Program file
imjpmig.exe: the Microsoft Japanese input method process
imjpmig.exe belongs to the Microsoft Input Method Editor (IME). Its main use is to simplify entering Asian characters, specifically Japanese keyboard entry in the Microsoft Office suite. On Windows XP the file was kept in C:\windows\IME\imjp8_1\.
Prefer to check it yourself? The manual checks follow.
imjpmig.exe is a legitimate Microsoft process of the Input Method Editor. It should not be stopped or removed if you type Japanese.
Some parasites might use the name to hide their real one, though that is less likely. If the file is not in a Microsoft IME folder, check it before you trust it.
- Publisher
- Microsoft
- Program
- Microsoft Input Method Editor (Japanese)
- Function
- Simplifies input of Asian characters, Japanese keyboard entry in the Microsoft Office suite
- Folder on Windows XP
- C:\windows\IME\imjp8_1\
- Old page verdict
- Clean, a legitimate system process
What imjpmig.exe does
The imjpmig.exe process belongs to the Microsoft Input Method Editor. It is a legitimate system process.
Its main use is to simplify the input of Asian characters in the Microsoft Office suite, in particular Japanese keyboard entry. On Windows XP the file is located in C:\windows\IME\imjp8_1\.
About .exe files. An .exe file is a program. It runs as a process you can see in Task Manager, so its name, folder and publisher are what to check.
How to check it
Confirm the folder and the signer.
- Open Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and find imjpmig.exe on the Details tab.
- Find the folder. Right-click the process and choose Open file location. On Windows XP the file was in C:\windows\IME\imjp8_1\. Expect it inside a Windows IME folder, not in a user folder.
- Check the signature. Properties > Digital Signatures should name Microsoft. In PowerShell, replace the path with the one you found:
Get-AuthenticodeSignature "C:\Windows\IME\imjp8_1\imjpmig.exe" | Format-List Status, SignerCertificate - Scan the PC. Run a full scan and an offline scan with Microsoft Defender (Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options). A scan is the way to confirm that nothing hides under this name.
The folder and signature show that the file is Microsoft's. A scan covers the rest of the PC.
Do you need imjpmig.exe?
Keep it if you type Japanese. The old page advised against killing the process unless you have scanned the PC with a legitimate anti-spyware tool.
- Scan before you act. Run a full scan and an offline scan with Microsoft Defender if you suspect the name is imitated.
- Do not end the process by hand. The old page called the file essential for the proper functioning of Windows; at the least it is needed for Japanese input.
- Remove the Japanese input method. If you never type Japanese, open Settings > Time & language > Language & region, open the options of Japanese and remove the Microsoft IME keyboard.
Warning signs
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| imjpmig.exe in a user, temp or download folder | It is not in a Windows IME folder, so it is not the Microsoft file. |
| Missing or non-Microsoft digital signature | The file was not signed by Microsoft. |
| Process on a PC with no Japanese input installed | There is no reason for the Japanese IME process to be there; check it. |
| Several copies at once or unusual resource use | The genuine process is not expected to behave this way, so verify the file. |
Questions people ask
What is imjpmig.exe?
It is a process of the Microsoft Input Method Editor. Its main use is to simplify the input of Asian characters in the Microsoft Office suite, specifically Japanese keyboard entry. The old page called it a legitimate system process, so it is normal to see it on a PC set up for Japanese.
Is imjpmig.exe a virus?
No, when it is the Microsoft file in a Windows IME folder, so the old page called it clean. Some modern parasites might use the name to hide, but that is less likely. If you suspect an imitation, check the folder and signature, then scan with Microsoft Defender.
Should I stop or remove imjpmig.exe?
No, not while you use Japanese input. The old page said it should not be stopped or removed, and called the file essential for the proper functioning of Windows. If you never type Japanese, remove the Japanese keyboard in Settings instead of killing the process.
Where is imjpmig.exe located?
On Windows XP it is in C:\windows\IME\imjp8_1\. Use Open file location in Task Manager to see where it is on your version of Windows. A copy outside a Windows IME folder, for example in a user or temporary folder, is a reason to check the signature.
What if the file is not genuine?
If a parasite is using the name, check the system with a full and an offline Microsoft Defender scan. The old page also warned against killing the process before the PC has been checked with a legitimate anti-spyware tool, because the genuine process matters for Japanese input. Scan first, then decide.
What does imjpmig.exe have to do with Office?
Its main use is to simplify the input of Asian characters in the Microsoft Office suite. That means Japanese keyboard entry in programs such as Word. You can ignore it if you never type Japanese, and it is no sign of a problem on its own.
Sources
- file.net: imjpmig.exe process information
- Microsoft Support: Stay protected with Windows Security
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Version data read on Oct 5, 2026.
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