cuteftppro.exe

What is cuteftppro.exe?

cuteftppro.exe is the main executable for the CuteFTP Pro file transfer client. It coordinates FTP/SFTP/FTPS sessions, manages authentication, and handles secure transfers while the UI provides site management, scheduling, and batch operations.

The process hosts the transfer engine and UI separately, enabling multi-threaded file transfers, TLS/SSL negotiation, and robust retry logic. It isolates network I/O from the interface for stability and responsiveness.

Types of CuteFTP Pro Processes

• UI Process: Main graphical interface and Site Manager
• Transfer Engine: Handles active FTP/SFTP/FTPS transfers with multi-threading
• Scheduler Process: Executes scheduled transfers and batch jobs
• TLS/SSL Handler: Manages encryption, certificates, and secure handshakes
• Background Services: Logs, update checks, and connectivity monitoring

Is cuteftppro.exe Safe?

Yes, cuteftppro.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from GlobalSCAPE installed from official sources.

Is cuteftppro.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real cuteftppro.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names.

How to Tell if cuteftppro.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\GlobalSCAPE\CuteFTP Pro\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\GlobalSCAPE\CuteFTP Pro\
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "GlobalSCAPE, Inc."
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-25% CPU per transfer, 40-180 MB total memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Should only run when CuteFTP Pro is active or performing transfers. Background activity without user action warrants investigation.

Why Is cuteftppro.exe Running on My PC?

cuteftppro.exe runs when you launch CuteFTP Pro or when background tasks, such as scheduled transfers or active sessions, are active.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Transfers: You have one or more FTP/SFTP transfers in progress, which keeps the transfer engine active.
• Background Jobs: Scheduled tasks, site backups, or automated uploads run in the background.
• Startup Launch: CuteFTP Pro may be configured to start with Windows, so the process launches on boot.
• Site Monitoring: The app monitors remote sites for connectivity or certificate changes and may trigger reconnection attempts.
• Update Checks: Automatic update checks or plugin updates can spawn the process to fetch data.

Can I Disable or Remove cuteftppro.exe?

Yes, you can disable cuteftppro.exe. It's safe to close or uninstall if you no longer need CuteFTP Pro.

How to Stop cuteftppro.exe

• End Individual Transfers: In CuteFTP Pro, cancel active transfers and pause queues to reduce engine activity.
• Close Application: Use the Exit command or close all windows to terminate the UI and transfer engine.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable CuteFTP Pro
• Stop Background Jobs: In Settings → Tasks, disable scheduled transfers and background monitoring.
• Disable Background Apps: In CuteFTP Pro Settings → General → Performance, turn off automatic background transfers.

How to Uninstall CuteFTP Pro

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → CuteFTP Pro → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → CuteFTP Pro → Uninstall
• ✔ Restart the computer after uninstallation to ensure all services stop

Common Problems: Transfer Issues or Connection Errors

If cuteftppro.exe misbehaves during transfers, try these targeted fixes to restore reliability.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Unable to connect to server: Check host name, port, and protocol (FTP/SFTP/FTPS). Verify firewall rules allow outgoing FTP traffic and passive mode settings.
• Transfers stuck in queue: Pause and resume, or cancel stuck jobs. Ensure there is enough disk space and check server write permissions.
• TLS/SSL handshake failures: Verify server certificates; set TLS mode to explicit or implicit as required and update to latest Crypto libraries.
• App crashes during transfers: Update to the latest CuteFTP Pro version, reinstall if needed, and check for conflicting security software.
• High CPU or memory during idle: Reduce concurrent transfers, disable unnecessary plugins, and enable Memory Saver in Settings.
• Wrong credentials saved: Open Site Manager, edit the site, re-enter credentials, and test connection. Enable password vault if available.

Related Processes