What is php-cgi.exe?

php-cgi.exe is an executable file that is part of the PHP software package. PHP, which stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, is a popular open-source scripting language that is widely used for web development. The php-cgi.exe file is specifically associated with the CGI (Common Gateway Interface) / FastCGI version of PHP.

The associated software, PHP, is used to create dynamic web pages. It can be embedded into HTML code or used in combination with various web template systems. PHP is particularly good for server-side scripting, but it can also be used for command-line scripting and writing desktop applications. The php-cgi.exe file is used to handle HTTP requests when PHP is run as a CGI or FastCGI application.

php-cgi.exe is needed when you are running PHP as a CGI or FastCGI application. It is responsible for interpreting PHP scripts and delivering the resulting output to the web server. Without it, the web server would not be able to process PHP scripts, which could result in a lack of functionality or errors on your website.

You should not remove php-cgi.exe if you are using PHP on your web server. If you find this file in an unexpected location (like C:\Program Files\Genie-Soft\Genie Timeline\x86\WebServer\PHP), it could be a sign of a malware infection. Some malicious programs disguise themselves as php-cgi.exe to avoid detection. In such cases, you should remove the file and scan your system for malware. If you are not using PHP or have switched to a different method of running PHP that does not require CGI or FastCGI, you could remove php-cgi.exe to free up disk space.

Click to Run a Free Scan for php-cgi.exe related errors

Php-cgi.exe file information

Windows Task Manager with php-cgi — Php-cgi.exe process in Windows Task Manager

The process known as CGI / FastCGI belongs to software PHP or Genie Timeline Professional or LaCie Genie Timeline or PHP php-cgi.exe or Intel® Active System Console by The PHP Group.

Description: Php-cgi.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. The php-cgi.exe file is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files" (in most cases C:\Program Files\Genie-Soft\Genie Timeline\x86\WebServer\PHP\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Genie-Soft\Genie Timeline\WebServer\PHP\). Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 39,936 bytes (61% of all occurrences), 49,230 bytes and 4 more variants.
The program has no visible window. It is not a Windows system file. The php-cgi.exe file is a file with no information about its developer. Therefore the technical security rating is 48% dangerous; however you should also read the user reviews.

Uninstalling this variant: If you encounter difficulties with php-cgi.exe, you can uninstall LaCie Genie Timeline or Genie Timeline Professional from your computer using the Control Panel applet Uninstall a Program.

Recommended: Identify php-cgi.exe related errors

If php-cgi.exe is located in a subfolder of C:\, the security rating is 49% dangerous. The file size is 57,344 bytes (25% of all occurrences), 49,230 bytes, 43,520 bytes or 40,448 bytes. The program has no visible window. It is not a Windows core file. There is no file information.
Uninstalling this variant: If you encounter difficulties with php-cgi.exe, you can uninstall PHP from your computer using the Control Panel applet Uninstall a Program.
If php-cgi.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 90% dangerous. The file size is 54,272 bytes. The php-cgi.exe file is a file with no information about its developer. The program has no visible window. The application listens for or sends data on open ports to a LAN or the Internet. It is not a Windows system file. php-cgi.exe appears to be a compressed file.

Important: Some malware camouflages itself as php-cgi.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the php-cgi.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.

Score

User Comments

php-cgi.exe is part of PHP developed by The PHP Group
Mike

was in C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\MICROSOFT SHARED\DAO\PHP\MANIFEST\php-cgi.exe after i installed phpDesiger and cracked it, i dont have web servers on PC. Kaspersky antivurus sayed its Trojan.Win32.Siscos.csg, its truyed to access svchost.exe
mail

Wenn Win Server ist die php-cgi.exe notwendig
FreundeNoSleep.de

exe file need at the time of php configuration with IIS
Debasis

Ist ein Prozess vom PHP-Interpreter, bei Linux vorinstalliert, bei Windows wird er vor allem bei Webservern benötigt.
Justin

WAMP Server includes php.exe, php-cgi.exe, and php-win.exe. PHP is a programming language; php-cgi is run by a web server such as Apache.
Rick James (further information)

Summary: Average user rating of php-cgi.exe: based on 9 votes with 6 user comments. 3 users think php-cgi.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. 2 users think it's probably harmless. 2 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. One user suspects danger. One user thinks php-cgi.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it. One user is not sure about it.

Best practices for resolving php-cgi issues

A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with php-cgi. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.

Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.

To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.

To help you analyze the php-cgi.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.

Other processes

ovpnagent.exe opcddemg.exe installbrainservice.exe php-cgi.exe gaomontablet.exe kwsui.dll powermenu.exe obupdateservice.exe player.exe pcmeterv0.4.exe airgcfg.exe [all]

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