sublime_text.exe

Sublime Text

Application Process Safe Development / Code Editor
CPU Usage
1-5%
Memory
50-200 MB
Location
Program Files
Publisher
Sublime HQ Pty Ltd

Quick Answer

sublime_text.exe is safe. It's the legitimate executable for Sublime Text, a popular lightweight code editor by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd, known for its speed and performance.

Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Legitimate software when from official source
Purpose
Code Editor
Lightweight text and code editing
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close it or uninstall if not needed

What is sublime_text.exe?

sublime_text.exe is the main executable process for Sublime Text, a sophisticated text editor for code, markup, and prose. It's a popular lightweight alternative to heavier IDEs, known for its speed, simplicity, and powerful features like multiple cursors, split editing, and extensive plugin support.

Sublime Text is shareware with an unlimited evaluation period, meaning you can use it indefinitely with occasional purchase reminders. It's widely used by developers, web designers, and writers for editing code in various programming languages including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and many others.

Quick Fact: Sublime Text is written in C++ and Python, which contributes to its exceptional performance and speed compared to Electron-based editors.

Is sublime_text.exe Safe?

Yes, sublime_text.exe is completely safe when it's the legitimate version downloaded from sublimetext.com or installed through official channels.

Is sublime_text.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real sublime_text.exe is NOT a virus. It's a legitimate software application developed by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd, a reputable Australian software company founded by Jon Skinner in 2007.

How to Tell if sublime_text.exe is Legitimate or Malware

  1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Sublime Text\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Sublime Text\. Any sublime_text.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
  2. Digital Signature: Should show "Sublime HQ Pty Ltd" as the publisher
  3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 50-200 MB RAM and 1-5% CPU when idle. Constant high usage without open files is suspicious.
  4. Behavior: Only runs when you open Sublime Text manually. Should not start automatically at boot unless you configured it to do so.

Red Flags:

  • Located in System32, Temp, or AppData folders
  • Running multiple instances when you only opened one
  • High network activity (Sublime Text rarely uses network)
  • Unsigned or signed by a different publisher
  • Starts automatically at boot without your configuration

Why Is sublime_text.exe Running on My PC?

sublime_text.exe runs when you manually open Sublime Text to edit files. Unlike some editors, it doesn't run background services or update processes when closed.

Reasons it's running:

Can I Disable or Remove sublime_text.exe?

Yes, you can disable or remove sublime_text.exe. It's a third-party application that you installed, so closing or uninstalling it won't affect Windows system functionality.

How to Close Sublime Text

How to Uninstall Sublime Text

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11) or Control Panel → Programs and Features (Windows 10)
  2. Find "Sublime Text" in the list
  3. Click and select "Uninstall"
  4. Follow the uninstall wizard

Note: Uninstalling Sublime Text will remove the editor but won't delete your projects or files. Your code and documents remain safe on your computer.

Alternatives to Sublime Text

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If sublime_text.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Quick Fixes:
1. Close unnecessary tabs and projects
2. Disable resource-intensive packages temporarily
3. Restart Sublime Text with a clean session (Close all windows and reopen)
4. Check for updates - newer versions often improve performance
5. If editing massive files, consider splitting them into smaller chunks

Performance Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sublime_text.exe a virus?

No, sublime_text.exe is not a virus. It's the legitimate executable for Sublime Text code editor by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd. Verify it's located in C:\Program Files\Sublime Text\ and digitally signed by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd. If found elsewhere or unsigned, scan it with antivirus software.

Why is sublime_text.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usage typically occurs when opening very large files, indexing large project folders, or running resource-intensive plugins. Wait for indexing to complete, close unnecessary tabs, disable unused packages, or check if auto-save/auto-complete features are working overtime. Sublime Text is generally very lightweight.

Can I delete sublime_text.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall Sublime Text through Windows Settings → Apps or Control Panel. It's third-party software and removing it won't harm your system. Your files and projects will remain intact. However, you'll lose access to the editor and need an alternative like VS Code or Notepad++.

Can I disable sublime_text.exe?

Yes, simply close the Sublime Text window or end the process in Task Manager. Sublime Text doesn't run background services, so closing it completely stops the process. It only runs when you actively use the editor.

Why is sublime_text.exe running at startup?

Sublime Text doesn't start automatically by default. If it's running at startup, you either: 1) configured it to restore your previous session, 2) added it to Windows startup programs, or 3) have a file association that triggers on login. Check Preferences → Settings and Windows startup programs to modify this behavior.

Is Sublime Text free?

Sublime Text is shareware with an unlimited evaluation period. You can use it free indefinitely, but you'll see occasional purchase reminders. A license costs $99 for 3 years of updates and removes the pop-up messages. The evaluation version has full functionality.

How much RAM does sublime_text.exe use?

Sublime Text typically uses 50-200 MB of RAM, making it one of the most lightweight code editors available. RAM usage increases with the number of open tabs, plugins, and file size. Even with multiple large files, it remains significantly lighter than Electron-based editors like VS Code.

Related Processes