aria2c.exe

What is aria2c.exe?

aria2c.exe is the Windows executable for the versatile aria2 download utility. It orchestrates multi-source downloads, supports segmented transfers, and can run headless in the background to fetch files for build systems, installers, and automation tools. Its lightweight design makes it a popular choice for scripting and CI pipelines alike.

aria2c.exe is a multi-protocol downloader that supports HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, BitTorrent, and Metalink. It performs parallel connections to multiple sources, resumes partial downloads, and runs from the command line with options for segments, retries, and concurrency.

Is it Safe?

Is it a Virus?

1. Step 1: Verify the digital signature of aria2c.exe at C:\Program Files\aria2\aria2c.exe using Get-AuthenticodeSignature.:
2. Step 2: Compute the SHA-256 hash of aria2c.exe and compare it to the official release hash for your version.:
3. Step 3: Check for an authentic publisher entry in the file's properties and ensure it matches a known aria2 maintainer.:
4. Step 4: Run a malware scan on aria2c.exe with Windows Defender or your enterprise antivirus, targeting the path C:\Program Files\aria2\aria2c.exe:

Why is it Running?

Reasons it's running:

• Automation or CI/CD tasks: aria2c.exe may be invoked by scripts or build pipelines to download dependencies, artifacts, or installers as part of a repeatable workflow.
• Manual downloads with multi-source support: Users run aria2c.exe directly from the command prompt to leverage multi-source and segmented downloads for faster results.
• Package managers or installers: Some installers delegate their own download steps to aria2c.exe to improve performance and reliability.
• Scheduled tasks or startup entries: A system management task or user-created startup item may start aria2c.exe to prefetch updates or deliverables.
• Malware masquerading as aria2c.exe: Attackers sometimes name malicious binaries aria2c.exe; verify path, signature, and publisher to rule out tampering.

Can I Disable or Remove It?

Common Problems

Common Causes & Solutions

• : Limit concurrency with -j or -x options and adjust number of connections per server to modest values.
• : Ensure the executable is present in a valid path like C:\Program Files\aria2\aria2c.exe and check startup tasks or launch scripts.
• : Check network proxy settings, firewall rules, and ensure the specified URLs are reachable; use --http-proxy or --https-proxy if needed.
• : Run with elevated permissions or choose a directory with write access, e.g., C:\Users\Public\Downloads.
• : Re-download the file or verify the expected hash from the official aria2 release; ensure the correct version is used.
• : Check path if aria2c.exe is located under a legitimate program folder and verify its digital signature using Get-AuthenticodeSignature.

Related Processes