Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\AudioBridge\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\AudioBridge\
Warning
Multiple processes normal
AudioBridge uses separate processes for each virtual route and UI component to isolate failures
Can I Disable?
YES
Close routing UI or stop the AudioBridge Windows service to cease routing
Admin Rights
May require admin rights
Installation and driver install/updates typically require elevated privileges
What is audio-bridge.exe?
audio-bridge.exe is the executable core of AudioBridge, a software suite that creates virtual audio devices and routes sound between applications. It enables complex routing scenarios, such as sending DAW outputs to streaming software, console routing, and multi-app playback with low latency.
AudioBridge employs a kernel driver plus a user-space bridge to expose virtual devices, negotiate sample rates, and forward streams between endpoints. It isolates routes to protect stability and supports dynamic device enumeration for plug-and-play workflows.
Quick Fact: AudioBridge pioneered virtual audio devices in a consumer-focused routing stack and ensures per-route isolation for crash containment.
Types of AudioBridge Processes
- Driver Process: Kernel-mode driver that registers virtual audio devices and handles low-level I/O
- UI Process: Control panel that configures routes, devices, and sample rates
- Bridge Engine: Core routing daemon that forwards audio between input and output endpoints
- Audio Engine: Software mixer and sample-rate converter for channel and format adaptation
- Background Service: Monitors device changes, updates routes, and maintains baseline operation
Is audio-bridge.exe Safe?
Yes, audio-bridge.exe is safe when it comes from AudioBridge Technologies and is installed from official sources.
Is audio-bridge.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real audio-bridge.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; always verify path and signature.
How to Tell if audio-bridge.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\AudioBridge\audio-bridge.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AudioBridge\audio-bridge.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. It should show signer as AudioBridge Technologies.
- Resource Usage: Idle CPU is typically 1-12% and memory under 250 MB. Excessive constant usage outside routing activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run when AudioBridge is actively routing or when its service is started by the user.
Red Flags: If audio-bridge.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without user action, lacks a valid signature, or uses persistent high resources, scan with reputable antivirus and compare hashes. Look for similarly named files like "audio-bridge32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is audio-bridge.exe Running on My PC?
audio-bridge.exe runs when AudioBridge is active, creating virtual devices and routing audio between applications, or when the service starts automatically to maintain device readiness.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Routing: You have virtual devices mapped and routes in use, so the bridge engine is actively forwarding streams.
- Background Audio Apps: DAWs, mixers, or streaming apps keep paths open, causing the bridge to maintain routes in memory.
- Startup Service: The AudioBridge service may be configured to start with Windows to ensure devices are ready on boot.
- Device Enumeration: The bridge continually enumerates audio devices to handle new inputs/outputs or device changes.
- Updater/Background Tasks: Background update checks or configuration refreshes can run periodically, keeping the process active.
Can I Disable or Remove audio-bridge.exe?
Yes, you can disable audio-bridge.exe. It is safe to close or disable routing when not needed, and you can uninstall AudioBridge if you prefer another solution.
How to Stop audio-bridge.exe
- Stop Routing in UI: Open AudioBridge Control Panel and click Stop or Disable Routes to halt routing temporarily
- Stop the Windows Service: Open Services (services.msc) → locate AudioBridge Service → Stop and set Startup type to Manual
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable AudioBridge entry
- Uninstall AudioBridge: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → AudioBridge → Uninstall
- Restart Computer: Reboot to ensure the service and drivers are fully stopped
How to Uninstall AudioBridge
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → AudioBridge → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → AudioBridge → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart system after removal and consider alternative routing software if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If audio-bridge.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Virtual Routes: Reduce the number of concurrent routes or consolidate devices in the AudioBridge control panel.
- Resource-Heavy Routes: Disable unnecessary routes and sessions; optimize sample rate and buffer settings in the UI.
- Incompatible Sample Rates: Set a stable sample rate (e.g., 44100 Hz) and adjust buffer sizes to match source devices.
- Outdated AudioBridge Version: Update to the latest version from the official AudioBridge site and reinstall if needed.
- Conflicting Drivers: Disable or reorder conflicting virtual drivers and ensure no duplicate devices are active.
- Background Polling: Limit background polling in settings and disable nonessential background services.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open AudioBridge Control Panel and identify high-usage routes
2. Close or suspend nonessential routes
3. Update AudioBridge to the latest release
4. Restart the AudioBridge service
5. Test a single route to establish a stable baseline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is audio-bridge.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate audio-bridge.exe from AudioBridge Technologies is not a virus. Verify path: C:\Program Files\AudioBridge\audio-bridge.exe and check for a valid signature from AudioBridge Technologies.
Why is audio-bridge.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by many active routes, heavy plugins, or misconfigured sample rates. Use AudioBridge Task Manager to identify the culprits and reduce routes or update drivers.
Can I delete audio-bridge.exe?
You can uninstall AudioBridge from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Deleting the executable manually could break routing; use the official uninstaller.
Can I disable audio-bridge.exe?
Yes. Disable startup, stop the Windows service, or close the AudioBridge UI. This stops routing until you manually re-enable it.
Why does AudioBridge start at Windows boot?
The installer may configure the service to start automatically to ensure virtual devices are ready when apps start. Disable via Task Manager or Services if undesired.
How do I configure a simple routing with AudioBridge?
Open the AudioBridge Control Panel, select a source device and a target device, create a route, and test with a playback application to confirm audio flow.