AnyDesk
anydesk.exe is safe when legitimate. It's the main process for AnyDesk remote desktop software, a popular TeamViewer alternative used for remote support and unattended access, but it can be exploited by scammers.
anydesk.exe is the main executable for AnyDesk, a popular remote desktop software developed by AnyDesk Software GmbH. It allows users to remotely control another computer over the internet for technical support, remote work, or unattended access.
AnyDesk is a lightweight alternative to TeamViewer that uses proprietary DeskRT video codec for low-latency remote desktop connections. The software can run in portable mode (no installation required) or as a system service for unattended access. It's widely used by IT professionals, help desk teams, and businesses for remote support.
Quick Fact: AnyDesk can run without administrator rights and works through most firewalls, making it popular for quick remote support sessions. However, this also makes it attractive to tech support scammers.
Yes, anydesk.exe is safe when it's the legitimate version installed from the official AnyDesk website (anydesk.com) and digitally signed by AnyDesk Software GmbH.
The real anydesk.exe is NOT a virus, but it poses a significant security risk when misused. Like TeamViewer, AnyDesk is a legitimate remote access tool that's frequently exploited by tech support scammers to gain unauthorized access to victims' computers.
C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk\ or C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\AnyDesk\. Any anydesk.exe elsewhere is suspicious.Red Flags:
Scammer Warning: Tech support scammers frequently ask victims to download AnyDesk to remotely "fix" non-existent computer problems. Once installed, they can access your computer, steal personal information, install malware, or demand payment. Never install AnyDesk at the request of an unsolicited caller.
anydesk.exe runs automatically because you or someone else installed AnyDesk on your computer and it may be configured to start with Windows.
Reasons it's running:
How to Check: Open AnyDesk and look for "Unattended Access" settings. If a password is set for unattended access and you don't recognize it, someone else may have configured remote access to your computer.
Yes, you can disable and completely remove anydesk.exe. Unlike Windows system processes, AnyDesk is third-party software and can be safely uninstalled if you don't need remote desktop functionality.
Option 1: Prevent Startup (Keep Installed)
Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task ManagerOption 2: Disable AnyDesk Service
Windows + R, type services.msc, and press EnterOption 3: Complete Removal
Windows + I to open SettingsRecommendation: If you don't actively use AnyDesk, uninstall it. The software provides powerful remote access capabilities that could be exploited if someone gains your AnyDesk ID and password. Only keep it installed if you regularly need it for legitimate remote support.
Warning: If you use AnyDesk for work or IT support, check with your IT department before uninstalling it. Some companies require AnyDesk for remote troubleshooting.
If anydesk.exe is consuming excessive resources, here are the most common causes and solutions:
Quick Fixes:
1. End Idle Sessions: Close AnyDesk if you're not actively using it
2. Check for Unknown Connections: Open AnyDesk and verify no unauthorized sessions are active
3. Reduce Display Quality: AnyDesk Settings > Display > Set quality to "Balanced" or "Low" instead of "High"
4. Disable Auto-Start: Task Manager > Startup > Disable AnyDesk so it only runs when needed
5. Update Software: Help > Check for Updates in AnyDesk menu
High resource usage is suspicious if:
If you notice these symptoms, scan your computer with Windows Defender and Malwarebytes, and verify the anydesk.exe digital signature.
No, anydesk.exe is not a virus. It's a legitimate remote desktop application developed by AnyDesk Software GmbH. However, verify it's located in C:\Program Files (x86)\AnyDesk\ and digitally signed by AnyDesk Software GmbH. The legitimate software is safe, but it can be exploited by scammers for unauthorized access.
High CPU usage (15-35%) is normal during active remote desktop sessions due to video encoding and screen sharing. If CPU usage is high without an active session, check for: unauthorized remote connections, background file transfers, or malware disguised as anydesk.exe. Close idle sessions and reduce display quality in settings to lower CPU usage.
Yes, you can safely delete/uninstall AnyDesk if you don't need remote desktop functionality. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find AnyDesk, and click Uninstall. This won't harm Windows or other programs. However, if you use it for work or IT support, check with your IT department first.
Yes, you can disable AnyDesk from automatically starting. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the Startup tab, find AnyDesk, and click Disable. You can also disable the AnyDesk Service in services.msc to prevent unattended access. AnyDesk will only run when you manually launch it.
AnyDesk runs at startup because it's configured in Windows startup programs or installed as a Windows service for unattended access. This allows immediate remote connections without manual launching. You can disable startup by going to Task Manager > Startup tab and disabling AnyDesk, or uninstall the service in services.msc.
Yes, AnyDesk is frequently used by tech support scammers, similar to TeamViewer. Scammers pose as Microsoft or tech support and convince victims to install AnyDesk to "fix" fake computer problems. Once installed, they gain remote access to steal information or install malware. Never install AnyDesk at the request of an unsolicited caller.
Open AnyDesk and check the main window for active connections (it will show "Session active" with a red indicator). Check Settings > Security > Unattended Access to see if remote access is configured. Review the connection log at Settings > Connection Trace. If you see unknown connections or unattended access you didn't set up, change the password immediately or uninstall AnyDesk.
AnyDesk and TeamViewer are both remote desktop tools with similar functionality. AnyDesk is generally lighter (80-150 MB vs 150-300 MB RAM), has lower latency, and offers simpler pricing. TeamViewer has more enterprise features and broader compatibility. Both are safe when used legitimately but both are also exploited by scammers.