smartgit.exe

SmartGit Git Client

Application ProcessSafeGit Client

CPU Usage

2-15%

Memory

60-250 MB

Location

C:\\Program Files\\SmartGit

Publisher

Syntext GmbH

Quick Answer

smartgit.exe is safe. It’s the SmartGit GUI launcher, a legitimate component of the Git client from Syntext. It runs UI threads and background helpers as needed.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\\Program Files\\SmartGit\\bin\\smartgit.exe

Warning

Multiple processes possible

SmartGit uses a launcher and Java runtime; not all processes are individual apps

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close SmartGit or disable startup to stop the launcher

What is smartgit.exe?

smartgit.exe is the launcher for the SmartGit GUI on Windows. SmartGit is a cross-platform Git client that provides a graphical interface for common Git tasks, repository management, commits, merges, and conflict resolution. The executable starts the Java-based UI and coordinates helper processes.

SmartGit uses a launcher process that spawns a Java-based UI and background services. This design allows the app to offer a responsive interface while performing Git operations in separate worker threads.

Quick Fact: SmartGit runs on Java; the smartgit.exe launcher delegates heavy work to Java subprocesses for stability.

Types of SmartGit Processes

Launcher/Bootstrap: Initial process that starts the SmartGit GUI
UI/Renderer: The Java-based user interface rendering in a separate thread
Git Worker: Background Git operations (fetch, pull, push, diff)
Sub-processes: Java runtime instances and helper components
Updater: Background update checker and installer
Index/Cache: Project indexing and caches for fast search

Is smartgit.exe Safe?

Yes, smartgit.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Syntext downloaded from official sources (smartgit.com or the installed package).

Is smartgit.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real smartgit.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if smartgit.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\\Program Files\\SmartGit\\bin\\smartgit.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\SmartGit\\bin\\smartgit.exe. Anything else is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Task Manager or File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signing authority like "Syntext GmbH".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per operation, 60-250 MB total memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: SmartGit should launch when you start the application. Background processes outside normal startup may indicate tampering.

Red Flags: If smartgit.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when you haven't launched SmartGit, has no valid signature, or uses constant high resources, scan your system with up-to-date antivirus. Be wary of similarly-named files such as "smartgit32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is smartgit.exe Running on My PC?

smartgit.exe runs when you launch SmartGit or when background tasks are configured to run. The launcher also starts required helpers to enable a responsive UI.

Reasons it's running:

Active SmartGit Use: You're actively using SmartGit; each repository operation creates background workers and UI threads
Background Git Operations: Fetch, pull, push, and diff tasks run in the background while you work
Auto-Start on Login: SmartGit is configured to launch automatically when Windows starts
Background Indexing: SmartGit indexes projects for quick search and change tracking
Updater and Plugins: SmartGit's updater or installed plugins may spawn processes during checks

Can I Disable or Remove smartgit.exe?

Yes, you can disable smartgit.exe. It's safe to close SmartGit when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different Git client.

How to Stop smartgit.exe

Close SmartGit: Use the X button to exit the GUI or choose File > Exit
End Background Tasks: In Task Manager, end the smartgit.exe process and any related Java processes
Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable SmartGit
Disable Background Jobs: SmartGit > Preferences > System > uncheck background indexing and auto-fetch
Prevent Auto-Update: SmartGit > Preferences > Updates > Turn off auto-update

How to Uninstall SmartGit

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> SmartGit -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> SmartGit -> Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative Git clients: Sourcetree, GitHub Desktop, GitKraken

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If smartgit.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Open Repositories: Close unused repositories and disable automatic indexing for idle projects
Background Git Operations: Pause or limit fetch/pull or run in a smaller subset of repos
Large Repositories with Large Histories: Exclude large histories or optimize clone depth
Outdated SmartGit Version: Update to the latest version from smartgit.com
Java Heap Size Too Low: Increase memory allocation in SmartGit Preferences (e.g., -Xmx1024m)
Antivirus Interference: Add SmartGit to antivirus exclusions or temporarily disable scanning during use

Quick Fixes:
1. Switch to a single repository or window to reduce load
2. Pause active fetch/push operations
3. Close unnecessary repos and UI panels
4. Update SmartGit to the latest version
5. Increase Java heap size in preferences and restart SmartGit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is smartgit.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate smartgit.exe from Syntext is not a virus. Ensure it is located in C:\Program Files\SmartGit\bin\smartgit.exe and check the digital signature from Syntext GmbH.

Why is smartgit.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually due to active Git operations, large repo histories, or indexing. Use SmartGit Task Manager (Window > Show Console) to identify the culprit and pause or stop it.

Can I delete smartgit.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall SmartGit via Windows Settings > Apps. Your repositories are separate data; they reside outside the application directory.

Can I disable smartgit.exe?

Yes, you can disable its startup and background indexing in SmartGit Preferences. You can also close the GUI to stop processes.

Why is smartgit.exe running at startup?

SmartGit may be configured to launch at login to keep recent projects accessible. Disable it in Task Manager > Startup or in SmartGit Preferences > Updates > Startup.

How do I reduce SmartGit's memory usage?

Close unused repositories, disable unnecessary indexing, and increase memory allocation to -Xmx1024m in SmartGit preferences, then restart the app.