What is AIGPUSniffer, explained
Contents
AIGPUSniffer is a 100% secure auxiliary process that is owned by Adobe Systems Incorporated and comes with its products such as Adobe Illustrator. It is designed to prevent GPU-related program crashes by testing computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU) capabilities and taking over misaddressed driver calls. The process launches along with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or other popular programs and this is when users notice its icon in the taskbar on Mac OS like Mojave or Windows computers. Besides, many users encounter AIGPUSniffer quit unexpectedly error, which can occur due to a variety of reasons.
Some users are worried about AIGPUSniffer appearing in the dock. The icon flashes shortly, which often prompts people to think it can be malicious behaviour. What is more, deleting it often seems like a solution to some users.
This process is 100% legitimate and safe. You do not need to delete AIGPUSniffer.exe or try to close it. All that it does is check if everything is OK to run your chosen Adobe product and ensure that it operates smoothly.
File Details
Name | AIGPUSniffer.exe |
Owner | Adobe Systems Incorporated |
Type | Executive File |
Purpose | Prevents GPU crashes when launching Adobe products |
Safety | Safe and legitimate file |
Known problems | AIGPUSniffer quit unexpectedly error |
It might quit unexpectedly
Originally, the process should prevent Adobe programs from crashing, however, due to hundreds of complaints on online forums, it is clear that the process crashes itself very frequently. This prevents users from using their programs, which causes frustration. It has been noticed that the majority of people running into AIGPUSniffer quit unexpectedly error are using or have just updated to Mac OS Mojave.
If you have been running into problems with it due to its tendency to quit unexpectedly, check the How to Fix AIGPUSniffer Quit Unexpectedly guide provided on our website.
AIGPUSniffer won’t quit
Users of Adobe Illustrator report that after closing the program, AIGPUSniffer won’t quit automatically. This results in high CPU usage, which can severely slow the computer down. Unfortunately, it seems that this isn’t fixed from Adobe’s end yet, therefore you will have to fix it by closing the program via Task Manager manually.
- Press CTRL+ALT+DEL and choose to open Windows Task Manager.
- Here, find AIGPUSNIFFER, right-click on it and choose End Task.
It appears in Mac dock and can’t be closed
If you are wondering why this process doesn’t close on Mac, it is so because your operating system is designed to show recently used apps. All that you need to remove AIGPUSniffer from dock is:
- Open System Preferences > Dock on Mac.
- Here, deselect the Show recent applications in dock option.
One thing is clear – now that you know what is AIGPUSniffer, it is clear that you do not need to remove it from Mac or Windows as it is a safe process that poses no threat to your computer.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
CiviB says
InDesign keeps crashing on my mac. This last time, when I go to “Force Quit” I don’t see Adobe InDesign on the list, but I do see AIGPUSniffer with the InDesign icon. I can’t do anything though. It’s just a spinning beachball.
Can anyone help me?
Mike Urseth says
I get the AIGPUSniffer icon when I try to export pdfs from InDesign. only 4 pages.
Catalina Mac Mini. 8 gb RAM. I get the yellow triangle alert. This is a first for me. Been using Macs since the 512K model. Application crashes or it shows the pdf info in the destination folder but the pdf file information is grey, not black. I’m working on Xmas letter and wife is getting nervous.
Deb says
This is very helpful info.
Thanks!
Dick Volkman says
Thanks, very much
Cat says
Thanks dude.
Deb H says
thanks
Al Kaib says
Many thanks
anon says
thanks broseph