Quick Answer
arc.exe is safe. It's the official Arc Browser launcher that uses multiple processes for tabs, extensions, and internal tasks to enhance security and stability.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Arc\arc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Arc\arc.exe
Warning
Multiple processes typical
Each tab + extension = separate process
Can I Disable?
YES
Close browser windows to reduce usage; see startup options
What is arc.exe?
arc.exe is the executable that launches the Arc Web Browser from The Browser Company. Arc uses a multi‑process architecture, so you’ll see several arc.exe processes in Task Manager—one for each tab, extension, and internal function.
This design improves security and stability by sandboxing each tab and extension; if a tab crashes, others remain responsive and system risk is reduced through process isolation.
Quick Fact: Arc pioneered per-tab process isolation in modern browsers, supporting fast recovery and improved security.
Types of Arc Processes
- Browser Process: Main Arc window, UI, and coordination (1 instance)
- Renderer Process: Each tab/iframe, rendering HTML/CSS/JS
- GPU Process: Hardware-accelerated rendering and compositing
- Extension Process: Each extension runs in its own process
- Plugin Process: For embedded viewers like PDFs
- Utility Process: Background tasks and network services
Is arc.exe Safe?
Yes, arc.exe is safe when it’s the legitimate file from The Browser Company downloaded from official sources.
Is arc.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real arc.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may mimic the name to evade detection.
How to Tell if arc.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Arc\arc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Arc\arc.exe. Any arc.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click arc.exe in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "The Browser Company, Inc." as signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-15% CPU per tab, 120-650 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the browser is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Arc should only run when the browser is launched. Multiple orphan processes when Arc is closed indicate malware.
Red Flags: If arc.exe is located in unusual folders (like C:\Temp, C:\Users\Public\AppData\Roaming\arc.exe, or C:\Windows\System32), runs when Arc isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files.
Why Is arc.exe Running on My PC?
arc.exe runs when you launch Arc Browser or when Arc is configured to run in the background. It may also stay active for background tasks like sync and notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Browser Use: You are actively browsing with Arc; each tab creates a separate process for isolation.
- Background Extensions: Extensions and web apps can run in background, consuming CPU and memory even when minimized.
- Startup Program: Arc can be configured to start with Windows, leaving arc.exe resident after login.
- Background Sync: Arc syncs bookmarks, tabs, and settings with your Arc account, generating background traffic.
- Notifications and Services: Background services such as update checks, news fetchers, and notification listeners keep arc.exe active.
Can I Disable or Remove arc.exe?
Yes, you can disable arc.exe. It's safe to close Arc when not in use, and you can uninstall Arc completely if you prefer another browser.
How to Stop arc.exe
- End Individual Tabs: Open Arc Task Manager (Arc > More Tools > Task Manager) and end specific tabs or extensions
- Close Browser: Quit Arc from the menu or use Alt+F4 to close all Arc windows
- End All Arc Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find arc.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Arc Browser
- Stop Background Apps: Arc Settings -> System -> Disable "Continue running background apps when Arc is closed"
How to Uninstall Arc Browser
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Arc Browser -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Arc Browser -> Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives: Edge, Firefox, Chrome
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If arc.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Tabs Open: Each tab uses tens to hundreds of MB. Close unused tabs or use tab management features to suspend tabs.
- Resource-Heavy Extensions: Extensions run in background. Go to Arc Settings > Extensions and disable unnecessary ones.
- JavaScript-Heavy Websites: Web apps like email or video platforms can spike usage. Close or reload problematic tabs.
- Malicious Extensions: Some extensions contain malware. Remove suspicious extensions immediately.
- Outdated Arc Version: Update Arc to the latest version via Arc > Help > Check for Updates.
- Hardware Acceleration Issues: Disable hardware acceleration: Arc Settings > System > Use hardware acceleration when available
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Arc Task Manager (Arc > More Tools > Task Manager) and identify high-usage tabs/extensions
2. Clear cache: Arc Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data
3. Disable unnecessary extensions in Arc Settings > Extensions
4. Update Arc: Arc > Help > Check for Updates
5. Enable Memory Saver: Arc Settings > Performance > Memory Saver
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arc.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate arc.exe from The Browser Company is not a virus. Verify arc.exe is located in C:\Program Files\Arc\arc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Arc\arc.exe and has a valid digital signature from The Browser Company, Inc.
Why is arc.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by active tabs with heavy scripts, auto-playing media, or misbehaving extensions. Use Arc Task Manager to identify culprit, then close or disable it, update Arc, and scan for extensions.
Can I delete arc.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Arc Browser via Windows Settings -> Apps if you no longer need it. Your data will be removed unless you sync with your ARC account.
Can I disable arc.exe?
Yes. Close Arc or end the arc.exe process from Task Manager. To prevent startup, disable Arc in the Task Manager Startup tab. To stop background tasks, turn off Continue running background apps in Arc Settings.
Why is Arc starting at startup?
Arc may be configured to launch on Windows startup. Disable in Task Manager -> Startup tab by selecting Arc Browser -> Disable. This stops auto-launch, not removal.
Why are there multiple arc.exe processes?
Arc uses a multi-process architecture for security and stability. Each tab/extension has its own process. Use Arc Task Manager to view each process's role.