Quick Answer
sisoftware.exe is safe. It's part of SiSoftware Sandra Lite, a diagnostic utility that runs modules to survey hardware, benchmark performance, and generate reports.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite\sisoftware.exe (or C:\Program Files (x86)\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite\sisoftware.exe) and signed by SiSoftware Ltd.
Warning
Multiple processes can occur during a scan
Sandra uses modular workers (CPU, GPU, Disk probes). This can appear as several sisoftware-related processes.
Can I Disable?
✔ - YES
Close Sandra when not in use. To prevent startup, disable it in Task Manager > Startup or uninstall if you don't need it.
What is sisoftware.exe?
sisoftware.exe is the main executable for SiSoftware Sandra Lite, a comprehensive system diagnostic and benchmarking utility. It orchestrates multiple modules to inspect hardware components such as CPU, RAM, GPU, storage controllers, and network interfaces, producing detailed reports.
Sandra loads discrete modules (CPU/Memory, Disk, GPU, Network) and runs synthetic tests, gathering data via Windows counters and WMI. It then formats results into a report, enabling hardware health assessment and performance comparisons.
Quick Fact: Sandra pioneered modular, cross-component benchmarking, allowing isolated tests that help pinpoint bottlenecks without crashing the whole tool.
Types of SiSoftware Processes
- Main GUI/Controller Process: User interface and control flow (1 instance)
- Benchmark Engine: CPU and memory benchmarking routines
- Sensor/Probe Modules: CPU, GPU, Memory, Disk, Network probes
- Report Writer: Generates HTML/CSV/XML reports
- Updater/Telemetry: Background update check and optional telemetry
- Helper/Utility Processes: Support tasks like data collection and formatting
Is sisoftware.exe Safe?
Yes, sisoftware.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from SiSoftware downloaded from official sources (sisoftware.com or bundled by publisher).
Is sisoftware.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sisoftware.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to masquerade as legitimate tools.
How to Tell if sisoftware.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite\sisoftware.exe. Any sisoftware.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show 'SiSoftware Ltd.' as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Typical usage is 1-8% CPU during scans; memory 20-150 MB. Persistent high usage outside tests warrants caution.
- Behavior: Sandra should run when launched by the user. Background execution without user action is unusual.
Red Flags: If sisoftware.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when not started, has no valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with reputable antivirus. Beware of similarly named files like 'sisoftware1.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is sisoftware.exe Running on My PC?
sisoftware.exe runs when SiSoftware Sandra Lite is used or when Sandra is configured to run certain analyses, benchmarks, or background checks. It may also spawn helper processes during a session.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Benchmark or Scan: You're actively running Sandra diagnostics; the engine spawns separate module tasks to gather data.
- Background Analysis: Sandra may perform background probes or pre-scan checks while you navigate the UI.
- Update Check: Sandra checks for software updates on startup or on a scheduled interval.
- Telemetry or Data Collection: If enabled, Sandra may collect anonymized usage data to improve the product.
- Scheduled Reports: A pre-configured schedule triggers a health scan or report generation.
Can I Disable or Remove sisoftware.exe?
Yes, you can disable sisoftware.exe. It's safe to close Sandra when not in use; you can uninstall it completely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop sisoftware.exe
- Close Sandra: Exit the SiSoftware Sandra Lite UI normally.
- End Task: Open Task Manager, locate sisoftware.exe or Sandra.exe, and choose End Task.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable SiSoftware Sandra Lite
- Disable Background Tasks: In Sandra Settings → Updates and Background Tasks, uncheck 'Run in background' or similar option
- Disable Automatic Scans: In Sandra preferences, turn off automatic benchmarking or scanning on startup
How to Uninstall SiSoftware Sandra Lite
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SiSoftware Sandra Lite → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → SiSoftware Sandra Lite → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative system utilities if you need hardware diagnostics
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If sisoftware.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many benchmarks or scans running concurrently: Close unnecessary modules or run a lighter test set; disable simultaneous analyses in Settings
- Background updates or telemetry: Disable automatic updates or telemetry in Sandra's settings; run only on demand
- Outdated version: Update to the latest Sandra Lite build from the official site
- Corrupted installation: Repair the installation or reinstall Sandra Lite from the official installer
- Conflicting security software: Add Sandra to the antivirus exclusion list or temporarily pause AV scans during benchmarks
- Hardware acceleration issues: Disable hardware acceleration in Settings → Display/Performance
Quick Fixes:
1. Close all non-essential Sandra modules and re-launch only what you need
2. Open Task Manager to identify which component is consuming CPU and memory
3. Update Sandra to the latest version
4. Disable automatic background scans in Sandra Settings
5. If issues persist, repair or reinstall Sandra Lite
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sisoftware.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate sisoftware.exe is part of SiSoftware Sandra Lite and should be located in C:\Program Files\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite or C:\Program Files (x86)\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite and signed by SiSoftware Ltd.
What does sisoftware.exe do?
It launches Sandra's diagnostic modules to collect hardware information, run benchmarks, and generate reports on CPU, memory, GPU, disk, and network components.
Can I run Sandra from a USB stick?
Sandra Lite is designed to be installed on a local drive; running from a USB is not typical and may trigger path checks. For best results, install on a fixed drive.
Does sisoftware.exe slow down my PC?
During active benchmarks or scans, CPU and memory usage can spike. Running lightweight checks or scheduling tests off-peak can minimize impact.
How do I update SiSoftware Sandra Lite?
Open Sandra, go to Settings or Help, and select Check for Updates. You can also download the latest installer from the official SiSoftware site.
How do I uninstall Sandra Lite?
Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SiSoftware Sandra Lite → Uninstall. Follow on-screen prompts to complete removal.