Quick Answer
checkpoint.exe is a legitimate part of the Check Point VPN client. It manages VPN tunnels, UI, and background security services to provide remote access with policy enforcement.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Check Point\Endpoint Security\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Check Point\Endpoint Security\
Warning
Multiple processes normal
Separate processes for VPN engine, UI, updater, and logging are expected during sessions
Can I Disable?
YES
Close VPN client or disable startup to prevent background activity
What is checkpoint.exe?
checkpoint.exe is the main executable for the Check Point Endpoint Security VPN Client. It starts when you connect to a Check Point gateway and maintains the secure tunnel, enforces remote access policies, and coordinates authentication across modules. You may see multiple checkpoint.exe processes during a session.
checkpoint.exe uses a modular, multi‑process architecture to separate VPN tunneling, user interface, policy updates, and logging. The core VPN engine handles tunnel establishment and encryption, while UI and background services run in sandboxed processes for stability.
Quick Fact: Check Point's VPN client is designed with modular processes to isolate worker tasks and reduce crash impact.
Types of Check Point Processes
- VPN Engine Process: Core tunnel management and policy enforcement.
- UI/UX Process: User interface and interaction layer for the VPN client.
- Background Updater: Keeps the VPN client, policies, and certificates up to date.
- Logging/Diagnostics: Captures events and troubleshooting data.
- Agent/Service: Background service for connectivity health checks.
- Networking Components: Auxiliary modules used for DNS and network routing.
Is checkpoint.exe Safe?
Yes, checkpoint.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. downloaded from official sources or installed by an enterprise.
Is checkpoint.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real checkpoint.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names; verify digital signature and location.
How to Tell if checkpoint.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Check Point\Endpoint Security\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Check Point\Endpoint Security\ and not in temp or AppData folders.
- Digital Signature: Right-click checkpoint.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Check Point Software Technologies Ltd."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage during VPN operation is roughly 3-15% CPU per active tunnel and 100-400 MB memory. Continuous high usage without a VPN connection is suspicious.
- Behavior: The VPN client should start when you connect and should not repeatedly spawn processes when idle. Persistent activity with no VPN session can indicate malware.
Red Flags: If checkpoint.exe is located in unexpected folders (Temp, AppData), runs when the VPN is not installed, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources continuously, scan with reputable antivirus. Watch for similarly named files like 'checkpoint3.exe'.
Why Is checkpoint.exe Running on My PC?
checkpoint.exe runs to establish and maintain the VPN tunnel, enforce security policies, and support background checks. It may remain active for ongoing remote access and automatic policy updates.
Reasons it's running:
- Active VPN Connection: When connected to a Check Point gateway, the VPN engine keeps the tunnel alive and routes traffic.
- Background Services: Agent, updater, and policy components run to maintain session health and certificates.
- Network Change or Reconnect: Switching networks triggers re-authentication and tunnel re-establishment.
- Startup and Auto-Connect: If configured, the VPN Client starts with Windows or reconnects when connectivity is restored.
- Policy and Credential Sync: Periodic checks for updated access rules, certificates, and profile data.
Can I Disable or Remove checkpoint.exe?
Yes, you can disable checkpoint.exe. It's safe to close the VPN client when not in use; enterprise admins may provide group policies to manage updates.
How to Stop checkpoint.exe
- End VPN Session: Open the Check Point VPN UI and click Disconnect to terminate the tunnel.
- Exit Client: Quit the VPN client from the tray icon or main window.
- Prevent Startup: In Windows Task Manager -> Startup tab, disable 'Check Point Secure VPN' to stop auto-launch.
- Stop Background Services: In Services (services.msc), set 'Check Point VPN Service' to Manual or Disabled.
- Policy and Reconnect Rules: If required, alter policy updates to manual checks to avoid automatic re-connect attempts.
How to Uninstall Check Point VPN Client
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Check Point VPN Client -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Check Point VPN Client -> Uninstall
- ✔ If you work in an enterprise environment, consult IT to preserve profiles or use enterprise removal tools
Common Problems: VPN Performance and Stability
If checkpoint.exe is causing issues with the VPN client, review these typical causes and recommended fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- VPN fails to connect: Verify network connectivity, check gateway address, ensure credentials, and confirm license status in the VPN UI.
- Frequent disconnects: Check for policy updates, re-authenticate, and ensure a stable network connection.
- High CPU/Memory usage during VPN: Update the VPN client, disable unnecessary background tasks, and limit active tunnels if possible.
- DNS or name resolution failures over VPN: Ensure VPN-provided DNS is active, flush DNS if needed, and verify split-tunnel settings.
- Slow performance on remote networks: Reduce active tunnels, enable appropriate QoS, and check gateway load and network latency.
- Invalid or expired certificates: Renew certificates, re-import profiles, and re-sync credentials with the VPN server.
Quick Fixes:
1. Disconnect and reconnect the VPN to re-establish the tunnel
2. Check for VPN client updates and install if available
3. Restart the VPN service (cpvpnservice) in Services
4. Verify network stability and firewall rules allowing VPN traffic
5. Review and adjust split-tunnel or DNS settings in the VPN client
Frequently Asked Questions
Is checkpoint.exe a virus?
No, checkpoint.exe is a legitimate component of the Check Point VPN Client. Verify its path is in C:\Program Files\Check Point\Endpoint Security\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Check Point\Endpoint Security\ and that it has a valid digital signature from Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Why is checkpoint.exe running in the background even when I’m not connected to VPN?
The VPN client may be configured to maintain background services for policy updates, certificate maintenance, or background splash checks. You can disable startup or exit the client when not in use.
Where should checkpoint.exe be located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Check Point\Endpoint Security\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Check Point\Endpoint Security\, not in temporary folders or AppData.
How can I disable checkpoint.exe from starting with Windows?
Open Task Manager > Startup tab, locate 'Check Point Secure VPN' (or similar) and set it to Disabled. Reboot to confirm it does not start automatically.
Can I uninstall Check Point VPN Client and still access corporate resources?
If your organization requires the VPN, IT may reconfigure access or provide alternative clients. Uninstalling the VPN client could restrict remote access unless an alternative is provided.
What causes checkpoint.exe to use high CPU during a VPN session?
Active tunnels, policy updates, or misbehaving network conditions can raise CPU. Use Task Manager to identify the exact process spike, update the client, and consider reducing simultaneous tunnels.