Quick Answer
AuraService.exe is safe. It's ASUS Aura Sync software that coordinates RGB lighting across supported hardware. It uses multiple processes for UI, background lighting tasks, and device control.
What is AuraService.exe?
ASUS Aura Sync is the lighting control software that coordinates RGB effects across ASUS motherboards, graphics cards, RAM, keyboards, mice, and compatible peripherals. Aura uses a service and background components to manage profiles, color zones, and animations, enabling synchronized lighting across devices. This guide explains AuraService.exe and how to troubleshoot it.
AuraSync uses a multi-process setup: a main service coordinates devices, while helper processes handle rendering presets and profile sync. This keeps lighting responsive and prevents a single device from blocking others.
Quick Fact: Aura Sync pioneered centralized RGB control, letting you group devices for unified lighting across supported hardware.
Types of Aura Processes
- Aura Service: Core background service that coordinates lighting across devices
- Aura Daemon: Background daemon handling per-device lighting tasks
- Profile Manager: Loads and applies lighting profiles for selected devices
- Lighting Renderer: Renders color effects to compatible hardware
- Device Controller: Manages individual device lighting and zones
- UI and Tray: User interface components and system tray interactions
Is aura.exe Safe?
Yes, aura.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Aura Sync software provided by ASUS.
Is aura.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real aura.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can disguise itself with similar names.
How to Tell if aura.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\ASUS\Aura\AuraService.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\Aura\AuraService.exe. Any aura.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click AuraService.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show ASUSTeK Computer Inc. and ASUS as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per Aura process, 60-260 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the UI is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Aura should run when Aura Sync is active. Aura without corresponding UI or routine startup may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If aura.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when Aura isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with reputable antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files.
Why Is aura.exe Running on My PC?
Aura.exe runs to coordinate RGB lighting and profile synchronization for Aura Sync-enabled hardware. It may stay active to maintain lighting across devices and respond to profile changes or system events.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Lighting Use: You're actively applying Aura lighting profiles across supported devices.
- Background Device Sync: Aura keeps device colors in sync by running in the background.
- Startup Program: Aura is configured to launch with Windows or the system boot.
- New Hardware Detected: Connecting new Aura-enabled devices starts a background controller for that device.
- Profile and Scene Updates: Modifying lighting scenes or profiles triggers Aura to run to apply changes.
Can I Disable or Remove aura.exe?
Yes, you can disable aura.exe. It's safe to close Aura when not in use, and you can uninstall Aura Sync if you prefer another lighting solution.
How to Stop aura.exe
- Close Aura UI: Exit the Aura Sync application from the system tray or main window.
- End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate Aura-related processes, and End Task for AuraService.exe or AuraDaemon.exe.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ASUS Aura Sync.
- Stop Background Lighting: In Aura, turn off background lighting or profile syncing if available.
- Restart PC: A reboot ensures settings take effect.
How to Uninstall Aura Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps & Features → ASUS Aura Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ASUS Aura Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative lighting software if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If aura.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Connected Devices: Reduce the number of Aura-enabled devices or disable extra zones in Aura.
- Background Sync Enabled: Disable background synchronization in Aura settings or disable 'Continue running background apps'.
- Outdated Aura Version: Update Aura Sync to the latest version from the official ASUS site.
- Conflicting RGB Software: Uninstall other RGB software that may conflict with Aura Sync.
- Corrupted Profiles: Reset or recreate lighting profiles in Aura.
- Hardware Acceleration / Bad Drivers: Update device drivers and consider turning off hardware acceleration in Aura settings.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Aura Task Manager to identify high-usage zones
2. Disconnect unnecessary Aura devices to reduce load
3. Update Aura from the official ASUS site
4. Disable unnecessary lighting effects or profiles
5. Restart Aura Sync or reboot the PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aura Safe?
Yes, Aura Sync is legitimate ASUS software. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\ASUS\Aura\AuraService.exe and has a valid digital signature from ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Why is Aura running in the background?
Aura runs in the background to maintain synchronized lighting across connected Aura-enabled devices and to apply profile updates efficiently.
Can I disable Aura from starting with Windows?
Yes. In Task Manager, go to Startup and disable ASUS Aura Sync, or disable Aura in Aura's startup settings.
How do I uninstall Aura Sync?
Open Windows Settings → Apps & Features → ASUS Aura Sync → Uninstall. Reboot afterward.
Aura is causing high CPU usage — what can I do?
Identify heavy devices or profiles in Aura Task Manager (Shift+Esc) and disable or adjust those effects. Ensure Aura is updated and drivers are current.
Which devices are supported by Aura Sync?
Aura Sync supports compatible ASUS components (motherboards, GPUs, RAM), plus select peripherals like keyboards and mice with Aura RGB zones.