360 Secure Browser (Chromium-based)
360chrome.exe requires caution. It's a legitimate browser from Chinese company Qihoo 360, but has raised privacy concerns due to data collection practices and potential government access. Western users should consider alternatives.
360chrome.exe is the main process for 360 Secure Browser, a Chromium-based web browser developed by Qihoo 360, a Chinese internet security company. The browser is popular in China and claims to offer enhanced security features.
Like Chrome, 360 Secure Browser uses a multi-process architecture. However, it's been flagged by security researchers for extensive telemetry, data collection, and potential privacy risks, particularly for users outside China. The browser sends significant amounts of browsing data back to servers in China.
Privacy Warning: Security researchers have documented that 360 Secure Browser collects extensive browsing data, including URLs visited, search queries, and system information, sending it to servers in China. This raises concerns under Chinese national security laws requiring companies to share data with the government.
Technically legitimate, but with significant privacy concerns. While it's the official browser from Qihoo 360 and not malware, it collects extensive user data and is subject to Chinese data laws requiring government access.
360chrome.exe itself is NOT a virus if from official sources, but its data collection practices are concerning. Some antivirus software flags it as potentially unwanted (PUP) due to aggressive telemetry.
C:\Program Files\360\360Chrome\Chrome\ or similar 360-branded folder. Other locations indicate malware.Privacy & Security Concerns: Even legitimate 360chrome.exe poses privacy risks: extensive data collection, connections to Chinese servers, potential government access under Chinese law, bundled software, and aggressive browser hijacking. Western security experts recommend uninstalling and switching to Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave for better privacy protection.
360chrome.exe runs when 360 Secure Browser is active or configured for background operations.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, and it's recommended for privacy-conscious users. You can uninstall 360 Secure Browser and switch to more privacy-respecting alternatives like Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Brave.
Common issues with 360chrome.exe:
Recommended Action:
1. Export your bookmarks: 360 Browser → Bookmarks → Export
2. Uninstall 360 Secure Browser completely
3. Install a privacy-respecting browser: Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Brave
4. Import your bookmarks to new browser
5. Run antivirus scan to check for bundled software
While not malware, 360 Secure Browser has significant privacy concerns. It collects extensive user data and sends it to servers in China, where government access is required by law. Security researchers recommend against using it, especially for users outside China.
360 Browser is often bundled with other software (games, utilities, media players) and installed without clear user consent. It may have been included with 360 Total Security antivirus or other Chinese software packages.
No. The browser is subject to Chinese National Security Laws requiring companies to provide data to the government upon request. Extensive telemetry collection and lack of transparency make it unsuitable for privacy-conscious users.
Uninstall all 360 products via Windows Settings → Apps. Use Revo Uninstaller or similar tools to remove leftover files and registry entries. Check and reset your default browser settings afterward.
For privacy: Mozilla Firefox or Brave Browser. For compatibility: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. All offer better privacy protections than 360 Secure Browser and don't send data to Chinese government-accessible servers.
While not classified as spyware in the traditional sense, 360 Browser's extensive data collection, lack of transparency, and connections to Chinese servers raise serious privacy concerns. Many security experts categorize it as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).