Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Epson\Telemetry\epson-telemetry.exe
Warning
Multiple components may run simultaneously
Telemetry is modular: separate processes for data collection, reporting, and diagnostics
Can I Disable?
YES
Settings > Epson Software > Telemetry or Windows Services can stop background data collection
What is epson-telemetry.exe?
epson-telemetry.exe is the background executable used by Epson printer software to monitor device status, ink levels, error codes, and usage patterns. It runs quietly in the background to collect data that helps Epson diagnose issues, improve drivers, and enhance support experiences for Epson customers. It may start with Windows and run during printing tasks or when Epson software is active.
epson-telemetry.exe runs as a background service/agent that collects printer health data, consumption metrics, and usage stats, then transmits anonymized data to Epson servers. It operates with the Epson software stack and should not impact normal printing performance.
Quick Fact: Epson telemetry data is designed to be anonymized to protect user privacy while enabling proactive maintenance and driver improvements.
Types of Epson Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Service: Main background service that collects printer health data and sends it to Epson.
- Data Reporter: Module that formats and transmits telemetry data over the network.
- Diagnostics Agent: Component that collects logs and error codes for troubleshooting.
- Update Monitor: Checks for firmware/driver updates and relates telemetry data.
- System Utility: Handles background tasks and interacts with printer utilities.
Is epson-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, epson-telemetry.exe is safe when obtained from official Epson installers or software packages and located in the Epson directory. It is designed to improve printer reliability and service.
Is epson-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real epson-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate file names; verify by location and signature.
How to Tell if epson-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Epson\Telemetry\epson-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Epson\Telemetry\epson-telemetry.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file or process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click epson-telemetry.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Seiko Epson Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per background activity and 30-120 MB memory. Extremely high usage when no Epson software is visible is suspicious.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run with Epson software or Windows startup but not independently in a way that conflicts with other programs.
Red Flags: If epson-telemetry.exe is located outside the Program Files\Epson path, starts without Epson software, lacks a digital signature, or consumes constant high resources, scan for malware; beware of similarly named files like 'epson-telemetry.dll' or 'telemetry.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is epson-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
epson-telemetry.exe runs when Epson printer software is installed and configured; it may run in the background to monitor printer status, collect diagnostics, and transmit data for support and product improvement.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Printer Use: Telemetry runs to monitor current printer activity and health data while printing tasks are ongoing.
- Background Data Sync: Telemetry reports usage statistics and error codes to Epson servers even when no printing is active, depending on settings.
- Startup or Boot Services: The telemetry service may be configured to start with Windows to ensure ready diagnostic data when a printer is connected.
- Printer Health Monitoring: Periodic checks for ink/toner levels, page counts, and device diagnostics to pre-empt issues.
- Software Updates: Telemetry can be tied to update/maintenance tasks to help correlate data with driver and firmware changes.
Can I Disable or Remove epson-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable epson-telemetry.exe. You can stop it from running via Epson software settings, Windows Services, or uninstalling Epson software if you prefer not to share telemetry data.
How to Stop epson-telemetry.exe
- End Telemetry Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'EPSON Telemetry Service' and Stop
- Disable Startup: In Task Manager > Startup, disable 'EPSON Telemetry' or related startup items
- Disable Data Sharing: Open Epson Software Settings > Telemetry/Data and turn off data sharing
- Stop Background Apps: Windows Settings > Privacy > Background apps, disable Epson Telemetry
- Block Network Access: Optional: add an outbound rule in Windows Firewall to block connections to Epson telemetry endpoints
How to Uninstall Epson Telemetry
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Epson Telemetry → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Epson Telemetry → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstall completes
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If epson-telemetry.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active printer tasks or frequent status checks: Close idle print jobs and ensure the printer queue is not stuck; verify telemetry settings in Epson software to limit polling frequency.
- Telemetry enabled to run on startup: Disable startup entry for the Epson Telemetry component via Task Manager or Services.
- Outdated Epson software: Update Epson software and telemtry components to the latest version from the official Epson site or updater utility.
- Background reporting by multiple modules: In Epson Software Settings, reduce reporting scope or disable non-essential telemetry categories.
- Antivirus or firewall interference: Allow epson-telemetry.exe in security software or create a rule to permit outbound traffic to Epson servers.
- Corrupted telemetry settings: Reset telemetry settings to default or perform a clean reinstall of Epson software.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Services and stop EPSON Telemetry Service
2. In Epson Software, disable telemetry and data sharing
3. Check for Epson software updates and install them
4. Open Task Manager and disable startup entry for Epson Telemetry
5. If needed, restart the PC to apply changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is epson-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate epson-telemetry.exe is not a virus. Ensure the file is located at C:\Program Files\Epson\Telemetry\epson-telemetry.exe and has a digital signature from Seiko Epson Corporation.
Why is epson-telemetry.exe running when I haven't started Epson software?
Telemetry can start with Windows or run in the background if Epson software is installed and configured to monitor printer health or usage. Check startup items and disable if undesired.
Can I uninstall epson-telemetry.exe without affecting printing?
Yes. You can uninstall the telemetry component or the entire Epson software suite. Printing functionality may still work, but you may lose certain diagnostic features.
Where is the epson-telemetry.exe file located?
The typical path is C:\Program Files\Epson\Telemetry\epson-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Epson\Telemetry\epson-telemetry.exe.
How do I disable telemetry permanently?
Disable via Epson Software Settings > Telemetry, disable startup entries, and consider uninstalling Epson Telemetry through Apps & Features. Optionally block network access in Windows Firewall.
Does telemetry data improve printer reliability and privacy?
Telemetry data helps Epson diagnose issues and improve drivers. Data is typically anonymized to protect privacy, but you can opt out of data collection in the Epson software settings.