Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in a legitimate Sysinternals path, e.g., C:\Sysinternals\RamMap\RamMap.exe
Warning
Low risk but verify source
RamMap is safe when from Sysinternals; avoid renamed executables in temp folders
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
RamMap only runs when you start it; close it to stop analysis
What is rammap.exe?
rammap.exe is the executable for RAMMap, a memory analysis tool from Sysinternals. It provides granular visibility into physical memory usage, including memory maps, standby memory, working set, and per-process allocations for in-depth troubleshooting.
RAMMap reads low-level Windows memory structures to show detailed RAM allocation, including working sets, standby, modified, and kernel memory. It helps diagnose leaks, fragmentation, and memory pressure beyond Task Manager.
Quick Fact: RAMMap can export memory data to CSV for offline analysis and reporting.
Types of RAMMap Processes
- RAMMap GUI: Main RamMap interface showing memory maps and per-process usage
- Memory Snapshot: Live memory capture for offline analysis
- Export/Report: Data export routines for CSV/RAW reports
Is rammap.exe Safe?
Yes, rammap.exe is safe when obtained from the official Sysinternals download page and signed by Microsoft Corporation.
Is rammap.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real rammap.exe is NOT a virus. Download from Sysinternals to avoid tampered copies.
How to Tell if rammap.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: RamMap.exe should reside in
C:\Sysinternals\RamMap\RamMap.exe or a clearly labeled Sysinternals folder; avoid random folders.
- Digital Signature: Right-click RamMap.exe > Properties > Digital Signatures. Signer should be "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: RamMap typically uses minimal CPU when idle; high usage without user action is suspicious.
- Behavior: RamMap should launch a GUI and present memory data; no persistent background network activity should occur.
Red Flags: If RamMap.exe is located outside Sysinternals folders (e.g., Temp or AppData), lacks a Microsoft signature, or shows unexpected network activity, re-download from the official Sysinternals site.
Why Is rammap.exe Running on My PC?
RAMMap runs when you explicitly start the tool to perform memory analysis or when a script triggers a live snapshot for reporting. It does not function as a service by default.
Reasons it's running:
- User-initiated memory analysis: You launched RAMMap to inspect physical RAM usage, memory maps, and per-process memory allocation.
- Memory fragmentation diagnosis: RAMMap highlights standby, modified, and cache memory to diagnose fragmentation patterns.
- Offline reporting: You export reports (CSV/RAW) to document memory usage for audits or troubleshooting.
- System troubleshooting: RAMMap provides granular detail during crash analysis or performance investigations.
- Scripting or automation: Automated workflows may invoke RAMMap to capture memory data as part of a diagnostic script.
Can I Disable or Remove rammap.exe?
Yes, you can close RAMMap and avoid starting it again. Removing RamMap is optional; simply delete the executable from its directory or refrain from launching it.
How to Stop rammap.exe
- Close RAMMap: Click the X button or choose Exit to terminate the GUI.
- End tasks if stuck: Open Task Manager, locate rammap.exe, and choose End Task.
- Remove startup triggers: If a startup script launches RAMMap, remove it from the startup folder or scheduled task.
- No background service: RAMMap does not run as a background service; if you see persistent activity, verify for other tools.
- Uninstall (optional): Delete RamMap.exe and any accompanying files from your download folder.
How to Uninstall RamMap
- ✔ Delete RamMap.exe from its folder, and remove any exported reports or data.
- ✔ Optionally delete the Sysinternals RamMap zip/extracted folder.
Common Problems: RAMMap High CPU or Memory Usage
If rammap.exe is consuming unexpected resources during use:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active memory analysis running: RamMap is performing memory mapping; allow it to complete or pause export tasks.
- Large memory snapshot: Capture large dumps sparingly; the area details may demand more memory while exporting.
- Outdated RamMap version: Update RamMap from the official Sysinternals page to ensure compatibility.
- Corrupted RamMap.exe: Re-download RamMap from sysinternals; verify signature before running.
- Antivirus false positives: If flagged, temporarily disable real-time scanning or add exception for RamMap folder.
- Incompatible OS settings: Ensure OS supports required Windows memory reporting APIs; run on supported Windows versions.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close RAMMap after analysis
2. Update to the latest RamMap from Sysinternals
3. Export reports only when needed
4. Verify signature: RamMap.exe > Properties > Digital Signatures
5. Pause or stop analysis on large datasets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RAMMap and what does rammap.exe do?
RAMMap is a memory analysis tool from Sysinternals. rammap.exe runs a GUI to display live memory usage, including working sets, standby memory, and memory maps for troubleshooting.
Is rammap.exe safe to download from Sysinternals?
Yes. Download RamMap from the official Sysinternals site (live.sysinternals.com) and verify the signature from Microsoft Corporation.
Does RamMap require admin privileges to run?
Typically no, but on some systems you may need elevated rights to capture certain kernel memory details or export data.
Can RamMap run in the background or automatically?
RAMMap is a GUI tool that runs on demand. It does not start automatically unless included in a startup script or automation.
Where can I download RamMap and get the official hash/signature?
Download RamMap from Sysinternals, then verify the SHA-256 hash against the official release page and check the digital signature.
How do I export data from RamMap for reports?
Use the Export or Save options in the RamMap GUI to generate CSV/RAW reports for external analysis.