---
sourceDocument: Australia IT Operations Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/it-operations-management

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia IT Operations Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itom

bundleId :

    - itom

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Running process-based discovery

# Running process-based discovery {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated June 3, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Running process-based discovery extends File-Based Discovery (FBD) with process-based path detection, enabling the Agent Client Collector for Visibility Content agent to detect software running outside of standard configured scan directories.

## Why use running process-based discovery {#running-process-based-discovery__why-use}

Some software is never installed into the standard program directories that FBD scans. Common examples include:{#running-process-based-discovery__running-process-based-discovery-para-1}

* Portable applications run from a removable drive or a user folder
* User-installed tools placed in a personal directory, such as a Python interpreter under a user profile
* Command-line utilities installed into a user's local binary directory

A directory-only scan cannot detect applications installed outside standard scan directories, but they are visible as running processes. Running process-based discovery closes that gap,
giving SAM teams a more complete and accurate view of the software in use across your organization. This reduces risk and improves audit readiness.{#running-process-based-discovery__running-process-based-discovery-para-2}

## Platform coverage {#running-process-based-discovery__platform-coverage}

Running process-based discovery supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. Coverage scope varies by operating system and depends on the privileges granted to the agent service account. For
platform-specific coverage details and privilege requirements, see [Running process-based discovery platform coverage and properties](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/~1zEk__ribRHijNmPabIBA "Platform coverage identifies which operating systems are supported and what privileges the agent needs for full coverage. The system property controls whether the feature is enabled or disabled.").{#running-process-based-discovery__running-process-based-discovery-para-3}
* **[Enable running process-based discovery](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/vsILNczFU_B1H~4JfJUhsw)**   
  Enable running process-based discovery so that the Agent Client Collector for Visibility Content agent detects software running from directories outside your configured File-Based Discovery scan paths.
* **[Exclude directories from running process-based discovery](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/P4RI7KAqF~ybw13O48JS3A)**   
  Exclude specific directories from running process-based discovery so that processes running from those locations aren't recorded or included in File-Based Discovery scans.