Windows is powered by hundreds if not thousands of background processes running behind the scenes that make it the cohesive, easy to use the operating system that we know.
However, at times these background processes use far too many system resources and often, malware operators disguise malicious programs to look like legitimate background processes on Windows.
In this article, we’re talking about the IGFXEM module, what it does, and how to disable it if the need arises.
What is the IGFXEM module?
IGFXEM module or the Intel Graphic Executable Main Module is a background process running to support Intel integrated GPU drivers. Some Nvidia and AMD graphics cards drivers also use the executable.
When you do anything that changes your display properties, such as changing the screen resolution, the module acts as a middleman between the operating system and the GPU hardware. It ensures the settings remain in place, even after restarting your PC.
Since it works in collaboration with other processes to keep your PC’s graphics card running, it can sometimes end up using far too many system resources that you’d want it to use. However, since it isn’t a core Windows module, you can force stop it if you find it causing problems.
Also read: How to fix Windows installation error 0x80300024?
How to verify if the IGFXEM module process is genuine?
The process is designed and developed by the Intel Corporation, but it is digitally signed by Microsoft, which indicates the process is genuine.
However, often malware disguises itself as the process to run in the background. You can check their legitimacy using the steps below.
Step 1: Launch the task manager and find the IGFXEM module. Right-click and select properties.
Step 2: Head over to the Digital Signatures tab and check the Name of signature field.
Also read: How to sync clipboard across Android and Windows?
How to fix IGFXEM module?
If IGFXEM is using too many system resources for you, follow these steps to fix the problem.
Scan for malware
Scanning for any possible malware and removing any found can also help get rid of the issue. Often, malware can hog up your PC’s resources under the pretext of a Windows process.
Force stop the IGFXEM module
Although not recommended, you can simply force stop the module to save system resources. However, keep in mind that it might lead to some visual artefacts.
To disable the process, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Windows key + X to open the quick access menu. Click on Task Manager.
Step 2: Find the IGFXEM module, right-click it and select End task.
Update your GPU drivers
Outdated GPU drivers can also cause this issue in particular. While you should update all your drivers, take special care of your display drivers if you run into an error like this.
Step 1: Right-click Start and select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Under Display Adaptors, find your graphics card’s name, right-click on it and click on Update Drivers.
Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will automatically look for and download the latest drivers for your particular GPU.
While this should help resolve the IGFXEM module error, in case it doesn’t, click Uninstall device and restart your PC to force Windows to install the required drivers. You can then update them later. Alternatively, you can also remove your GPU and reinsert it if you can.
Run an SFC scan
Corrupt files are the number one reason your PC might behave weirdly. Here’s how you can get rid of them and potentially resolve your issue.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to bring up the Cortana/Search box and search for Powershell. Open Windows Powershell from the search results.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system for issues.
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problem, use the following command to resolve them.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC, and the IGFXEM module should be resolved. If that doesn’t help, you can also run a DISM scan to fix any other errors by using this guide.
Also read: Windows 10 stuck on restarting: 5 Fixes
