Free, powerful process monitor for Windows. Get started in minutes with our easy download and installation process.
Choose the download method that works best for you. All versions are free and fully functional.
Released: February 2018
Download Size: Approximately 5-10 MB
File Format: .exe (Installer) or .zip (Portable)
Important Note
Process Hacker has been succeeded by System Informer (formerly Process Hacker 3). For the latest features and updates, consider using System Informer. Process Hacker 2.39 remains fully functional and available for download.
File: processhacker-2.39-setup.exe
Recommended for most users. Includes installation wizard and automatic updates. Installs to Program Files and creates Start Menu shortcuts.
File: processhacker-2.39-bin.zip
No installation required. Extract and run from any location, including USB drives. Perfect for system administrators and portable use.
File: processhacker-2.39-src.zip
For developers who want to build from source. Requires Visual Studio 2017 or later. Includes all source files and build scripts.
File: processhacker-2.39-sdk.zip
Software Development Kit for plugin development. Includes headers, libraries, and documentation for creating Process Hacker plugins.
Ensure your system meets the requirements for optimal performance
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 are all supported
Process Hacker itself uses minimal memory
Small footprint, perfect for any system
Some features require elevated privileges
Latest Windows versions offer best compatibility
More RAM allows monitoring more processes efficiently
Network monitoring, service management, and kernel traces need admin rights
You cannot run the 32-bit version of Process Hacker on a 64-bit system and expect it to work correctly, unlike other programs. Always download the version that matches your system architecture. Check your system type in Windows Settings → System → About.
Step-by-step instructions to get Process Hacker up and running on your system
The setup installer is the easiest way to install Process Hacker. It handles all the configuration automatically and creates Start Menu shortcuts.
💡 Tip: The installer automatically adds Process Hacker to your Start Menu and creates a desktop shortcut for easy access.
The portable version requires no installation and can run directly from a USB drive or any folder. Perfect for system administrators and users who prefer portable applications.
💡 Tip: The portable version is ideal for running from USB drives, network shares, or when you don't have administrator rights to install software.
On first launch, Process Hacker may prompt you to install the KProcessHacker kernel driver. This driver enhances Process Hacker's capabilities but is optional.
Note: The KProcessHacker driver is optional but recommended. It enables features like kernel-mode stack traces and enhanced process enumeration. Process Hacker works without it, but some advanced features will be limited.
For full functionality, always run Process Hacker as administrator. Right-click the executable and select "Run as administrator".
Make sure you download the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your Windows installation.
If your antivirus flags Process Hacker, add it to the whitelist. It's a false positive - Process Hacker is completely safe.
Take time to explore Process Hacker's interface. Check out our tutorials to learn how to use all features effectively.
Common issues and solutions for download and installation
Problem: Some antivirus software may flag Process Hacker as potentially unwanted software (PUP) or malware. This is a false positive because Process Hacker has powerful system access capabilities similar to malware tools, but it's completely legitimate software.
Why this happens: Antivirus programs use heuristics to detect suspicious behavior. Process Hacker's ability to terminate processes, access system information, and monitor network activity can trigger these heuristics.
Solution:
✓ Verified Safe: Process Hacker is open source software with publicly available source code. You can review the code on GitHub to verify its safety.
Always download Process Hacker from official sources to ensure you're getting the legitimate, safe version. Never download from third-party sites or file-sharing services.
If you encounter any issues during download or installation, we have comprehensive resources to help you: