Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Element\Updater\element-updater.exe
Warning
Multiple updater tasks may exist
Some Element modules have per-component update tasks; this can show as multiple element-updater.exe processes
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling stops automatic updates; re-enable to keep software current
What is element-updater.exe?
element-updater.exe is the background updater for Element software. It runs as a Windows process to periodically check for updates, download patches, verify digital signatures, and install updates to Element components. It may start at login or on startup depending on settings.
The updater uses a lightweight background service that communicates with Element update servers over HTTPS, validates signatures, and applies silent installs when possible. It runs with low priority to minimize impact on foreground tasks.
Quick Fact: Element's updater follows a cautious update model: it validates signatures and performs silent installs to reduce user disruption.
Types of Element Updater Processes
- Updater Service: Main background service that checks for updates and coordinates installs
- Module Updater: Per-component updater tasks for Element modules
- Background Tasks: Small, scheduled tasks for cache cleanup and integrity checks
Is element-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, element-updater.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Element Software downloaded from official site or bundled with Element products.
Is element-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real element-updater.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if element-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\\Program Files\\Element\\Updater\\element-updater.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Element\\Updater\\element-updater.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click element-updater.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Element Software Ltd" or similar trusted signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per updater process; 40-150 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Updater should run in background and may install updates without a UI; no user interaction required.
Red Flags: If element-updater.exe is located in unusual folders (like AppData, Temp, or Windows\System32), runs when no Element software is installed, lacks a valid digital signature, or shows persistent network activity, scan for malware.
Why Is element-updater.exe Running on My PC?
element-updater.exe runs to keep Element software up to date and may run at startup to check for updates or on demand when updates are available.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Check: The updater contacts Element servers to check for new versions.
- Background Updates: It may download patches in the background to minimize user disruption.
- Startup Scheduling: Configured to launch during system startup or user logon.
- Component-Level Updates: It may spawn per-component updater tasks for installed Element components.
- Policy with Admin Privileges: Sometimes runs with elevated privileges to install updates.
Can I Disable or Remove element-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable the updater to stop automatic updates. This is safe if you don't want Element software to auto-update; you can still run the apps manually.
How to Stop element-updater.exe
- End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate element-updater.exe and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Element Updater
- Disable Auto-Update: Element app settings -> Update -> Turn off auto-update
- Stop Background Updates: Settings -> Update settings -> disable 'Continue running background updates'
- Uninstall Element Component: If you no longer need Element, uninstall the Element package via Settings or Control Panel
How to Uninstall Element Updater
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Element Updater → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Element Updater → Uninstall
- ✔ Reinstall Element components later if needed
Common Problems: Update Failures or Resource Issues
If element-updater.exe is failing to check for updates or consuming unexpected resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Update server unreachable: Check internet connection, firewall/proxy settings, and ensure Element update servers are reachable.
- Corrupted updater cache: Clear updater cache or reset update components via Element settings or reinstall updater component.
- Insufficient disk space: Free disk space on system drive and retry the update.
- Conflicting antivirus or firewall: Temporarily disable conflicting security software or whitelist updater executables.
- Outdated OS or dependencies: Install pending OS updates and required runtimes to satisfy updater prerequisites.
- Permissions or UAC prompts: Run updater with elevated privileges or adjust user permissions as required by your environment.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify updater activity
2. Ensure connectivity and check for blocked ports/proxy settings
3. Clear updater cache via Element settings or local AppData path
4. Update Element to the latest version and retry
5. Enable Memory Saver or limit updater concurrency if available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is element-updater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate element-updater.exe from Element Software is not a virus. Verify the file location at C:\Program Files\Element\Updater\element-updater.exe and ensure a valid signature from Element Software Ltd.
Why is element-updater.exe using so much CPU?
CPU use spikes during update checks or when downloading large patches. Use Task Manager to identify the specific updater tasks and ensure you’re on a supported Element version.
Can I delete element-updater.exe?
You can uninstall the Element package to remove the updater, but that will stop auto-updates for Element software. Reinstall later if needed from Element’s official site.
Can I disable element-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable automatic updates via Element settings or Task Manager startup options. Disabling may prevent automatic updates; you can still update manually.
Why does updater start at login?
If configured, the updater may launch at login to ensure Element software updates are checked promptly after startup. You can disable this in startup settings.
Where is element-updater.exe located?
The legitimate location is C:\Program Files\Element\Updater\element-updater.exe (or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\Updater\element-updater.exe). Other locations are suspicious.