Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\DameWare\DameWare Mini Remote Control\dameware.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DameWare\DameWare Mini Remote Control\dameware.exe
Warning
Multiple processes may run during sessions
DameWare can spawn worker processes for each remote session
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close active sessions or stop the service to reduce usage
What is dameware.exe?
dameware.exe is the primary executable for DameWare Mini Remote Control, a remote administration tool used by IT teams to manage and support other computers. It coordinates remote sessions, remote control, file transfer, chat, and session logging between the administrator and client machines.
Technically, dameware.exe runs as part of DameWare’s client/server remote control stack. It handles session orchestration, user interface, and network communication with the DameWare server or cloud service, enabling secure remote access and audit logging during support sessions.
Quick Fact: DameWare has supported remote administration since the late 1990s, with cross‑platform agents and enterprise-grade security features built for IT environments.
Types of DameWare Processes
- DameWare Console Process: The main UI and session manager used by the administrator to initiate and monitor remote connections.
- Remote Session Process: Each active remote connection runs in its own worker process to isolate sessions.
- DameWare Server/Agent Service: Background service that listens for inbound connections and maintains unattended access.
- File Transfer Process: Handles file transfer tasks during remote sessions.
- Update/Installer Process: Updater components that apply patches and install components.
- Logging/Telemetry Process: Collects and stores session logs and telemetry data for auditing.
Is dameware.exe Safe?
Yes, dameware.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from SolarWinds downloaded from official sources or installed by your organization.
Is dameware.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real dameware.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade under similar names. Verify the file path and signature from SolarWinds to confirm legitimacy.
How to Tell if dameware.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\DameWare\DameWare Mini Remote Control\dameware.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DameWare\DameWare Mini Remote Control\dameware.exe
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show SolarWinds or SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU and 40-120 MB memory per session. Extremely high usage outside active sessions is suspicious.
- Behavior: DameWare should only run when you intentionally start a remote session. Unprompted activity or background connections warrant inspection.
Red Flags: If dameware.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when you aren’t using it, has no signature, or uses unexpected network ports, scan with antivirus and verify with your IT team.
Why Is dameware.exe Running on My PC?
DameWare runs when an administrator starts a remote support session, or when the DameWare Agent/Service is enabled to manage endpoints. It can also run as part of background tasks for maintenance.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Session: An ongoing remote control session keeps dameware.exe active to sustain control and input redirection.
- Background Agent: The DameWare Agent service may run to provide unattended access, discovery, and endpoint management.
- Startup or Automatic Launch: DameWare components may be configured to launch on Windows startup or via startup scripts.
- Session Discovery: DameWare may perform endpoint discovery or inventory tasks as part of its management features.
- Logging and Compliance: Session logging and auditing modules run to record remote sessions for security and compliance.
Can I Disable or Remove dameware.exe?
Yes, you can disable dameware.exe. It’s safe to stop it when not in use, and you can uninstall or disable components if you no longer need remote support functionality.
How to Stop dameware.exe
- End Active Sessions: In the DameWare Console, end or disconnect each active remote session.
- Close Console: Close the DameWare Console window to stop UI processes.
- Stop Agent Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate DameWare Mini Remote Control Agent Service, and stop the service.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable DameWare components.
- Uninstall: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall DameWare Mini Remote Control.
How to Uninstall DameWare
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → DameWare Mini Remote Control → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → DameWare Mini Remote Control → Uninstall
- ✔ If you rely on other IT tools, consider alternatives such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or built-in RDP
Common Problems: Remote Sessions, Performance, and Connectivity
If dameware.exe is causing issues, identify the root cause and follow recommended steps to restore normal operation.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Cannot connect to endpoint: Verify network reachability, firewall rules, and that the DameWare Agent is running on the target machine. Ensure correct credentials and server address are configured.
- Remote session disconnects: Check for intermittent network connectivity, update DameWare to the latest version, and review session logs for timeout events.
- High resource usage during a session: Close unused sessions, disable unnecessary features, and consider lowering session quality or disabling rich media on the endpoint.
- File transfer fails: Confirm permissions on destination folders, ensure VPN/network paths are accessible, and verify that the file transfer module is enabled.
- DameWare service not starting: Check Windows Services for the DameWare Agent Service, review Event Viewer logs, and reinstall if required.
- Unrecognized host in console: Validate DNS resolution, ensure correct server address, and verify that the target endpoint is enrolled in the DameWare environment.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open the DameWare Console and review active sessions with the status bar
2. Restart the DameWare Agent Service on the target machine if connectivity is lost
3. Update DameWare to the latest version from the official source
4. Check firewall and VPN settings that might block DameWare traffic
5. Review logs at C:\ProgramData\DameWare\Logs for error messages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dameware.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate dameware.exe from SolarWinds is not a virus. Verify the file path (C:\Program Files\DameWare\DameWare Mini Remote Control\dameware.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DameWare\DameWare Mini Remote Control\dameware.exe) and ensure a valid signature from SolarWinds.
How do I disable DameWare from starting automatically?
Open Task Manager > Startup tab, locate DameWare components, and disable them. You can also stop the DameWare Agent Service in services.msc and delete related startup tasks if permitted by your admin.
How to uninstall DameWare?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, select DameWare Mini Remote Control, and Uninstall. You can also use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program. Consider alternative remote tools if needed.
Can DameWare be used for unattended access?
Yes, DameWare supports unattended access through the DameWare Agent service configured on endpoints. Ensure proper security controls and consent policies are in place.
Why is DameWare running when I’m not using it?
DameWare may run in the background to provide unattended access or monitoring. Check the Agent service, startup items, and scheduled tasks. Disable startup and stop the service if not required.
Where are DameWare logs stored?
Logs are typically stored under C:\ProgramData\DameWare\Logs. Review these logs to diagnose connection, authentication, or session issues.