Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\CrashPlan\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\CrashPlan\
Warning
Background backup activity
CrashPlan uses a service (CrashPlanService.exe) and a UI process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can pause backups or stop the CrashPlan service; adjust startup and auto-backup settings as needed
What is crashplan.exe?
crashplan.exe is the executable component of Code42 CrashPlan, a consumer/business backup client. It runs as a background service and a user interface, monitoring designated folders to perform automated backups to the Code42 cloud or local destinations, with encryption and delta backups for efficiency.
CrashPlan uses a client-agent model with CrashPlanService.exe running as a Windows service and CrashPlanUI.exe for user configuration. It indexes files, computes deltas, encrypts data, and transmits securely via TLS to the backup target.
Quick Fact: CrashPlan started as a cross-platform backup solution and continues to rely on a modular service + UI architecture for reliable backups.
Types of CrashPlan Processes
- Main UI Process: CrashPlanUI.exe for user interaction and configuration
- Background Service: CrashPlanService.exe runs backups, indexing, and coordination
- Background Worker: Delta backup tasks and file-change monitoring
Is crashplan.exe Safe?
Yes, crashplan.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Code42 CrashPlan file from Code42, Inc. downloaded from the official Code42 website or installed by the OS distributor.
Is crashplan.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real crashplan.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify digital signature and path.
How to Tell if crashplan.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\CrashPlan\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\CrashPlan\; any crashplan.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click crashplan.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Code42, Inc." as signer.
- Service vs UI: Ensure both CrashPlanService.exe (service) and CrashPlanUI.exe (UI) exist in the CrashPlan folder.
- Resource Usage: Normal backups show modest CPU/memory; persistent high usage outside backup windows may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If crashplan.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when you haven't installed CrashPlan, has no valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly-named files like "crashplan32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is crashplan.exe Running on My PC?
CrashPlan runs to protect data by backing up files on a schedule or in real-time. It may operate even when the UI is closed to ensure continuous protection.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Jobs: A backup task or file set is currently being processed, causing the agent to run.
- Background File Sync: Real-time monitoring detects changes and queues incremental backups to the destination.
- Startup Service: The CrashPlan service is configured to start at system boot for automatic protection.
- Scheduled Backups: Backups are scheduled to run at specific times, triggering the crashplan.exe process.
- Cloud or Local Destination Activity: Sync operations to Code42 Cloud or a local destination keep the agent active to finalize transfers.
Can I Disable or Remove crashplan.exe?
Yes, you can disable crashplan.exe. You can pause backups, stop the service, or uninstall CrashPlan if you no longer need it.
How to Stop crashplan.exe
- Pause Backups in UI: Open CrashPlan UI and use the Pause or Stop buttons to halt backup activity
- Close UI: Quit the CrashPlan UI to stop user-driven backup actions while the service may still run
- End Services: Open Task Manager → Services or Processes, right-click CrashPlanService.exe and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable CrashPlan
- Adjust Background Settings: CrashPlan Settings → General → Disable 'Run at startup' or 'Pause on UI close' as appropriate
How to Uninstall CrashPlan
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → CrashPlan Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → CrashPlan → Uninstall
- ✔ Follow on-screen prompts and reboot if required
Common Problems: Backup Stalls or High Resource Use
If crashplan.exe is not behaving, use these common checks to identify and resolve issues.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Backup Job Paused: Open CrashPlan UI and resume or unpause the backup set
- Network or Firewall Blocking: Ensure outbound HTTPS (443) is allowed to Code42 Cloud or your destination; adjust firewall/proxy if needed
- Destination Unreachable: Verify the backup target path or cloud destination is accessible; reconnect or reconfigure destination
- Antivirus Interference: Add CrashPlan folders to antivirus exclusions to prevent scanning delays
- Outdated Client: Update CrashPlan to the latest version from Code42 to benefit from fixes and performance improvements
- Large or Locked Files: Exclude very large, frequently changing folders or temporarily pause backups during heavy write activity
Quick Fixes:
1. Open CrashPlan UI and identify stalled backups
2. Pause and resume backups to reset queues
3. Check network connectivity and destination status
4. Update CrashPlan to the latest version
5. Add CrashPlan to antivirus exclusions and restart service
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crashplan.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate crashplan.exe is part of Code42 CrashPlan. Verify path is C:\Program Files\CrashPlan\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\CrashPlan\ and check the digital signature for Code42, Inc.
Why is crashplan.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can happen during active backups or scans of large data sets. Use the CrashPlan UI to view active tasks and pause non-critical backups if needed.
Can I delete crashplan.exe?
You should not delete crashplan.exe manually. Uninstall CrashPlan via Settings → Apps or Control Panel to remove it cleanly and avoid leaving orphaned files.
Can I disable crashplan.exe?
Yes, you can disable backups or disable startup so the agent does not run automatically. Use CrashPlan UI to pause or stop backups, and Task Manager to disable startup.
Why is CrashPlan running at startup?
CrashPlan is designed to start at boot to provide continuous protection. Disable the startup entry in Task Manager if you do not want automatic backups.
How do I know CrashPlan is backing up correctly?
Check the CrashPlan UI backup status, view recent activity, and confirm backups complete with a success status. Review logs for errors and verify the destination shows files.