What is IgfxEM Module? When you power on your Windows system, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, even before the operating system boots. Some programs stored on the motherboard get everything in the system ready to start the OS. Other programs on the OS assure that changes and settings made to your computer before you shut it down remain the same upon restart.
One such program is the Intel Graphics Executable Main Module, quickly called the IgfxEM module. It’s an integral part of the Windows operating system and usually runs in the background without affecting your PC’s performance.
However, there are cases when this graphics module constitutes a nuisance. We’ve seen objections and reports of the IgfxEM process using high CPU resources, raising CPU temperature, and other abnormalities.
In this explainer, we’ll walk you through what the IgfxEM Module is, what it does, and how to resolve if it is safe for your PC or not. We’ll also explain you how to fix problems relating to the IgfxEM.exe process.
What Is IgfxEM.exe?
IgfxEM.exe is the executable file and part of the Intel Graphic Executable Main Module. You’ll see the igfxEM.exe process running in the background if your PC uses an Intel graphics card. Some NVIDIA and AMD graphics card drivers also utilize this executable file.
When you change your system screen resolution, for example, igfxEM.exe acts as a middleman between your graphics card and your PC’s display interface, it communicates your action to the graphics card, changes the screen resolution, and makes sure the current resolution stays the same—even when you power off your PC.
The igfxEM process operates collaboratively with your PC’s graphics cards to modify keyboard shortcuts and other display-related configurations like screen rotation.
High CPU Usage: Is the igfxEM Module Safe?
Although the igfxEM.exe file is essential to keep some features of your system running smoothly, it’s not a core Windows 10 system file. It’s designed and developed by Intel Corporation but also digitally authenticated/signed by Microsoft. This certifies the igfxEM.exe as an open file.
However, the genuineness of the file doesn’t guarantee its safety. If for some reason, the igfxEM.exe process continues to utilize CPU resources, then it becomes unsafe for the health of your computer. There’s also the problem of malware impersonation.
The safety of igfxEM.exe is relative to two things: the file’s digital certification and its behavior on your system. In brief, the following factors are responsible for igfxEM.exe high CPU usage:
- When the igfxEM module disputes with other software or background processes.
- When malware or virus camouflages/imitates the igfxEM.exe file to cause harm to your system.
In the next part, we’ll show you how to check if you have the genuine igfxEM.exe file installed on your computer.
Is Your IgfxEM.exe File Genuine?
The igfxEM.exe file gets bundled with the Intel graphics suite. This means that it’s automatically installed alongside your system’s graphics driver. However, if the process is malfunctioning, you should verify if the file is genuine or if malware is hiding under the guise of the igfxEM executable file.
- Type igfxem in the Windows Search box, right-hit igfxem (or IgfxEM.exe) in the search result, and select Open file location.
- Right-click on igfxem.exe and choose Properties from the context menu.
- Enter the Digital Signatures tab and check the Signature list table.
If Intel and Microsoft are the digital signatories, you have nothing to bother about. Otherwise, the igfxem.exe file on your system is not genuine and most likely malware. You should delete it ASAP.
Troubleshooting igfxEM.exe Errors
Several factors trigger the igfxEM.exe file to throw error messages, consume sizeable virtual memory, or use high CPU resources. Fortunately, there are also a handful of ways to curb its excesses.
Force Stop the igfxEM Module
This is by far the quickest (and easiest) method to put a rogue igfxEM module in order. Launch the Windows Task Manager (hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc), right-click the igfxEM module, and select End task.
You can also reduce the CPU usage of the IgfxEM module by closing other unnecessary apps that are active in the background. Try the next solution if the process initiates itself (i.e., if it comes back on automatically) and continues to overburden your PC’s CPU or memory.
Update Your Graphics Card Driver
The igfxEM.exe process may malfunction if your system’s graphics card driver is out of date. You can verify if an update for the Intel graphics card is available using the Windows Device Manager.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your graphics card’s adapter, and choose Update Driver or Update Driver Software.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software. The Device Manager will search your system and the internet for the latest graphic card driver software available for your device. So make sure you’re connected to the internet before you move.
If the Device Manager doesn’t see an update for the driver, you can use Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant (Intel DSA). The tool is a little more positive for updating Intel graphic drivers. Head to Intel’s support page, download the Driver & Support Assistant setup file, and install it on your system.
Connect your system to the internet and launch the app. That’ll redirect you to a resource page where you’ll find driver and software updates available for your system.
Disable the IgfxEM Process
If your graphics driver is up-to-date, but the difficulty continues, try disabling IgfxEM.exe using the System Configuration tool.
- Start the Windows Run box (Windows key + R). Enter MSConfig into the dialog box and click OK.
- Navigate to the Services tab.
- Move through the list of services and uncheck the igfxEM Module.
- Click Apply and then OK to proceed.
Scan for Malware and Viruses
Viruses and malware can cause a slight spike in CPU usage for specific processes. Run a virus scan utilizing the Windows Defender or trusted third-party antivirus software.