AGSService.exe, often accompanied by AGMService.exe, is an executable file commonly associated with the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service. If you have come across this .exe file or its service on your Windows 11 or 10 PC and are wondering if it might be a virus, or if you’ve noticed unusually high CPU usage and are pondering whether you can uninstall or disable it, this article is for you. We’ll discuss what AGSService.exe is, its functions, its potential to be malware, and provide guidance on how to uninstall or disable it, as well as how to resolve related application error issues.
Also see: What is “Adobe IPC Broker” and How to Fix its Errors
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What is Adobe AGSService.exe service?
Adobe Systems, the software giant behind many well-known applications like Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator, introduced AGSService.exe (Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service) and its counterpart AGMService.exe (Adobe Genuine Software Monitor Service) to verify the authenticity of their software installations and prevent the use of pirated or counterfeit software.
With the rise of software piracy, many software developers have been implementing such checks to protect their intellectual property and ensure that users receive genuine, untampered software.
However, at times, genuine users who have legally acquired their Adobe products might experience issues with this process, such as abnormally high CPU usage, or they might simply be curious about the process running in the background.
Useful guide: How to Scan an .exe File for Viruses to Check If It’s Safe
Is AGSService.exe a Virus?
First and foremost, AGSService.exe in its legitimate form is not a virus or malicious software. As mentioned, it’s a part of the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service, aiming to validate the authenticity of Adobe software. That being said, it’s essential to be cautious as malware or viruses can disguise themselves under legitimate file names, including “AGSService.exe.”
To ensure that the AGSService.exe file on your system is genuine:
- Check its location. The legitimate AGSService.exe file is typically found inside the AdobeGCClient folder, located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\AdobeGCClient. Any instance of this executable outside this path might be suspicious.
- Scan your system with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program. Regularly updating and scanning your system can help detect and remove any potentially harmful files.
Pro tip: How to know which process is using the Internet in Windows 11
How to uninstall AGSService.exe
If for any reason you wish to uninstall or disable the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service, you can follow the steps outlined below. However, remember that by disabling this service, you might hinder Adobe software from validating its authenticity, which could potentially lead to functionality issues.
Method 1: Using the Windows Services Manager
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type in “services.msc” and press Enter or click “OK”.
- In the Services window, search for “Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service”.
- Right-click on it and select “Properties”.
- In the “Startup type” dropdown, select “Disabled”. Click “OK” to apply the changes.
- If the service is currently running, right-click again and select “Stop”.
Method 2: Uninstalling “Adobe Genuine Service” via Settings
- Click on the Start button (Windows icon) and then click on “Settings”.
- In the Settings window, select “Apps” from the left pane.
- Now, choose “Installed apps”.
- In the search box, type “Adobe Genuine Service”.
- When it appears in the list, click on the three vertical dots (options) next to it.
- Select “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
After you’ve uninstalled or disabled AGSService.exe, it’s a good practice to restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Related resource: How to Delete a Service in Windows 11 or 10 Using CMD
Locating AGSService.exe and blocking it
As previously mentioned, the genuine AGSService.exe is located within the AdobeGCClient folder at “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\AdobeGCClient“. If you wish to block the AGSService.exe service, you can utilize the security properties. Follow the steps below:
AGSService.exe file’s location
- Open File Explorer by clicking its icon on the taskbar or pressing Windows + E.
- Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe.
- Here, you’ll find the AdobeGCClient folder. Inside this folder, you should locate the AGSService.exe file.
See also: How to Block a Program From Accessing Internet in Windows 11
Blocking AGSService.exe with Security properties
- Right-click on AGSService.exe and select “Properties”.
- Navigate to the “Security” tab.
- Click on the “Edit” button to change permissions.
- In the list of groups or user names, select the user or group you wish to restrict access for.
- Below, in the “Permissions for Users” section, check the box under “Deny” for “Read & Execute”. This will block the execution of the file for that specific user or group.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes. Confirm any prompts that appear.
Remember, by altering security permissions, you may affect the way Adobe products function on your system. Always make sure you understand the consequences before making such changes.
Resolving AGSService.exe application error or high CPU usage issues
Occasionally, users might encounter an “AGSService.exe Application Error” or random high CPU usage caused by the process. This can be due to various reasons such as corrupted files, conflicts with other software, or outdated Adobe software versions. Below, we’ll guide you through some steps to potentially resolve this error:
Method 1: Update Adobe software
Outdated software can sometimes conflict with newer system updates or other installed applications. Ensure you’re running the latest version of your Adobe applications.
Suggested read: How to Limit CPU Usage of a Process in Windows 11
Method 2: Repair the Adobe installation
Corrupted files could be the root of the error. Repairing the installation might help:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to “Apps” > “Installed apps”.
- Find the Adobe software in the list.
- Click on the three vertical dots (options) next to it, and select “Modify”.
- In the setup dialog that appears, opt for “Repair”. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Method 3: Reinstall Adobe software
If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, a fresh installation might be the solution:
- First, uninstall the Adobe software causing the error either through the “Installed apps” section in Settings or the “Programs and Features” option in the Control Panel.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the latest version of the Adobe software from the official Adobe website and install it.
Conclusion
AGSService.exe is a legitimate component of Adobe’s effort to ensure software authenticity and combat piracy. However, like any software, it may occasionally pose challenges or raise questions. Whether you’re aiming to understand its purpose, ascertain its legitimacy, or troubleshoot potential issues, we hope this guide provides clarity and aids in managing this Adobe service effectively.
Always remember to operate with caution when making changes to system files or settings and to keep your software up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and security.
