Quick Answer
webstorm64.exe is safe. It's the 64‑bit launcher for JetBrains WebStorm IDE, used to run the editor with multiple internal processes for indexing, analysis, and tooling.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin\webstorm64.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal
WebStorm uses separate processes for indexing, inspections, and plugins; high activity may occur during large projects
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the IDE when not needed or disable startup through JetBrains Toolbox / Windows startup settings
What is webstorm64.exe?
webstorm64.exe is the 64‑bit launcher for JetBrains WebStorm IDE, the specialized editor for modern JavaScript and TypeScript development. It starts the IDE, loads your project, and initializes editors, inspections, and tools. The executable often spawns multiple helper processes to keep the UI responsive and stable during large workspaces.
WebStorm uses a multi‑process design: a main process handles the UI and project state while separate background services perform indexing, code analysis, and plugin tasks. This separation improves responsiveness and fault containment for large codebases.
Quick Fact: WebStorm employs background indexing and on‑the‑fly code analysis to provide instant feedback as you type, improving navigation and refactoring across large projects.
Types of WebStorm Processes
- Main Process: UI, settings, and project model management
- Editor/Renderer: Code editors and rendering for open files
- Indexer Process: Background indexing for search and navigation
- Inspection/Analysis: Static analysis, linting, and quick-fix engines
- Plugin Process: Isolates plugin execution to prevent crashes
- Build/Task Runner: Background tasks like npm/yarn, tests, and builds
Is webstorm64.exe Safe?
Yes, webstorm64.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from JetBrains and installed from JetBrains Toolbox or official JetBrains downloads.
Is webstorm64.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real webstorm64.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if webstorm64.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin\webstorm64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin\webstorm64.exe. Any webstorm64.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click webstorm64.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "JetBrains s.r.o."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-20% CPU per core during active editing, 600-1800 MB total memory. Constant high usage when IDE is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: WebStorm should run only when the IDE is started. Continuous background activity or background services outside the IDE may indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If webstorm64.exe is located outside expected folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when the IDE isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus and verify with JetBrains support.
Why Is webstorm64.exe Running on My PC?
webstorm64.exe runs to support the JetBrains WebStorm IDE when you start the application or when WebStorm performs background tasks (indexing, code analysis, or plugin operations).
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Use: You have WebStorm open and editing files; each editor window can spawn processes for performance.
- Background Indexing: WebStorm indexes project files for fast search and navigation even while you work.
- Code Analysis in Real-Time: Live inspections run in the background to provide instant feedback on code quality.
- Plugins and Tooling: Installed plugins may run their own processes for syntax checks, linters, or language servers.
- Startup and Background Tasks: WebStorm may launch background tasks on startup, such as npm install checks or project indexing, and may stay active for project health checks.
Can I Disable or Remove webstorm64.exe?
Yes, you can disable webstorm64.exe. It's safe to close WebStorm when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different IDE.
How to Stop webstorm64.exe
- End Individual Windows: Close tabs and editors; use File > Exit or close the IDE to stop background processing
- Close IDE: Click the close button or use Alt+F4 to exit WebStorm
- End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find webstorm64.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: JetBrains Toolbox or Windows Startup: disable WebStorm from auto-starting
- Manage Background Tasks: In WebStorm settings, disable unnecessary background tasks (e.g., indexing during idle)
How to Uninstall WebStorm
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → WebStorm → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → WebStorm → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove remaining configuration in C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\JetBrains\WebStorm
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If webstorm64.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Large Workspace with Many Opened Projects: Close unused projects or enable Project View filtering; limit simultaneously open editors.
- Resource-Intensive Plugins: Disable or remove plugins you do not use via Settings → Plugins.
- Background Indexing: Wait for indexing to complete; you can exclude folders in Project Settings to reduce scope.
- Real-Time Inspections: Adjust inspection settings or scopes to reduce CPU for heavy files.
- Outdated WebStorm Version: Update WebStorm to the latest version from JetBrains or via Toolbox.
- Hardware Acceleration Issues: Try disabling hardware acceleration in Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings
Quick Fixes:
1. Open WebStorm Task Manager (if available) or use Windows Task Manager to identify heavy processes
2. Close unused editors and projects
3. Disable unnecessary plugins: Settings → Plugins
4. Check for updates: Help → Check for Updates
5. Restart WebStorm after major changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is webstorm64.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate webstorm64.exe from JetBrains is not a virus. Verify the path is in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin and that the Digital Signature shows JetBrains s.r.o.
Why is WebStorm using so much CPU?
High CPU is often due to active indexing, real‑time inspections on large files, or problematic plugins. Check Task Manager, pause indexing, and disable unnecessary plugins.
How can I reduce WebStorm memory usage?
Close unused projects/tabs, increase IDE memory if needed (idea.vmoptions or WebStorm VM options), and disable heavy background tasks or plugins.
Where is webstorm64.exe located?
Typically in: C:\Program Files\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin. If you installed via JetBrains Toolbox, the path may differ slightly but should be under JetBrains\WebStorm.
Can I disable WebStorm from starting at Windows startup?
Yes. Use JetBrains Toolbox or Windows Startup items to disable automatic startup; you can also disable startup tasks in Task Manager → Startup.
How do I uninstall WebStorm?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → WebStorm → Uninstall, or Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → WebStorm. Remove leftover configuration if desired from AppData.