Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\Canon\Telemetry\canon-telemetry.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Telemetry may spawn multiple background tasks for different components (printer status, driver health, updates)
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable telemetry via Canon Utilities settings or Windows startup options
What is canon-telemetry.exe?
canon-telemetry.exe is the background telemetry service that ships with Canon printer and imaging software. It collects non-personally identifiable usage, error, and device health data to help Canon improve drivers, utilities, and support workflows. The service runs quietly in the background and activates when Canon components are installed or telemetry is enabled.
TheCanon Telemetry Service operates as a lightweight background task, reporting diagnostic events to Canon servers. It uses minimal CPU and memory, and its activity is tied to Canon software modules (drivers, utilities, and printer status checks).
Quick Fact: Canon telemetry is designed to run with low overhead and can be disabled or limited via Canon Utilities settings.
Types of Canon Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Service: Core background service collecting usage and diagnostic data
- Update Helper: Checks for Canon software updates and reports status
- Background Sync Agent: Synchronizes device health and printer status data
- UI Telemetry Bridge: Collects user interactions for UX improvements
- Health Monitor: Monitors printer/driver health and reports anomalies
- Launcher Helper: Coordinates telemetry tasks during startup
Is canon-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, canon-telemetry.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file installed by Canon software from official sources.
Is canon-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real canon-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names in an attempt to deceive users.
How to Tell if canon-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be located at
C:\Program Files\Canon\Telemetry\canon-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Canon\Telemetry\canon-telemetry.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Canon Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal background usage is 0.5-3% CPU and 20-120 MB memory. Constant high resource use without Canon software running is suspicious.
- Behavior: Canon telemetry should run when Canon components are active or telemetry is enabled. Persistent execution when Canon is uninstalled is a red flag.
Red Flags: If canon-telemetry.exe is found outside Canon directories (e.g., AppData, Temp, or System32), runs when Canon software isn’t active, lacks a valid signature, or consistently consumes excessive resources, scan for malware and verify with Canon support. Names like "canon-telemetry.exe" can be spoofed by malware.
Why Is canon-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
canon-telemetry.exe runs as part of Canon printer and imaging software to collect telemetry data that helps Canon diagnose issues, improve drivers, and deliver better support experiences. It can run during startup, updates, or printer checks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Canon Software Use: You have Canon printer or imaging software installed and active; telemetry collects usage and health data while features are used.
- Background Telemetry Tasks: Telemetry tasks run in the background to monitor device status, error codes, and feature usage even when the UI is closed.
- Startup Integration: Canon telemetry may start at boot or with Windows startup if configured by the Canon software package.
- Diagnostics and Health Checks: Regular health checks for printers and drivers generate telemetry events used by Canon support for proactive diagnostics.
- Update and Compatibility Checks: Telemetry can accompany update checks to report installation success, component versions, and compatibility status.
Can I Disable or Remove canon-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable canon-telemetry.exe. It is typically optional and can be turned off in Canon software settings or via startup management without removing essential printer functionality.
How to Stop canon-telemetry.exe
- Disable Telemetry in Canon Utilities: Open Canon Utilities or Printer Software Settings → Telemetry or Data Collection → set to Off or Minimal
- Close Canon Applications: Exit all Canon software before adjusting startup options
- End the Process Manually: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Processes → canon-telemetry.exe → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → locate Canon Telemetry Launcher → Disable
- Stop Background Apps: In Canon Settings → System → disable "Continue running background telemetry when Canon software is closed"
How to Uninstall Canon Telemetry (if available)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Canon Utilities → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Canon Utilities → Uninstall
- ✔ If telemetry is a standalone component, select it and uninstall; otherwise consider removing the entire Canon software suite
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstall
Common Problems: High Telemetry CPU or Memory Usage
If canon-telemetry.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Canon Telemetry Tasks: Open Canon Utilities → Telemetry settings and limit data collection or disable non-essential telemetry.
- Background Telemetry Extensions: Disable non-critical telemetry modules in Canon Utilities or via the Telemetry Manager.
- Frequent Health Checks: Schedule health checks to occur less frequently or adjust cadence in settings.
- Outdated Canon Software: Update Canon software to the latest version to include performance fixes.
- Startup Telemetry: Disable the telemetry launcher in Task Manager > Startup.
- Malware Impersonation: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify Digital Signatures for canon-telemetry.exe in the Canon directory.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Canon Utilities Telemetry Manager and review active telemetry tasks
2. End or pause high-usage telemetry tasks
3. Disable telemetry in Canon settings if not required
4. Update Canon software to the latest version
5. Disable startup launcher for telemetry in Task Manager
6. Run a system antivirus and malware scan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is canon-telemetry.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate canon-telemetry.exe is a Canon background service and is safe when located in C:\Program Files\Canon\Telemetry with a valid Canon signature.
Why is canon-telemetry.exe running if I don't use Canon software?
If you have Canon drivers or printers installed, telemetry may still run to report status and health data. It can be disabled in Canon Utilities or Windows startup.
Can I delete canon-telemetry.exe?
You can disable telemetry or uninstall the Canon software suite. Deleting the file manually is not recommended as it may be restored by updates.
Can I disable canon-telemetry.exe at startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager > Startup to disable the Canon Telemetry Launcher, or disable telemetry in Canon Utilities settings.
What data does canon-telemetry.exe collect?
Telemetry typically includes device health, error codes, driver status, and feature usage. It does not usually include personal documents or content.
How do I completely remove Canon telemetry?
Uninstall the Canon software suite from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Reboot, and ensure no Canon services or telemetry components remain.