AGSService.exe and AGMService.exe are files linked to Adobe’s Genuine Software Integrity Service. If you’ve stumbled upon these files on your Windows 11 or 10 computer and are wondering if they’re harmful or if they’re hogging too much CPU power, and whether you can remove or turn them off, this guide is for you. We’ll cover what AGSService.exe is, what it does, its chances of being malware, and how to uninstall or disable it, including fixing any errors that might pop up.
Also see: What is “Adobe IPC Broker” and How to Fix its Errors
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What is the Adobe AGSService.exe service?
Adobe Systems, the big company behind popular apps like Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator, introduced AGSService.exe and AGMService.exe to check if the software being used is real and not pirated.
With more people pirating software, companies like Adobe are stepping up to protect their work and make sure customers get the real deal. But sometimes, even folks who bought their Adobe stuff fair and square run into problems with these checks, like their computer slowing down because these processes use too much CPU power, or they’re just curious about what these processes do.
Useful guide: How to Scan an .exe File for Viruses to Check If It’s Safe
Is AGSService.exe a virus?
First off, AGSService.exe, when legit, is not a virus or bad software. It’s part of Adobe’s service to check if their software is genuine. But, it’s always good to be careful because bad guys can name their malware the same as legit files, like “AGSService.exe.”
To make sure the AGSService.exe on your computer is the real deal:
- Look where it’s saved. The real AGSService.exe should be in the AdobeGCClient folder at C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\AdobeGCClient. If you find it somewhere else, that’s fishy.
- Use a trusted antivirus to check your computer. Keeping your antivirus updated and scanning your PC regularly can help catch and get rid of any sneaky files.
Pro tip: How to know which process is using the Internet in Windows 11
How to uninstall AGSService.exe
If you want to remove or turn off the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service for any reason, here’s how. But, turning this off might stop Adobe apps from checking if they’re real, which could mess up how they work.
Method 1: Using the Windows Services Manager
- Hit Windows + R, type “services.msc”, and either hit Enter or click “OK”.
- Look for “Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service” in the list.
- Right-click it, pick “Properties”.
- In the “Startup type” menu, choose “Disabled” and hit “OK”.
- If it’s still running, right-click again and hit “Stop”.
Method 2: Uninstalling “Adobe Genuine Service” via Settings
- Hit the Start button, then “Settings”.
- Go to “Apps” on the left.
- Click “Installed apps”.
- Type “Adobe Genuine Service” in the search.
- When it shows up, click the three dots next to it and pick “Uninstall”. Follow the steps to remove it.
After removing or turning off AGSService.exe, it’s a smart idea to restart your computer to make sure everything is set.
Related resource: How to Delete a Service in Windows 11 or 10 Using CMD
Locating AGSService.exe and blocking it
Like we mentioned, the real AGSService.exe lives in the AdobeGCClient folder at “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\AdobeGCClient“. If you want to stop AGSService.exe from running, you can change its security settings. Here’s how:
AGSService.exe file’s location
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
- Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe.
- You’ll see the AdobeGCClient folder there. Inside, you’ll find AGSService.exe.
See also: How to Block a Program From Accessing Internet in Windows 11
Blocking AGSService.exe with Security properties
- Right-click AGSService.exe and choose “Properties”.
- Go to the “Security” tab.
- Hit “Edit” to change who can do what.
- Pick the user or group you want to restrict and under “Permissions for Users”, tick “Deny” for “Read & Execute”. This stops them from running the file.
- Click “Apply” then “OK”. Say yes to any boxes that pop up.
Remember, changing security settings can affect how Adobe products work on your computer. Be sure you know what you’re doing before you make any changes.
Fixing AGSService.exe errors or high CPU use
Sometimes, you might see an “AGSService.exe Application Error” or notice it’s using too much CPU. This could be because of corrupted files, clashes with other software, or old versions of Adobe software. Here are some ways to fix these issues:
Method 1: Update Adobe software
Old software can sometimes cause problems. Make sure your Adobe apps are up to date.
Suggested read: How to Limit CPU Usage of a Process in Windows 11
Method 2: Repair the Adobe installation
- Go to Settings.
- Choose “Apps” then “Installed apps”.
- Find the Adobe app that’s acting up.
- Click the three dots next to it and choose “Modify”.
- In the window that pops up, pick “Repair” and follow the steps.
Method 3: Reinstall Adobe software
- First, remove the Adobe app through “Installed apps” in Settings or “Programs and Features” in Control Panel.
- Restart your PC.
- Download and install the newest version from Adobe’s official site.
Conclusion
AGSService.exe is a legit part of Adobe’s fight against piracy. But, like any software, it can sometimes cause headaches or leave you with questions. Whether you’re trying to figure out what it does, check if it’s safe, or fix an issue, we hope this guide helps you handle AGSService.exe smoothly.
Always be careful when tweaking system files or settings, and keep your software updated for the best performance and security.
