Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Element\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\ and signed by New Vector Ltd
Warning
Multiple processes normal
Launcher may spawn the main app, updater, and helper tasks; expect several element-related processes while Element is running
Can I Disable?
4 YES
Close Element or disable startup to prevent launcher from starting automatically
What is element-launcher.exe?
element-launcher.exe is the lightweight helper that initializes and starts the Element Desktop client. It validates environment settings, checks for updates, and then launches the main element.exe process. This launcher helps ensure a clean boot and coordinated startup for the Electron-based app.
The launcher delegates control to the primary Element executable, manages startup checks, and coordinates updates. It does not render UI itself but ensures the main app starts in a signed, environment-ready state, often spawning additional background tasks as needed.
Quick Fact: Element uses a launcher to manage startup and update checks separately from the main UI, reducing startup crashes and ensuring a consistent environment for the Electron app.
Types of Element Processes
- Launcher Process: element-launcher.exe – coordinates startup and updates for the Element desktop client
- Main App Process: element.exe – renders the chat UI and handles core features
- Renderer Process: Electron renderer instances for UI rendering and page content
- Updater Process: Background updater that checks for and applies Element updates
- Background Helper: Background tasks like notification coaching and session sync
- Utility Process: Crash recovery and miscellaneous background utilities
Is element-launcher.exe Safe?
Yes, element-launcher.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from New Vector Ltd signed for the Element Desktop client and obtained from official sources.
Is element-launcher.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real element-launcher.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can impersonate legitimate names; always verify file location and signature.
How to Tell if element-launcher.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Element\element-launcher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\element-launcher.exe. Any launcher outside these paths is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the launcher in Task Manager or Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer "New Vector Ltd".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU, 30-120 MB memory when launching and running. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should launch the main Element UI when you start the app. Background activity outside a launcher startup is unusual.
Red Flags: If element-launcher.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when the app isn't launched, lacks a valid signature, or uses persistent CPU/memory, scan with antivirus and verify the vendor.
Why Is element-launcher.exe Running on My PC?
element-launcher.exe runs to bootstrap the Element Desktop client, perform startup checks, and prepare the main UI. It may also manage background update tasks and initial synchronization.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Launch: You started Element Desktop; the launcher initializes the environment and starts element.exe
- Background Update Check: The launcher may perform update checks and coordinate download/install steps before the main app runs
- First Run or Reinstallation: During setup or after reinstall, the launcher initializes settings and launches the main UI
- Startup or Background Mode: If Element is configured to start with Windows or run in background, the launcher may initialize during system start
- Session Restore: Launcher may restore previous session state and user preferences before presenting the UI
Can I Disable or Remove element-launcher.exe?
Yes, you can disable element-launcher.exe. Closing the launcher will stop startup of Element until you run the app again, and you can remove Element Desktop if you no longer need it.
How to Stop element-launcher.exe
- End Launcher: Open Windows Task Manager, locate element-launcher.exe, right-click > End Task
- Close Element: If Element UI is open, close all windows to stop launcher activity
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Element Desktop
- Stop Background Tasks: Element Settings > Advanced > Disable background updates or startup autolaunch
- Reboot: Restart the PC to fully stop any lingering launcher processes
How to Uninstall Element Desktop
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Element Desktop → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Element Desktop → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove leftover Element directories: C:\Program Files\Element and C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Element
Common Problems: Launcher Startup or Resource Usage
If element-launcher.exe is causing issues, like slow startup or high resource use, review these common causes and solutions.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Element has many open windows or quick-launch tasks: Close unused Element windows or sign out from secondary sessions; use the main app to manage sessions
- Background updater repeatedly restarts: Check for update cycles; ensure stable network; disable automatic updates temporarily if needed
- Antivirus or security software blocks launcher: Whitelist element-launcher.exe in your security software and re-scan
- Corrupted launcher cache or config: Reset Element settings or reinstall Element Desktop to refresh launcher components
- Outdated launcher version: Update Element Desktop to the latest version from the official site
- Disk or I/O bottlenecks: Check disk health; free up space; ensure drive is not failing
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and terminate element-launcher.exe if unresponsive
2. Update Element Desktop to the latest release
3. Whitelist element-launcher.exe in security software
4. Clear Element cache or reset settings if problems persist
5. Reinstall Element Desktop if issues continue
Frequently Asked Questions
Is element-launcher.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate element-launcher.exe from New Vector Ltd is not a virus. Verify the file location is C:\Program Files\Element\element-launcher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\element-launcher.exe and that the digital signature shows New Vector Ltd.
Why is element-launcher.exe using CPU?
The launcher may run briefly during startup to initialize environment checks and start the main Electron app. If it remains high for long, check for updates, extensions, or background tasks that might be driving the usage.
Can I delete element-launcher.exe?
You should not delete the launcher without removing Element Desktop. Uninstall Element Desktop via Windows Settings → Apps to remove both the launcher and the main app.
Can I disable element-launcher.exe at startup?
Yes. Disable Element Desktop from Windows Startup or adjust settings in Element to stop auto-launch on system boot.
Where is element-launcher.exe installed?
Typically in <code>C:\Program Files\Element\element-launcher.exe</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\element-launcher.exe</code>. If you see it elsewhere, verify the source and signature.
How do I fix launcher startup issues?
Update Element Desktop, clear caches, run as administrator if needed, ensure compatibility with your OS, and reinstall if issues persist. Check logs in the Element directory for specifics.