and test runners to support coding features.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2025.1\bin
Warning
Multiple processes may start
PyCharm can spawn separate JVM processes for indexing, inspections, and runners
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close PyCharm to stop, or disable startup via Windows Task Manager
What is pycharm64.exe?
pycharm64.exe is the 64-bit launcher for JetBrains PyCharm IDE. When you launch PyCharm, this executable starts the Java-based IDE, then creates separate processes for indexing, code analysis, debugging, terminal, and test runners to support fast, intelligent editing.
PyCharm runs on the Java Virtual Machine; pycharm64.exe starts the IDE and delegates tooling tasks to child JVM processes. It manages indexing, inspections, debugging, and VCS integration within a multi-process architecture.
Quick Fact: PyCharm uses a Java-based runtime; pycharm64.exe spawns multiple helper processes to keep the UI responsive while indexing and analyzing code.
Types of PyCharm Processes
- IDE Process: Main PyCharm window and UI (1 instance)
- Indexer Process: Background indexing and code analysis
- Python Console/Runner: Terminal/Run configurations and Python integrations
- Debugger/Test Runner: Debug sessions and test execution
- Plugin/Extension Process: Plugins and external tool integrations
- Helper/Background Service: Background tasks like VCS, caches, and notifications
Is pycharm64.exe Safe?
Yes, pycharm64.exe is safe when it comes from JetBrains and is downloaded from official sources (jetbrains.com or via JetBrains Toolbox).
Is pycharm64.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real pycharm64.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate names; always verify signatures and location.
How to Tell if pycharm64.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2025.1\bin\pycharm64.exe or under JetBrains Toolbox-provisioned paths.
- Digital Signature: Right-click pycharm64.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid JetBrains signature (JetBrains s.r.o.).
- Resource Usage: PyCharm may use moderate CPU while indexing; extremely high CPU when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: PyCharm should launch when you start the IDE and should not run continuously when the IDE is closed.
Red Flags: If pycharm64.exe is located outside JetBrains folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), lacks a digital signature, or runs when PyCharm isn't started, scan with antivirus and reinstall from official sources.
Why Is pycharm64.exe Running on My PC?
pycharm64.exe runs when you start PyCharm or when PyCharm features like indexing or background tasks are active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Use: You're actively working in PyCharm; the IDE spawns multiple processes to support editing, navigation, and execution.
- Background Indexing: On project open, PyCharm indexes files for fast search, autocomplete, and inspection results in the background.
- Code Inspections: Real-time analysis runs in the background to show errors and suggestions while you code.
- Run/Debug Configurations: Starting run configurations or tests launches separate processes for execution and output capture.
- Plugins and External Tools: Installed plugins or external tools may spawn additional processes to provide features.
Can I Disable or Remove pycharm64.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove PyCharm. You can close the IDE to stop the process, disable startup, or uninstall PyCharm completely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop pycharm64.exe
- Close PyCharm: Gracefully exit PyCharm from the UI; ensure indexing or background tasks finish.
- Disable Startup: Open Windows Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable JetBrains PyCharm
- End Background Tasks: In PyCharm, use File > Invalidate Caches / Restart to pause background indexing; ensure all tasks finish.
- Skip Auto-Start on Reboot: If using JetBrains Toolbox, disable PyCharm from auto-update/start in Toolbox settings.
- Uninstall PyCharm: Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > JetBrains PyCharm > Uninstall
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 to prevent reinstallation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If pycharm64.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large project with many files: Indexing will use CPU; wait for indexing to complete or mark folders as excluded (Settings → Project: Directories -> Excluded).
- Too many active plugins: Disable or remove unnecessary plugins (Settings → Plugins) and reload PyCharm.
- Inspections and code analysis: Limit real-time inspections; adjust in Settings → Editor → Inspections; disable heavy checks for large files.
- Interpreter or virtual environments: Ensure you use appropriate interpreters; reconfigure interpreter for large projects to reduce overhead.
- Outdated PyCharm: Update PyCharm to the latest version via Help → Check for Updates to receive performance fixes.
- Hardware acceleration or JVM settings: Adjust memory options in PyCharm's idea.properties or use JVM options to limit max heap.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused projects or files to reduce indexing
2. Invalidate caches / Restart from File menu
3. Disable unnecessary plugins in Settings → Plugins
4. Update PyCharm to the latest version
5. Adjust memory settings under Help → Change Memory Settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pycharm64.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate pycharm64.exe is JetBrains' PyCharm 64-bit IDE launcher. Verify location under C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm and signature from JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is pycharm64.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is typically due to indexing, real-time inspections, or running long-running tasks. Check indexing progress in PyCharm and reduce heavy plugins.
Can I delete pycharm64.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall PyCharm from Windows Settings > Apps. Your projects remain on disk unless you delete them separately.
Can I disable pycharm64.exe?
Yes, you can close the IDE; to stop startup, disable PyCharm in Windows Startup or JetBrains Toolbox.
Why is PyCharm starting automatically?
If you use JetBrains Toolbox, PyCharm can be configured to start with Windows or the Toolbox can reinstall on startup. Disable auto-start in Toolbox.
Where is pycharm64.exe located?
Typically under C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm 2025.1\bin. If you installed via Toolbox, look under Toolbox apps.