CCXProcess.exe is a legitimate process belonging to Adobe Creative Cloud. It regularly confuses users who open Task Manager and look at the list of running apps. That process also appears in the startup list, creating even more questions. Now, let me explain what this process is and find out when to be wary of it and when not.
Process Summary
| Process Name | CCXProcess.exe |
| Legitimate Publisher | Adobe Systems Incorporated |
| Primary Function | Adobe Creative Cloud background service, content delivery, updates |
| Typical Location | C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud Experience\ |
| Resource Usage | Low CPU and memory consumption (typically under 50MB) |
| Security Risk | Safe when legitimate, High Risk if impersonated |
| Common Issues | MSVCP140.dll errors, malware impersonation, unnecessary resource usage |
CCXProcess.exe – What is This?
CCXProcess.exe is a legitimate background process that belongs to Adobe programs. It has no visible window, and functions to help Adobe Creative Cloud programs with providing dynamic content. Features like downloading stock templates, filters, and tutorials depend on it. This process is also responsible for background product updates and synchronization, similar to how other system processes manage background tasks.
After installing Adobe applications such as Premiere Pro, Lightroom Classic, After Effects, or Photoshop, the CCXProcess.exe process is added to the autorun and always runs in the background. The process belongs to the service type, so high resource consumption is not typical for it. CCXProcess performs undemanding tasks in the background, so it should barely load the computer. If you notice unusually high resource usage, this could indicate cryptocurrency mining malware impersonating the legitimate process.
Ccxprocess.exe System Error Msvcp140.dll – Fix Guide
Sometimes, an error indicating that the file ‘MSVCP140.dll’ is missing may occur when running Adobe programs. This error is caused by a missing or corrupted DLL file required for the program to work correctly. The ‘MSVCP140.dll’ file is part of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package, which is not always pre-installed in the operating system. Without it, programs like Adobe Premiere will not function at all, and quite a few other Adobe apps will start malfunctioning. This type of system file issue is common with various applications.
There are several ways to fix the System Error Msvcp140.dll. The first thing you need to do is to install the latest version of Visual C++. It will update to the current version if you already have it installed. After installation, be sure to reboot your computer. If, after rebooting, the problem has not gone away, you need to download an older version of Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributables.
In most cases, this will solve the problem. If you cannot install Visual C++ 2015, you probably already have a later version installed. Try uninstalling it and reinstalling the 2015 version, which should fix the problem.
Can I Disable It?
You can disable CCXProcess, remove it from autorun, and terminate it through Task Manager, but it is not necessary and will hurt Adobe software functionality. CCXProcess must run in the background to properly perform its functions and work with Adobe Creative Cloud programs. Without it, Creative Cloud apps will lose part of their functionality and may probably start malfunctioning.
You can terminate the process if necessary through the Task Manager. To do so, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Esc or via the context menu on the space in the taskbar. To terminate the service, find CCXProcess in the list of processes and click “End task“. You can also remove the service from autorun in Task Manager. To do this, go to the “Startup” tab, find the process, and disable it with the corresponding button.
If you wish to disable CCXProcess permanently, you can do so through the Adobe Creative Cloud app. Open the app, click on your profile icon, and select Preferences. Under the General tab, find the Launch Creative Cloud at Login option and uncheck it. That will disable the CCXProcess from starting upon the system startup.
Is CCXProcess a virus?
As I’ve explained above, CCXProcess.exe is digitally signed by Adobe and is not a virus. However, malware can masquerade as this file, taking its name to confuse the user. To understand whether you are dealing with a real file or a fake, you need to understand a few things. First, it is most likely a malicious copy if you have not installed or used Adobe products and the CCXProcess is present in Task Manager.
The next red flag is the excessive use of PC resources. The original file uses a minimal amount of CPU or GPU. Both taking the legit process’ name and consuming a lot of CPU are typical behavior patterns of coin miner malware. Thus, excessive usage of resources is definitely a reason for moving on to the tips below.
Check the location of the file. The CCXProcess file is located in the Adobe program directories. Depending on the bit size of the system you are using, it can either be located in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud Experience or C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud Experience. On 32-bit systems, it is usually located on the first path. On 64-bit systems, it is usually located on the second path. Files in unexpected locations, such as system directories or temp folders, are often signs of trojan infections.
If you doubt the legitimacy of CCXProcess.exe, you can run a scan on your device. GridinSoft Anti-Malware is a great solution for this task. This will remove malware and unwanted software from your system.
Common CCXProcess.exe Issues and Solutions
Beyond the MSVCP140.dll error, users may encounter other issues with CCXProcess.exe. High memory usage, frequent crashes, or the process failing to start can indicate various problems ranging from corrupted installations to system conflicts.
If CCXProcess.exe is consuming excessive resources without reason, first verify its legitimacy by checking the file location and digital signature. Legitimate Adobe processes should be digitally signed and located in official Adobe directories. Unusual behavior might indicate the presence of cryptocurrency mining malware or other threats masquerading as legitimate processes.
For persistent issues with legitimate CCXProcess.exe, try updating Adobe Creative Cloud to the latest version, running Windows Update to ensure system compatibility, or reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. These steps resolve most common compatibility and corruption issues.
Prevention and Security Best Practices
To avoid malware impersonating CCXProcess.exe, always download Adobe software from official sources and keep your security software updated. Be particularly cautious of cracked software or unofficial Adobe installers, as these are common vectors for malware distribution.
Regularly monitor your system’s resource usage through Task Manager and investigate any processes consuming unusual amounts of CPU or memory. Enable Windows Defender real-time protection and consider using additional security tools that can detect process impersonation and other advanced threats.
If you don’t use Adobe Creative Cloud applications, the presence of CCXProcess.exe on your system is a clear red flag requiring immediate investigation. This situation often indicates fake software installations or other security compromises.
If you are not using Adobe Creative Cloud applications, you can remove the CCXProcess.exe using GridinSoft Anti-Malware. This will remove the malware and restore your system to a safe state.
Download and install Anti-Malware by clicking the button below. After the installation, run a Full scan: this will check all the volumes present in the system, including hidden folders and system files. Scanning will take around 15 minutes.
After the scan, you will see the list of detected malicious and unwanted elements. It is possible to adjust the actions that the antimalware program does to each element: click "Advanced mode" and see the options in the drop-down menus. You can also see extended information about each detection - malware type, effects and potential source of infection.
Click "Clean Now" to start the removal process. Important: removal process may take several minutes when there are a lot of detections. Do not interrupt this process, and you will get your system as clean as new.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is CCXProcess.exe and why is it running on my computer?
CCXProcess.exe is a legitimate background service from Adobe Creative Cloud that manages content delivery, updates, and synchronization for Adobe applications. It runs automatically when you have Adobe Creative Cloud software installed and helps provide dynamic content like templates, tutorials, and stock assets within Adobe programs.
Is it safe to end CCXProcess.exe in Task Manager?
Yes, it’s safe to terminate CCXProcess.exe through Task Manager if needed, but this may cause Adobe Creative Cloud applications to lose some functionality. The process will automatically restart when you launch Adobe software or reboot your computer. Ending it won’t damage your system but may disrupt Adobe services temporarily.
How much CPU and memory should CCXProcess.exe use?
Legitimate CCXProcess.exe typically uses minimal system resources – usually under 50MB of RAM and very low CPU usage (less than 1-2%). If you notice consistently high CPU usage (above 10%) or excessive memory consumption (over 200MB), this could indicate malware impersonation and requires investigation.
Can I permanently disable CCXProcess.exe?
Yes, you can disable CCXProcess.exe by opening Adobe Creative Cloud, going to Preferences, and unchecking “Launch Creative Cloud at Login.” However, this will disable automatic updates and some online features in Adobe applications. You can also remove it from Windows startup programs through Task Manager’s Startup tab.
What should I do if CCXProcess.exe is using too much CPU?
First, verify the file location and check if you have Adobe software installed. If the process is consuming excessive resources and you don’t have Adobe products, or if it’s located outside the official Adobe directories, run a full system scan with anti-malware software as this likely indicates a malicious impersonation.
How can I tell if CCXProcess.exe is legitimate or malware?
Check three key indicators: 1) File location should be in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud Experience\, 2) The process should use minimal system resources, and 3) You should have Adobe Creative Cloud software installed. If any of these don’t match, especially if you don’t use Adobe products, it’s likely malware.
What is the MSVCP140.dll error with CCXProcess.exe?
The MSVCP140.dll error occurs when the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package is missing or corrupted. This prevents CCXProcess.exe and other Adobe applications from running properly. Fix it by downloading and installing the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from the official Microsoft website.
