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What’s gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe? Is it safe or a virus?

The `gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe` is an auxiliary executable used by GIMP on Windows systems to handle the spawning of subprocesses, particularly when executing commands that require a console. It is part of the GLib library, a dependency of GIMP, and facilitates communication between GIMP and external processes or scripts without freezing or crashing the application. Its function is primarily back-end and ensures that GIMP operates smoothly when interacting with other programs or scripts. While it may run in the background, it is not malicious and is required for proper functionality in some scenarios within GIMP's workflows.

GIMP is an open source graphic editing software similar to Adobe Photoshop.

Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe process is safe or malware.

  1. Scan the executable with Microsoft's built-in tech
  2. Find gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe's publisher
  3. Search the executable's hash with VirusTotal
  4. Monitor the executable's behavior

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe?

We’ve found GIMP should be the publisher of gspawn-win64-helper-console.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: August 4, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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