stata.exe

Stata Statistical Software

Application ProcessSafeData Analysis

CPU Usage

1-10%

Memory

50-200 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Stata17

Publisher

StataCorp LLC

Quick Answer

stata.exe is safe. It is the official Stata executable used to run your data analyses, scripts, and graphics in the Stata environment.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Stata17\stata.exe

Warning

Single process for a session

Stata typically runs as a single interactive session, not dozens of per-task processes

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

You can safely close Stata when not in use and disable startup auto-launch if configured

What is stata.exe?

stata.exe is the Windows executable for the Stata statistical software. When you launch Stata, stata.exe starts a session that handles data management, statistical procedures, and graphics, often providing a GUI window and a Do-file editor.

Stata uses a tightly integrated single-process architecture with internal multithreading for certain operations, enabling efficient data analysis and graphical rendering while maintaining stability and reproducibility.

Quick Fact: Stata's do-file engine compiles and executes scripts within the same process, ensuring consistent workspace management.

Types of Stata Processes

Stata Session (GUI): Interactive session with Do-file Editor and Results window
Do-file Interpreter: Runs commands from do-files and ado files
Graph Processor: Renders graphics and charts from commands
Batch/Automation: Executes scripts via batch mode or batch runner
Background Tasks: Background processing like results export or data import
Utility Components: Internal helpers for memory management and I/O

Is stata.exe Safe?

Yes, stata.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from StataCorp LLC downloaded from official sources.

Is stata.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real stata.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if stata.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Stata17\stata.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Stata17\stata.exe. Any stata.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: In Explorer, navigate to C:\Program Files\Stata17\stata.exe, right-click → Properties → Digital Signatures; should show "StataCorp LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU per session, 50-200 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Stata should only run when you start the application or execute scripts. Multiple instances when Stata is closed indicates malware.

Red Flags: If stata.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when Stata isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Be wary of similar names like "stataw.exe" or "stata32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is stata.exe Running on My PC?

stata.exe runs when you launch Stata, run a do-file, or when scripts are scheduled to execute. It can also stay active if you enable background tasks for automation.

Reasons it's running:

Active Stata Session: You are currently using Stata—an interactive session maintains stata.exe in memory.
Batch or Do-file Execution: A do-file, ado script, or batch command is actively running, keeping stata.exe alive.
Background Tasks: Stata is configured to run in the background for automated reports, scheduled exports, or data imports.
Startup or Auto-Launch: Stata may be configured to launch on Windows startup or via a startup shortcut.
Resource-Intensive Graphs: Generating large graphs or complex statistical procedures can keep the process active.

Can I Disable or Remove stata.exe?

Yes, you can disable stata.exe. If you don't need Stata, uninstall it; otherwise you can close it when not in use and disable startup auto-launch.

How to Stop stata.exe

End Active Session: In Stata, close the Do-file Editor and Results window, or type exit in the command window.
Close Application: Use File > Exit to close Stata; ensure no scripts are running.
End Process in Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate stata.exe, right-click → End Task
Prevent Startup: Disable any Stata shortcuts in Windows Startup folder or Task Manager > Startup
Stop Background Automation: In Stata, check 'Schedule' tasks and disable automated runs

How to Uninstall Stata

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Stata -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Stata -> Uninstall
✔ Visit stata.com for license management and reinstall options for different editions

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If stata.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Large dataset loaded in memory: Work with smaller samples or use memory-efficient procedures and clear datasets when not needed
Inefficient do-file: Optimize loops, vectorize operations, and profile commands to reduce CPU usage
Complex graphics: Limit large graph rendering; save graphics in batches or disable interactive plotting during heavy analysis
Background automation: Review scheduled tasks and disable auto-runs if unnecessary
Outdated Stata version: Update Stata to the latest version from the official site
Insufficient memory allocation: Increase memory available to Stata or optimize data handling

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Stata Task Manager or check the Do-file Editor for heavy scripts
2. Close unused datasets and clear memory with clear all
3. Review and disable unnecessary ado/extensions
4. Update Stata to the latest version
5. Restart Stata to reset memory and caches

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stata.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate stata.exe from StataCorp LLC is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\Stata17\stata.exe and has a valid digital signature.

Why is stata.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually caused by large matrix operations, complex modeling, or running multiple do-files. Use Stata Task Manager to identify the script consuming CPU, optimize code, and consider upgrading hardware.

Can I delete stata.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall Stata from Windows Settings if you no longer need it. Your workspaces will be removed unless you back them up.

Can I disable stata.exe?

Yes, you can close Stata or end the process in Task Manager. To prevent startup, disable it in Task Manager > Startup or remove startup shortcuts.

Why is stata.exe running at startup?

Stata may be configured to launch on Windows startup via startup shortcuts or automation tools. Disable the startup entry to prevent automatic launch.

Why are there so many stata processes?

Stata typically runs a single interactive session per instance. If you see multiple stata.exe processes, it may indicate separate sessions or background tasks; verify with Task Manager.

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