Quick Answer
element.exe is safe. It's the official Element Desktop Client (Windows) built on Electron, using multiple processes for UI, rendering, and network tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\Element\Element.exe
Warning
Multiple processes are normal
Element uses a multi-process architecture (main, renderers for windows, GPU).
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the app to reduce usage; you can disable startup and background tasks in Settings
What is element.exe?
element.exe is the Windows executable for the Element Desktop Client, a cross‑platform chat application built on Electron. It coordinates the main window, background services, and network tasks. The process may spawn multiple child processes to render the UI, display notifications, and manage secure message handling.
This design isolates the UI, rendering, and background tasks to improve responsiveness and security. The main process coordinates state, renderers render windows, and a GPU process handles graphics acceleration and media rendering.
Quick Fact: Element's Electron base expedites cross‑platform updates, but increases the number of concurrent processes for each window.
Types of Element Processes
- Main Process: Coordinates the app, menus, and global state
- Renderer Process: Renders each window and UI content
- GPU Process: Handles graphics acceleration
- Background Worker: Syncs messages and notifications
- Encryption/Security: Manages end‑to‑end encryption tasks
- System Tray/Helper: Background tasks for tray icons and quick actions
Is element.exe Safe?
Yes, element.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Element (Element Desktop Client) downloaded from official sources.
Is element.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real element.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names. Always verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if element.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Element\Element.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\Element.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Element Ltd" or "New Vector Ltd".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-25% CPU and 150-500 MB memory. Consistently high usage when the app is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Element should launch when you open the app. Background network activity when the app is not running is a red flag.
Red Flags: If element.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when Element isn't open, lacks a valid signature, or uses constant CPU/memory, scan with antivirus. watch for similarly‑named files like "element64.exe".
Why Is element.exe Running on My PC?
element.exe runs when Element Desktop Client or its background services start, or when a user signs into Element and needs chat functionality.
Reasons it's running:
- Active User Session: You're actively using Element; each chat window or conversation activates renderer processes.
- Background Services: Background tasks such as message syncing, push notifications, and key management keep the app responsive.
- Startup Launch: Element is configured to start with Windows, launching element.exe at login.
- Background Encryption: Live encryption keys and secure message handling run in background threads to protect data.
- System Tray/Background App: Element may run in the system tray to deliver notifications even when windows are closed.
Can I Disable or Remove element.exe?
Yes, you can disable element.exe. It's safe to close Element when not in use, and you can uninstall it or disable startup/background features if you prefer a different client.
How to Stop element.exe
- Close Windows: Close all Element windows by clicking the X or pressing Alt+F4.
- End Process: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find element.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Element Desktop Client
- Stop Background Apps: Element Settings → General → Disable 'Start Element on Windows startup' or 'Continue running in background'
- Sign Out and Quit: In Element, sign out from account and quit to stop background activity
How to Uninstall Element Desktop Client
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Element Desktop Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Element Desktop Client → Uninstall
- ✔ If you plan to switch to another client, consider exporting chats if supported
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If element.exe is consuming excessive resources;
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Windows Open: Close unused chat windows or use compact views; each window consumes resources.
- Background Sync Heavy: Adjust sync frequency in Settings or disable automatic sync for large files.
- Resource-Intensive Media: Video calls or large attachments can spike CPU; reduce quality or pause media.
- Outdated Element Version: Update Element to latest version via Settings → Help → Check for Updates.
- Background Extensions/Plugins: Element doesn't support extensions like a browser, but check for add-ons or plugins within the app; disable suspicious ones.
- Corrupted Local Data: Clear cache and local data from Settings; consider re-indexing chat history if available.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Element Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify heavy windows or calls
2. Clear app cache: Settings → Privacy → Clear Data
3. Disable unnecessary background tasks in Settings
4. Update Element: Settings → Help → Check for Updates
5. Restart Element to apply changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is element.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate element.exe from Element is not a virus. Verify the file path C:\Program Files\Element\Element.exe and ensure a valid signature from Element Ltd or New Vector Ltd.
Why is element.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by active chats with media, large attachments, or background syncing. Use Element Task Manager to identify the source and close or pause the offending window or feature.
Can I delete element.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Element Desktop Client via Windows Settings. Your chats may be saved if you use cloud sync; otherwise export if available.
Can I disable element.exe?
Yes, you can close Element, disable startup, or turn off background running in Settings. Uninstall if you no longer need the app.
Why does Element start on Windows startup?
Element can be configured to start with Windows for instant access. Disable this in Task Manager → Startup or in Element Settings → General → Start on system startup.
How can I reduce Element's memory usage?
Close unused chats, disable unnecessary notifications, clear cache, and enable any Memory Saver option in Element if available.