Quick Answer
dashlane.exe is safe. It's Dashlane's official password manager core process that runs in the background to autofill credentials, sync data across devices, and secure local vault access.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Dashlane\dashlane.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dashlane\dashlane.exe
Warning
Background processes normal
Dashlane uses background services for autofill and sync; multiple processes may appear but are part of the app.
Can I Disable?
YES
Close Dashlane from the system tray or Task Manager; disable startup to prevent auto-running.
What is dashlane.exe?
dashlane.exe is the core Windows executable for the Dashlane Password Manager. It runs in the background to unlock your vault, autofill credentials in supported apps and browsers, and synchronize data across devices. It coordinates with the UI and security services to provide seamless password management and vault access.
This process coordinates local vault encryption, secure IPC with the UI, and background sync. It manages autofill prompts, clipboard handling, and data protection so credentials stay private while Dashlane connects to your account.
Quick Fact: Dashlane introduced background synchronization for secure password management across devices.
Types of Dashlane Processes
- Launcher Process: Main UI launcher and user interactions
- Background Sync Process: Synchronizes vault data with the cloud
- Autofill Engine: Injects credentials into web forms and apps
- Clipboard Guard: Manages clipboard data to protect sensitive information
- Updater Service: Checks for and applies updates
- Security Processor: Handles encryption keys and vault integrity checks
Is dashlane.exe Safe?
Yes, dashlane.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Dashlane downloaded from official sources (dashlane.com or official Windows sources).
Is dashlane.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real dashlane.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if dashlane.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Dashlane\dashlane.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dashlane\dashlane.exe. Any dashlane.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click dashlane.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Dashlane, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU, 50-150 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when Dashlane is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Dashlane should run when you open the app or when scheduled sync occurs. Persistent background processes without user action may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If dashlane.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Dashlane isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files.
Why Is dashlane.exe Running on My PC?
dashlane.exe runs when you open Dashlane or when features like autofill and background sync are enabled.
Reasons it's running:
- Active user session: You're actively using Dashlane to autofill or manage vault items.
- Background Sync: Dashlane syncs vault data across devices in the background.
- System Startup: Dashlane is configured to launch at Windows startup to monitor for autofill tasks.
- Autofill and Form Filling: The autofill engine runs when you focus a web form or app that requires credentials.
- Security and Vault Maintenance: Periodic encryption key checks and vault integrity verifications occur in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove dashlane.exe?
Yes, you can disable dashlane.exe. You can quit the app, disable startup, or turn off autofill features to stop it from running.
How to Stop dashlane.exe
- Quit from system tray: Right-click the Dashlane icon in the system tray and choose Exit to stop all dashlane.exe activity.
- Close the main app window: Open Dashlane and use Exit or close all windows to stop active sessions.
- Disable startup entry: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Dashlane to prevent auto-launch.
- Pause autoplay/autofill: Dashlane Settings → Autofill → disable automatic filling when not needed.
- Stop background apps: Dashlane Settings → General → Disable 'Continue running background apps when Dashlane is closed'.
How to Uninstall Dashlane
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Dashlane → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Dashlane → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative password managers if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If dashlane.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Autofill Requests: Limit frequent autofill events by adjusting login sessions and turning off unnecessary autofill prompts.
- Background Sync Activity: Check sync status in Dashlane and ensure network connectivity; pause syncing if needed.
- Outdated Dashlane Version: Update Dashlane to the latest version via Dashlane settings or official site.
- Conflicting Extensions: Disable or remove browser extensions related to Dashlane and re-enable only essential ones.
- Malware Mimicking dashlane.exe: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify the file location and signature as described in safety verification.
- Insufficient System Resources: Close unused programs or increase available RAM to reduce pressure on dashlane.exe.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Dashlane Task Manager and identify high-usage items
2. Update Dashlane to the latest version
3. Disable unnecessary autofill prompts and extensions
4. Pause background sync if problems persist
5. Restart the Dashlane service or reboot the PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dashlane.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate dashlane.exe from Dashlane is not a virus. However, always verify the file is located in C:\Program Files\Dashlane\dashlane.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dashlane\dashlane.exe and has a valid signature from Dashlane, Inc.
Why is dashlane.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by heavy autofill activity, simultaneous vault sync, or a misbehaving extension. Use Dashlane Task Manager (Shift+Esc in the browser) to identify the culprit and consider stopping that task or updating Dashlane.
Can I delete dashlane.exe?
You can uninstall Dashlane through Windows Settings → Apps if you no longer need it. Your data may remain encrypted unless you disable syncing or delete local vault data.
Can I disable dashlane.exe?
Yes. You can quit the app, disable startup, or turn off autofill and background sync to prevent dashlane.exe from running in the background.
Why does dashlane.exe run at startup?
Dashlane may be configured to launch at Windows startup to enable auto-fill and keep vaults synchronized across devices. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup to prevent automatic launching.
Where is my Dashlane data stored?
Dashlane stores encrypted vault data locally in the Dashlane data directory and syncs encrypted data with the cloud. Ensure you have a backup and understand the data retention settings in Dashlane.