Quick Answer
Ashampoo ZIP is safe. It is the official Ashampoo ZIP File Archiver that handles compression, extraction, encryption, and repair with Explorer integration.
What is ashampoo_zip.exe?
ashampoo_zip.exe is the executable for Ashampoo ZIP File Archiver. It provides compression, extraction, encryption, and repair features, and integrates with Explorer to streamline archive tasks.
Ashampoo ZIP uses a multi-threaded engine to handle archives in formats like ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, 7Z, TAR, and more, with options for password protection, split archives, and batch processing.
Quick Fact: Ashampoo ZIP offers drag-and-drop archiving and a built-in archive repair utility to recover damaged archives.
Types of Ashampoo ZIP Processes
- Main UI Process: Handles the application window and user interactions (1 instance)
- Compression Worker: Per-archive compression in background threads
- Extraction Worker: Per-archive extraction in background threads
- Registry/Shell Extension: Context menu integration for quick actions
- Background Task: Scheduled or background archive operations
- Repair/Integrity Check: Archive integrity checks and repair routines
Is ashampoo_zip.exe Safe?
Yes, ashampoo_zip.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Ashampoo downloaded from official sources.
Is ashampoo_zip.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real ashampoo_zip.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can disguise itself with similar names. Always verify file location and signature.
How to Tell if ashampoo_zip.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP\. Any ashampoo_zip.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click ashampoo_zip.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures → Should show "Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is modest when idle; check Task Manager for unexpected spikes.
- Behavior: Ashampoo ZIP should run when you launch the app or perform archive tasks. Unknown background activity warrants scanning.
Red Flags: If ashampoo_zip.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when you’re not launching the app, has no valid signature, or uses unusual resource patterns, scan with antivirus.
Why Is ashampoo_zip.exe Running on My PC?
ashampoo_zip.exe runs when you perform archive operations, enable Explorer integration, or when a scheduled task is active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active compression or extraction: You are currently compressing or extracting an archive; each operation uses worker threads.
- Explorer shell integration in use: Ashampoo ZIP adds context menu items; related processes may appear during shell actions.
- Background tasks or scheduling: Scheduled archive tasks or auto-maintenance can run in the background.
- Startup or resume on login: Ashampoo ZIP can be configured to start on login or resume incomplete tasks after login.
- Clipboard or quick-archive features: Clipboard monitoring and quick-archive actions may keep processes around briefly.
Can I Disable or Remove ashampoo_zip.exe?
Yes, you can disable ashampoo_zip.exe. It is safe to close the app when not in use, and you can uninstall it or adjust settings to prevent background tasks.
How to Stop ashampoo_zip.exe
- End active tasks: In Ashampoo ZIP, use the Stop button on the current job; if not, use Windows Task Manager to End Task ashampoo_zip.exe
- Close the application: Close the main window or use the tray icon to exit
- Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Ashampoo ZIP
- Disable background tasks: In Ashampoo ZIP Settings, disable background tasks or shell integration
- Uninstall or reconfigure: Use Apps & Features to uninstall or modify installation to remove integrations
How to Uninstall Ashampoo ZIP
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Ashampoo ZIP → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Ashampoo ZIP → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, consider alternatives: WinZip, 7-Zip, PeaZip
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If ashampoo_zip.exe is consuming excessive resources during archive tasks:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large archives or many files: Close other apps, pause operations, split archives, and ensure sufficient RAM.
- Background tasks enabled: Disable background tasks in Settings to limit activity when idle.
- Shell extension conflicts: Disable Explorer integration or update it to the latest version.
- Outdated software: Update Ashampoo ZIP to the latest version from the official site.
- Antivirus scanning during archiving: Exclude Ashampoo ZIP folder from real-time scanning to reduce interference.
- Corrupted archive: Try repairing the archive with Ashampoo ZIP's repair tool or reattempt extraction.
Quick Fixes:
1. Pause current archive tasks and check Task Manager for ashampoo_zip.exe
2. Update to the latest version from the official site
3. Disable unnecessary shell extensions
4. Clear temporary files related to archive operations
5. Run a malware scan if unusual behavior persists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ashampoo_zip.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate Ashampoo ZIP executable is safe when downloaded from Ashampoo's official site or bundled installers and located under C:\Program Files\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP.
What archive formats does Ashampoo ZIP support?
Ashampoo ZIP supports ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZIP, and many other formats for compression and extraction.
Can Ashampoo ZIP encrypt archives?
Yes, you can password-protect archives with AES encryption during creation or while updating archives.
How do I uninstall Ashampoo ZIP?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Ashampoo ZIP → Uninstall and follow the prompts.
Does Ashampoo ZIP run in the background or at startup?
It can run tasks in the background or start at Windows startup if configured; you can disable startup and background tasks in Settings.
Why is Ashampoo ZIP using CPU or memory during idle?
Idle resource usage should be minimal; spikes usually occur during archive operations or background indexing; check running tasks and disable unnecessary features.