Quick Answer
boostnote.exe is safe. It's Boostnote's Electron-based note-taking application, using a separate process model for the UI, rendering, and background tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Boostnote\Boostnote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Boostnote\Boostnote.exe
Warning
Multiple processes typical
Each major window or notebook may spawn separate processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Boostnote or disable startup to limit background activity
What is boostnote.exe?
boostnote.exe is the executable for Boostnote, an Electron-based note-taking application that stores notes locally using Markdown and supports cloud-synced backups. It runs in multiple processes to separate UI, editing, and background tasks for stability and security.
Boostnote runs on Electron (Chromium + Node.js). The process hierarchy isolates rendering from the UI, enabling smooth editing and safe crashes; background tasks handle autosave and cloud sync.
Quick Fact: Boostnote uses Electron to deliver a cross-platform markdown editor with live preview and offline storage.
Types of Boostnote Processes
- Main Process: UI and app lifecycle (one instance per window)
- Renderer Process: Markdown editor and preview for each note
- Background Process: Sync tasks, auto-save, and indexing
- Plugin/Extension Process: If supported by version, extensions run separately
- GPU Process: Graphics acceleration for editor rendering
- Utility Process: Telemetry and auxiliary services
Is boostnote.exe Safe?
Yes, boostnote.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from BoostIO downloaded from official sources.
Is boostnote.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real boostnote.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can disguise itself with similar names.
How to Tell if boostnote.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Boostnote\Boostnote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Boostnote\Boostnote.exe. Any boostnote.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click Boostnote.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "BoostIO, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-12% CPU per window and 100-250 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the app is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Boostnote should only run when you open the app. Multiple instances when Boostnote is closed indicates malware.
Red Flags: If boostnote.exe is located in unusual folders (e.g. Temp or AppData), runs when Boostnote isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files.
Why Is boostnote.exe Running on My PC?
boostnote.exe runs when you start Boostnote or when background sync is enabled. It may stay resident to provide fast access and ongoing indexing.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Note Editing: You are editing notes, notebooks, or using live previews; each open editor may spawn a renderer process.
- Background Sync: Syncs to cloud storage or local backups in the background to preserve changes.
- Auto-Save: Automatic saving of notes can keep the app active to prevent data loss.
- Startup Launch: Boostnote is configured to start on system boot or user login.
- Indexing/Search: Local indexing for fast note search loads on startup or when notes are opened.
Can I Disable or Remove boostnote.exe?
Yes, you can disable boostnote.exe. It's safe to close Boostnote when not in use, and you can uninstall it entirely if you prefer a different note app.
How to Stop boostnote.exe
- Close Boostnote Windows: Use the app's Close/Exit option to shut all windows.
- End Boostnote Process: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate boostnote.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Boostnote
- Stop Auto-Sync: Boostnote Settings → Synchronization → Disable auto-sync
- Uninstall Boostnote: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Boostnote → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Boostnote
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Boostnote → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Boostnote → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives like Obsidian, Joplin, or Notion
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If boostnote.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Open Notes: Each note window uses a renderer; close unused notes or use a compact view.
- Cloud Sync Conflicts: Resolve sync conflicts by re-authenticating or re-syncing; check logs.
- Outdated Boostnote Version: Update Boostnote to the latest version from the official site.
- Corrupted Local Data: Clear app cache or reimport notes from backup.
- Heavy Markdown Rendering: Disable or simplify embedded media; enable lightweight rendering mode if available.
- Malicious Extensions or Plugins: Disable or remove suspicious plugins; only install trusted extensions.
Quick Fixes:
1. Use Boostnote's built-in task manager to identify heavy windows and close them
2. Disable auto-sync or sign out of cloud services temporarily
3. Update Boostnote to the latest version
4. Clear cache and local storage data
5. Restart Boostnote and recheck resource usage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boostnote.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate boostnote.exe from BoostIO is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\Boostnote\Boostnote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Boostnote\Boostnote.exe and has a valid digital signature.
Why is boostnote.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can result from many open notes, heavy Markdown rendering, or sync processes. Open Boostnote's task manager to identify heavy windows and close or optimize notes.
Can I delete boostnote.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Boostnote via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your notes may be stored locally or in the cloud depending on settings.
Can I disable boostnote.exe?
Yes, you can close the app or disable startup in Task Manager. Disable auto-sync to stop background tasks.
Why is boostnote.exe running at startup?
Boostnote may be configured to start when Windows starts. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup.
How do I export notes from Boostnote?
Use Boostnote's export options to save notes as Markdown or JSON; refer to documentation for your version.