Quick Answer
ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is safe. Ashampoo ZIP Pro is a legitimate archive utility that creates, opens, encrypts, and manages ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and other archives with a user-friendly GUI.
Is ashampoo-zip-pro.exe a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP Pro\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP Pro\
Why is it running when I’m not using it?
Several background tasks may run (in the background index, updater, shell extension) even if no archive is open.
Ashampoo ZIP Pro can run background services for shell integration and auto-update
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable startup components in the installer or Settings → General → Start with Windows
What is ashampoo-zip-pro.exe?
ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is the executable for Ashampoo ZIP Pro, a comprehensive archive manager. It lets you create, open, encrypt, extract, convert, and manage archives in formats such as ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and TAR. The tool also includes a built‑in file manager, batch tasks, cloud support, and shell integration for quick actions.
Ashampoo ZIP Pro uses a multi-threaded compression engine with a 7-Zip backend. It supports AES-256 encryption, password protection, multi-volume archives, and batch processing, with a Windows Explorer‑style GUI for easy navigation.
Quick Fact: Ashampoo ZIP Pro popularized multi-format archiving with integrated cloud support and secure AES-256 encryption.
Types of Ashampoo ZIP Pro Processes
- Main GUI Process: Controls the user interface and core workflow.
- Compression Engine: Performs compression and decompression tasks for archives.
- Shell Extension: Windows Explorer integration for context menu actions.
- Updater/License Check: Background service that checks for updates and validates licensing.
- Background Task Handler: Manages scheduled batch jobs and cloud transfers.
- Repair/Integrity Engine: Verifies and repairs damaged archives when possible.
Is ashampoo-zip-pro.exe Safe?
Yes, ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Ashampoo downloaded from official sources or bundled with your installer.
Is ashampoo-zip-pro.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is not a virus. Malware may impersonate it. Verify digital signature.
How to Tell if ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP Pro\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Ashampoo\Ashampoo ZIP Pro\ . Any ashampoo-zip-pro.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in its install directory -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0.5-4% CPU when idle and 20-60 MB memory; sustained high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Ashampoo ZIP Pro should only run when performing archiving tasks or when its background services are active. Persistent background activity with no user action may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is located outside the Ashampoo install folder (e.g., Temp or AppData), runs without user action, lacks a valid signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Beware of similarly named files.
Why Is ashampoo-zip-pro.exe Running on My PC?
ashampoo-zip-pro.exe runs when you launch Ashampoo ZIP Pro or when its background services enable quick actions like archiving, updating, or indexing.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Archiving Tasks: You are compressing or extracting archives; each operation may spawn dedicated processes.
- Background Shell Extensions: Explorer context menu handlers may stay active for quick archive actions.
- Auto-Update or License Check: The updater runs to verify licenses and fetch updates on a schedule.
- Cloud/Sync Operations: Archive transfers to cloud storage or sync services may run in the background.
- Scheduled Batch Tasks: Batch tasks or automated zipping jobs configured in the app may execute at set times.
Can I Disable or Remove ashampoo-zip-pro.exe?
Yes, you can disable ashampoo-zip-pro.exe. It's safe to close the application when not in use, and you can uninstall Ashampoo ZIP Pro or disable startup/background services if desired.
How to Stop ashampoo-zip-pro.exe
- Close Application: Exit the main GUI and ensure no archiving tasks are running.
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager and end ashampoo-zip-pro background processes.
- Disable Startup: In Windows Task Manager, go to Startup and disable Ashampoo ZIP Pro.
- Disable Background Features: In Ashampoo ZIP Pro Settings, turn off background indexing or auto-updates.
- Uninstall: Windows Settings > Apps > Ashampoo ZIP Pro > Uninstall. Reboot if required.
How to Uninstall Ashampoo ZIP Pro
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Ashampoo ZIP Pro → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Ashampoo ZIP Pro → Uninstall
- ✔ If you used a bundled installer, follow on-screen prompts to remove related components
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If ashampoo-zip-pro.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Archives: Close unnecessary archives or pause active operations; consider using batch tasks to queue jobs.
- Background Extensions: Disable Explorer context menu extensions you don’t need in the app settings.
- Large or Corrupted Archives: Test archives with integrity checks and repair if possible; re-download incomplete archives.
- Outdated Software: Update to the latest version: in-app update or from ashampoo.com
- Antivirus / Security Software Interference: Temporarily whitelist Ashampoo ZIP Pro executables or adjust security settings.
- Hardware Acceleration: Disable hardware acceleration in Settings → Performance if instability occurs.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Ashampoo ZIP Pro and review active tasks; pause or cancel heavy jobs
2. Update software: Help → Check for updates
3. Disable unnecessary Explorer context menu entries
4. Run a disk cleanup and free up memory
5. Enable Memory Saver under Settings → Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashampoo ZIP Pro?
Ashampoo ZIP Pro is a comprehensive archive manager that creates, opens, encrypts, and converts archives in ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR and more, with a built-in file manager and cloud support.
Is Ashampoo ZIP Pro safe to install?
Yes. Download from ashampoo.com or official stores; ensure digital signature shows Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG and that the installer is legitimate.
Can Ashampoo ZIP Pro open RAR files?
Yes, Ashampoo ZIP Pro can open and extract RAR, 7Z, ZIP and many other archive formats.
Does Ashampoo ZIP Pro support encryption?
Yes. It supports AES-256 encryption and password protection for archives.
How do I uninstall Ashampoo ZIP Pro?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Ashampoo ZIP Pro > Uninstall, or use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Ashampoo ZIP Pro.
Is there a free trial of Ashampoo ZIP Pro?
Ashampoo typically offers a trial version; check the official site for current licensing and trial terms.