Quick Answer
whitesmoke.exe is safe. It's WhiteSmoke's official desktop writing assistant. It runs a multi-component engine to provide grammar checks, style suggestions, and translation features.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\WhiteSmoke\ or Program Files (x86)\WhiteSmoke\WhiteSmoke.exe
Warning
Most Whitesmoke components run as separate processes
Separate updater, engine, and UI modules may launch concurrently
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close WhiteSmoke(s) or disable startup and background features
What is whitesmoke.exe?
whitesmoke.exe is the executable for the WhiteSmoke writing assistant. It coordinates the main application UI, grammar checks, and translation features. The process may spawn helper components to support real-time proofreading as you type in supported editors.
The whitesmoke.exe runner uses a layered architecture to separate the core engine from the user interface and cloud services. This isolation improves stability and security while enabling live grammar and style suggestions across apps.
Quick Fact: WhiteSmoke pioneered integrated grammar and style checking across desktop apps, providing live feedback as you compose documents.
Types of WhiteSmoke Processes
- Launcher Process: Starts the WhiteSmoke client and initializes modules (1 instance)
- Engine Process: Runs the grammar, style, and translation rules (multiple instances per document)
- Updater Process: Checks for and applies software updates
- Background Sync Process: Syncs settings and licenses with the cloud
- Helper/Plugin Process: Supports integration with third-party editors
- License Verification Process: Maintains license validity and usage telemetry
Is whitesmoke.exe Safe?
Yes, whitesmoke.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from WhiteSmoke downloaded from official sources.
Is whitesmoke.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real whitesmoke.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names, so verify the location and signature.
How to Tell if whitesmoke.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\WhiteSmoke\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\WhiteSmoke\. Any whitesmoke.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "WhiteSmoke, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU, 60-180 MB total memory. Constantly high usage outside active tasks is suspicious.
- Behavior: Whitesmoke components should start with the WhiteSmoke client or editor integration. Unprompted background activity is a red flag.
Red Flags: If whitesmoke.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs without user action, has no valid signature, or uses persistent resources, scan with antivirus and verify the vendor.
Why Is whitesmoke.exe Running on My PC?
whitesmoke.exe runs when you start the WhiteSmoke desktop client or when the editor plugins are preparing real-time grammar and style checks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Writing Session: You have WhiteSmoke open in a supported editor and live checks are active for your document.
- Background Grammar/Style Checking: The engine runs in the background to provide instant suggestions as you type.
- Auto-Update or License Check: The updater or license verification components may run to ensure you have a valid subscription.
- Editor/Plugin Integration: Plugins for Word, browsers, or editors may spawn processes to coordinate feedback.
- Cloud Sync and Translation: Online features require background processes to sync preferences and translate phrases.
Can I Disable or Remove whitesmoke.exe?
Yes, you can disable whitesmoke.exe. It's safe to close the WhiteSmoke client when not in use, and you can uninstall it if you prefer another writing tool.
How to Stop whitesmoke.exe
- End Individual Tasks: In the WhiteSmoke client, sign out or exit the application to stop core processes.
- Close Editor Integrations: Close any editors or plugins using WhiteSmoke to reduce background activity.
- End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate whitesmoke.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable WhiteSmoke
- Stop Background Features: WhiteSmoke Settings → General → Disable background checks or cloud sync
How to Uninstall WhiteSmoke
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → WhiteSmoke → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → WhiteSmoke → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative writing tools: Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Microsoft Editor
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If whitesmoke.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Editors/Plugins Open: Close unnecessary editors or disable nonessential WhiteSmoke plugins in the editor extension settings.
- Resource-Heavy Checks: Limit real-time checks to active document windows and pause background analysis in WhiteSmoke settings.
- Outdated Software: Update WhiteSmoke to the latest version from the official site or within the app.
- Background Sync: Disable cloud sync temporarily to test if resource use decreases.
- Conflicting Extensions: Disable other grammar or writing tools to see if conflicts arise; re-enable one-by-one.
- Corrupted User Profile: Reset WhiteSmoke preferences or create a new user profile within the app.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open WhiteSmoke task manager from the app and suspend heavy modules
2. Restart WhiteSmoke client and the host editor
3. Clear local cache or reset user preferences
4. Update to the latest version
5. Disable background sync and automated checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is whitesmoke.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate whitesmoke.exe from WhiteSmoke is not a virus. Verify the file path is <code>C:\Program Files\WhiteSmoke\WhiteSmoke.exe</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\WhiteSmoke\WhiteSmoke.exe</code> and that the digital signature shows 'WhiteSmoke, Inc.'.
Why is whitesmoke.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during heavy editing or when real-time grammar checks are enabled across multiple documents. Check the WhiteSmoke task manager, disable nonessential modules, and ensure you’re running the latest version.
Can I delete whitesmoke.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall WhiteSmoke through Windows Settings → Apps if you no longer need it. Your data will be removed unless you sync with a cloud account. Reinstall from the official WhiteSmoke site if needed.
Can I disable whitesmoke.exe?
Yes. Exit the WhiteSmoke client or disable startup and background features in Settings. You can also end the process via Task Manager, but this may stop live grammar checks.
Why does Whitesmoke start during Windows startup?
WhiteSmoke may be configured to launch at startup for quick access. Disable the startup entry in Task Manager → Startup to prevent automatic launching.
How do I reduce WhiteSmoke’s memory usage?
Close unused documents, disable unnecessary editor integrations, and enable Memory Saver options in WhiteSmoke Settings. Regularly update to the latest version for performance improvements.