Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Element\Telemetry\element-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry runs in background
Data is anonymized and opt-in controls exist; ensure you’ve configured privacy settings as desired
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable in Element settings or OS startup to stop background telemetry
What is element-telemetry.exe?
element-telemetry.exe is a background component of the Element desktop client that collects anonymized usage, performance, and crash data. It runs to help developers understand features, diagnose issues, and improve stability while preserving user privacy by default.
Telemetry runs as a sandboxed child process alongside Element, sending aggregated events and errors to Element servers when allowed. It does not collect personal content by default and uses privacy-preserving practices with opt-in controls.
Quick Fact: Element uses a modular telemetry design to minimize data while maximizing actionable insights.
Types of Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Collector: Main data collection for usage events and crash reports
- Upload Agent: Packages and sends anonymized data to Element servers
- Diagnostics Helper: Gathers performance metrics for debugging
- Error Reporter: Captures non-user content errors for investigation
- Update Telemetry: Tracks update-related telemetry to improve delivery
- Policy Compliance: Enforces privacy controls and user preferences
Is element-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, element-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Element, installed from official sources (Element installer) and not modified.
Is element-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real element-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate names; verify file location and signature.
How to Tell if element-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Element\Telemetry\element-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\Telemetry\element-telemetry.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click element-telemetry.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Element, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 0.5-3% CPU and 20-60 MB memory. Abnormally high usage when Element is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Telemetry should only run when Element is installed and configured to collect data. Continuous activity when Element is closed may indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If element-telemetry.exe is located in unusual folders (AppData, Temp), runs when Element isn’t open, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus and verify via the official Element installer.
Why Is element-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
element-telemetry.exe runs to collect usage, stability, and error data to help Element improve the product. It may operate during app use or as part of background maintenance.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Element Use: You're actively using Element; telemetry runs to capture feature usage and performance metrics per session.
- Background Diagnostics: Crash reports and performance data are collected to diagnose issues without interrupting your workflow.
- Automatic Updates: Telemetry may run to report update results and upgrade pacing information during or after updates.
- Error and Crash Reporting: Non-fatal errors and exceptions are logged to help developers fix reliability problems.
- Startup and Scheduling: Telemetry tasks can be scheduled to run periodically or at startup based on privacy and data policy settings.
Can I Disable or Remove element-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable element-telemetry.exe. You can turn off telemetry in Element's Privacy & Security settings, prevent startup, and uninstall Element if desired.
How to Stop element-telemetry.exe
- Open Element Settings: Navigate to Element → Settings → Privacy & Security and turn off telemetry/usage data sharing.
- End Telemetry Process: Close Element and, if needed, end element-telemetry.exe from Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
- Disable Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab and disable Element to prevent startup telemetry.
- Limit Background Data: Within Element, disable background data sync and crash reporting where available.
- Confirm Changes: Reopen Element to ensure telemetry remains disabled and no new telemetry processes start.
How to Uninstall Element (and remove telemetry)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Element → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Element → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider using a privacy-friendly alternative and reviewing any residual data after uninstall
Common Problems: Telemetry-Related Issues
If element-telemetry.exe causes issues, use these causes and solutions to address resource use, data sharing, and startup behavior.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry data collection is enabled for all sessions: Disable in Element Settings or Privacy controls; ensure global privacy policy matches your preference.
- Excessive CPU/memory during idle: Check for stuck events or blocked network; restart Element and verify no outdated telemetry components remain.
- Telemetry starts at login despite opt-out: Disable Element in Windows Startup and check Task Scheduler for telemetry tasks; remove if present.
- Telemetry data not uploading: Verify network access, firewall allowances, and that you are opted-in for data sharing; test with a small sample.
- Privacy prompts reappear after dismissal: Reset privacy preferences or reinstall Element to ensure policy updates are applied.
- Antivirus flags telemetry process: Ensure you are using the official Element installer; add exceptions for element-telemetry.exe if trusted.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Element Settings → Privacy & Security and disable share usage data
3. Close Element and end element-telemetry.exe in Task Manager if running
4. Disable Element startup in Task Manager → Startup
5. Update Element to the latest version and apply privacy policy changes
6. If necessary, uninstall Element and reinstall with privacy options configured
Frequently Asked Questions
Is element-telemetry.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate element-telemetry.exe is part of the Element Desktop app and should reside in C:\Program Files\Element\Telemetry with a signature from Element, Inc.
What data does element-telemetry.exe collect?
It collects anonymized usage events, performance metrics, and crash reports. No raw chat content or personal data is intended to be captured unless you opt in to additional diagnostics.
How do I disable element-telemetry.exe?
In Element Settings under Privacy & Security, turn off telemetry. You can also disable startup in Task Manager and uninstall Element if you want a complete removal.
Where is telemetry data stored or sent?
Data is sent to Element servers in an anonymized and aggregated form, subject to your privacy settings. Local logging is minimal and primarily metadata about usage.
Will disabling telemetry affect app updates or features?
Disabling telemetry may limit some diagnostic improvements, but core functionality remains. Updates and features are still available; you just may receive fewer usage insights.
Can telemetry be re-enabled after disabling?
Yes. Return to Element Settings to re-enable telemetry at any time, and restart Element to apply the new preference.