PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is a software component of PlayMemories Home by Sony. It is also known as the Media Check Tool. This executable file is part of the PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software suite, which is typically pre-installed on Sony computers.
PlayMemories Home is a software application that allows you to manage and edit photos and videos on your PC. It provides features such as importing photos and videos from a camera or smartphone, organizing and browsing through photos and videos, and sharing them on social media. The PMBVolumeWatcher.exe process is responsible for detecting when a camera or other media device is connected to the computer, allowing the software to automatically import any new photos or videos.
If you regularly use PlayMemories Home to manage your photos and videos, then PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is necessary for the software to function properly. If you do not use this software, or if you prefer to manually import your photos and videos, then this process is not necessary and can be safely removed.
Some users have reported that PMBVolumeWatcher.exe can cause high CPU usage or other performance issues. If you are experiencing these issues, you may want to consider removing or disabling this process.
PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is typically located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\PlayMemories Home directory. If you find it in a different location, it could be a sign of a virus or malware infection, and you should run a full system scan to ensure your computer is safe.
Description: PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)" or sometimes in a subfolder of C:\ (common is C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\PlayMemories Home\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\PMB\).
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 724,576 bytes (15% of all occurrences), 648,032 bytes and 32 more variants.
The PMBVolumeWatcher.exe file is a Verisign signed file. The file is digitally signed. The file is not a Windows system file. The program has no visible window. The application starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: MACHINE\Run).
PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is able to monitor applications.
Therefore the technical security rating is 35% dangerous, but you should also take into account the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
In the event of any problems with PMBVolumeWatcher.exe, you can also uninstall the software PlayMemories Home or PMB using the Uninstall a Program function of Windows Control Panel (Windows: Start, Settings, Control Panel, Uninstall a Program).
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as PMBVolumeWatcher.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the PMBVolumeWatcher.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
Sony Image volume Watcher - detects new videos and pictures and helps import them from sticks, camera etc virusbusters
Since it showed up after installing Sony's PlayMemories Home, it is safe in my opinion. I elected seems to be needed, only for those using the Sony software...based on some of Sony's forums. PAS (further information)
Sony Software PlayMemories Home for managing Photos & Media. Needed for detection of new Pictures or Video. Mike Dean
It arrived with Sony PlayMemories on my system. I think it's harmless. Trokara
The code execution cannot proceed because XMPFiles.dll was not found.REistalling the program may fix this problem Iran Izadyar
There are a lot better programs out there and do not haveto be installed. Its a useless program. There are several programs along side this that do video and sound editing, but this is just an intrusive program that is not necessary to the editing tools. Im deleting it. Also delete the Versign certificate. GK Thompson
Summary: Average user rating of PMBVolumeWatcher.exe:
based on 11 votes with 6 user comments.
3 users think PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
2 users think it's probably harmless.
5 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous.
One user thinks PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it.
One user is not sure about it.
Best practices for resolving PMBVolumeWatcher issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with PMBVolumeWatcher. 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 PMBVolumeWatcher.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.
Score
User Comments
virusbusters
PAS (further information)
Mike Dean
Trokara
Iran Izadyar
GK Thompson
Summary: Average user rating of PMBVolumeWatcher.exe: based on 11 votes with 6 user comments. 3 users think PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. 2 users think it's probably harmless. 5 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. One user thinks PMBVolumeWatcher.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it. One user is not sure about it.