What is sgdisk.exe?
sgdisk.exe is the Windows port of the GPT fdisk tool's sgdisk command. It provides a command-line interface to inspect and modify GPT disks, enabling partition creation, deletion, resizing, and attribute changes. Use with caution: changes are destructive to data if used improperly.
sgdisk.exe edits the GPT on a disk by applying sgdisk subcommands to partition entries, GUIDs, and attributes. It writes changes directly to the disk, often after a -p preview; ensure you target the correct disk device and back up data before committing.
Quick Fact: sgdisk is part of the GPT fdisk suite, a widely used CLI tool for GPT partition management across platforms.
Types of sgdisk Processes
- Command Line Process: sgdisk.exe runs as a CLI process to modify GPT structures
- Preview/Verification: -sv or -p provide previews before committing changes
- Disk Target: Operates on a specific GPT disk (e.g., \. PhysicalDrive0)
Is sgdisk.exe Safe?
Yes, sgdisk.exe is safe when obtained from the official GPT fdisk project and used as intended for GPT disk management.
Is sgdisk.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sgdisk.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise as sgdisk.exe. Verify location and signature.
How to Tell if sgdisk.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be in
C:\Program Files\GPTfdisk\sgdisk.exe or C:\GPTfdisk\sgdisk.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click sgdisk.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "GPT fdisk Project" or a signer like "Rod Smith".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal unless performing a disk operation. Continuous high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: sgdisk.exe should only run when invoked. Background services or scheduled tasks calling it without user action indicate potential malware.
Red Flags: If sgdisk.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when not invoked, has no digital signature, or shows persistent high disk I/O, scan with antivirus and verify GPT fdisk integrity.
Why Is sgdisk.exe Running on My PC?
sgdisk.exe runs when you explicitly use GPT partitioning tools or when scripts and maintenance tasks invoke GPT fdisk to inspect or modify partitions.
Reasons it's running:
- Active GPT Operations: You are actively editing or querying a GPT disk; sgdisk launches to perform the requested task.
- Automation/Scripts: Backup, imaging, or deployment scripts may call sgdisk to adjust partitions during workflows.
- Disk Maintenance Tools: Disk management suites or health tools may spawn sgdisk to verify or repair GPT tables.
- Startup/Pre-Boot Tasks: Some maintenance environments run partition checks at boot or schedule tasks that invoke sgdisk.
- Batch Partition Changes: Batch operations queued by administrators can launch sgdisk to apply multiple GPT edits.
Can I Disable or Remove sgdisk.exe?
Yes, you can disable sgdisk.exe. If you do not use GPT-aware partitioning tools, remove GPT fdisk or avoid invoking the utility.
How to Stop sgdisk.exe
- End Active Sessions: Close any GUI tools or scripts that are running sgdisk and use Task Manager to end the process if needed
- Prevent Startup: If a startup task or script calls sgdisk, remove or disable that task via Task Scheduler or startup folders
- Uninstall GPT fdisk: Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> GPT fdisk -> Uninstall
- Remove Residual Files: Delete the GPTfdisk installation directory and any registry entries created by the toolkit
- Replace with Alternatives: If you need partitioning, use the built-in Windows Disk Management or a trusted GUI tool instead
How to Uninstall GPT fdisk
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> GPT fdisk -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> GPT fdisk -> Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after removal to ensure no background tasks remain
Common Problems: GPT Operations with sgdisk
When using sgdisk, certain issues can arise during GPT edits or previews. Below are typical problems and recommended fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Wrong Disk Target: Double-check the target disk with a preview (-p) before writing; use the correct disk identifier (e.g., \\.\PhysicalDrive0).
- Permission Denied: Run with Administrator privileges or ensure your user has rights to the disk device.
- Invalid GPT or Corrupted Table: Back up data, run a GPT verification (-t) if available, and restore partitions using a known-good backup.
- Disk I/O Errors: Check cables, run CHKDSK, and ensure the disk isn't failing before attempting partition edits.
- Unsupported Disk Type: sgdisk only supports GPT disks; confirm the target disk uses GPT and not MBR or a mixed layout.
- Untracked Changes Not Written: Always write with -w or confirm the write operation; use -p to preview changes prior to commit.
Quick Fixes:
1. Preview changes with -p before applying any edits
2. Run as Administrator to avoid permission issues
3. Back up the disk or partition table before edits
4. Verify disk type is GPT via -t or equivalent
5. Update to the latest GPT fdisk release from the official source
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sgdisk.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate sgdisk.exe from the GPT fdisk project is a safe CLI tool for GPT partition management. Verify its location in C:\Program Files\GPTfdisk and check the digital signature.
What does sgdisk do exactly?
sgdisk edits GPT partition tables: it can create, delete, resize, and modify partition entries, GUIDs, and attributes via a command-line interface.
Can sgdisk repair a damaged GPT?
sgdisk can help adjust or repair GPT entries, but requires a known-good backup. For critical recovery, use specialized recovery tools and consult documentation.
Does sgdisk require admin rights on Windows?
Yes, to modify disk partitions you typically need Administrator privileges. Preview mode (-p) does not require writing, but actual changes do.
Where should sgdisk.exe be located?
It should reside under C:\Program Files\GPTfdisk\sgdisk.exe or a similar GPTfdisk installation path. Other locations may indicate tampering or malware.
How do I uninstall GPT fdisk?
Use Windows Settings > Apps & Features to uninstall GPT fdisk. After uninstall, manually remove residual files and restart if necessary.