Quick Answer
XeroxWorkCentrePrinterService.exe is safe. It's the official Xerox printer driver service used by WorkCentre devices to manage print jobs, scanning, and device communication.
What is XeroxWorkCentrePrinterService.exe?
Xerox WorkCentre is a family of networked multifunction printers that supports printing, copying, scanning and faxing from a single device. It relies on embedded controllers and driver software to receive jobs, manage queues, control scan workflows, and report status to clients and management systems.
WorkCentre uses a background driver/service to receive print and scan jobs, convert data to printer-ready formats, and coordinate with network protocols (IPP/SMB/LPD) and device firmware. It ensures reliable queuing, status feedback, and error handling for shared Xerox devices.
Quick Fact: Xerox WorkCentre devices support secure print and multi‑function workflows, and the printer service runs as separate processes to isolate printing, scanning, and management tasks.
Types of Xerox WorkCentre Processes
- Driver Service: Receives jobs, queues, and communicates with Xerox hardware
- Scan Service: Manages scan-to-email/FTP and image processing
- Firmware Update Service: Checks and applies printer firmware updates
- Job Monitor: Monitors ongoing jobs and queue status in the printer UI
- Network Communication: Handles IPP, SMB, SNMP messaging and device discovery
- Maintenance Service: Performs calibration, counters, logs, and routine tasks
Is xerox-workcentre.exe Safe?
Yes, xerox-workcentre.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Xerox service from official software.
Is xerox-workcentre.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real xerox-workcentre.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to deceive users.
How to Tell if xerox-workcentre.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Xerox\WorkCentre\Driver\XeroxWorkCentrePrinterService.exe or C:\Program Files\Xerox\WorkCentre\Driver\XeroxScanService.exe. Any xerox-workcentre.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer or Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click xerox-workcentre.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Xerox Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU, 60-180 MB memory. Extremely high usage when no work is being performed is suspicious.
- Behavior: The process should run during print/scan activity or status checks. Constant background activity when idle could indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If xerox-workcentre.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without user action, lacks a valid digital signature, or shows abnormal resource usage constantly, scan with Xerox support tools and verify driver integrity.
Why Is xerox-workcentre.exe Running on My PC?
The Xerox WorkCentre service runs to handle printing, scanning, and device management tasks. It may stay active to monitor queues, receive scans, or report status to network clients.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Printing: A print job is in progress or queued; the service handles data transfer and device communication.
- Background Scanning: Scanner tasks, scan-to-email/FTP, or cloud destinations initiate the scanning service in the background.
- Network Monitoring: Device status polling, job notifications, and discovery on the local network keep the service running.
- Driver/Software Updates: Periodic checks for driver or firmware updates may trigger background activity.
- Print Queue Management: Multiple jobs in the queue, retries, and priority handling keep the service active.
Can I Disable or Remove xerox-workcentre.exe?
Yes, you can disable the Xerox WorkCentre driver service when not in use. Use the printer management software to disable the service, or stop it in Windows Services, but ensure you don't disable essential printing capabilities.
How to Stop xerox-workcentre.exe
- End Active Jobs: Open the Print Queue and cancel or pause active print jobs
- Stop the Printer Service: Open Services.msc, locate Xerox WorkCentre Printer Service (or similar), and click Stop
- Disable Startup: In Services.msc, set Startup type to Disabled for the Xerox WorkCentre Driver Service
- Prevent Background Scanning: Within Xerox software, disable options like 'Continue running background tasks' for scanning
- Temporary Disable: If you need a quick pause, exit the Xerox software and disconnect the device until you need to print again
How to Uninstall Xerox WorkCentre Driver
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Xerox WorkCentre Driver → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Xerox WorkCentre Driver → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the PC after removal and reinstall only if you plan to use the device again
Common Problems: Printing Delays or Scan Failures
If xerox-workcentre.exe or the related Xerox services cause delays, errors, or failed scans, follow these common troubleshooting steps.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large or complex print jobs: Pause and split large documents; enable print optimization and use print preview to reduce resource demand.
- Outdated or corrupted drivers: Update to the latest Xerox WorkCentre driver from the official Xerox support site and reinstall if needed.
- Spooler service issues: Restart the Windows Print Spooler service (services.msc → Print Spooler → Restart) and re-add the printer if necessary.
- Network connectivity problems: Verify device IP address, check network cables, and ensure the printer is reachable via IPP/SMB; reboot network gear if needed.
- Corrupted print queues: Clear the print queue, delete stalled jobs, and re-add the printer to the system.
- Malware masquerading as Xerox process: Run a full antivirus/malware scan; verify digital signatures and file path to confirm authenticity.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Print Queue and cancel heavy or stuck jobs
2. Update Xerox WorkCentre driver to the latest version
3. Restart the Print Spooler service
4. Reinstall the Xerox WorkCentre driver if problems persist
5. Run a full system antivirus scan and verify digital signatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Is xerox-workcentre.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate Xerox WorkCentre process is not a virus. Ensure the file path is C:\Program Files\Xerox\WorkCentre\Driver\XeroxWorkCentrePrinterService.exe and that the digital signature shows 'Xerox Corporation'.
Why is xerox-workcentre.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during large print jobs, scanning tasks, or if drivers are corrupted. Check the Print Queue, update drivers, and restart the Print Spooler. Run a malware scan if concerns persist.
Can I delete xerox-workcentre.exe?
You should not delete it unless you are removing the Xerox WorkCentre software entirely. Deleting it will disrupt printing and scanning capabilities. Uninstall from Settings → Apps if you no longer need the device.
Can I disable xerox-workcentre.exe?
Yes, you can disable the corresponding Windows Service when not printing (Services.msc). Do not disable if you rely on printing; instead, stop background tasks or set startup to manual.
Why is it running at startup?
Some Xerox utilities are configured to start at boot to enable immediate printing and device monitoring. You can disable startup from the Services manager or the Xerox software settings.
Why are there multiple xerox-workcentre processes?
WorkCentre uses a multi-process architecture to handle printing, scanning, and management tasks separately. This improves stability; use Shift+Ctrl+Esc to inspect active Xerox processes and their roles.