Quick Answer
eset-telemetry.exe is legitimate. It is a background telemetry service from ESET that collects anonymized usage data to improve protection, updates, and product reliability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Typically located in C:\Program Files\ESET\Telemetry\eset-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry runs in background
Data collection is periodic and separate from user interactions. Ensure legitimate path and signature.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable via ESET settings under Privacy / Telemetry or through Windows startup options
What is eset-telemetry.exe?
eset-telemetry is the background telemetry service used by ESET security products to collect anonymized usage statistics and health signals. It helps improve threat detection, update delivery, performance, and feature stability by sending periodic, privacy-preserving data to ESET servers. It runs quietly in the background.
Telemetry runs as a background Windows service and a scheduled task that batches event data, health reports, and configuration state. It uses secure HTTPS channels, minimizes payloads, and supports privacy controls via the ESET product settings to opt-out.
Quick Fact: ESET telemetry helps validate protection quality and delivers update signals without interrupting your workflow.
Types of Telemetry Processes in ESET
- Telemetry Service: Core background service coordinating data collection
- Update Notifier: Notifies about definitions and product updates
- Health Reporter: Sends telemetry about product health and status
- Event Logger: Records non-user interaction events for diagnostics
Is eset-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, eset-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from ESET downloaded from official sources.
Is eset-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real eset-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if eset-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\ESET\Telemetry\eset-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\Telemetry\eset-telemetry.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Windows Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "ESET, spol. s r.o." as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU and 20-80 MB total memory. Persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior:: ESET telemetry should run in the background and not prompt for input. Unusual network activity or startup without product installed is a red flag.
Red Flags: If eset-telemetry.exe is located outside official folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when the product is not active, lacks a valid signature, or uses unexpected outbound connections, scan with a reputable antivirus. Watch for similarly named files.
Why Is eset-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
eset-telemetry.exe runs as part of ESET protection to report status, collect anonymized data, and ensure timely updates. It may execute when the product is active or the system boots.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Protection and UI: The telemetry component collects events while protection is enabled and the GUI may trigger data uploads.
- Telemetry Opt-in: If telemetry sharing is enabled in the ESET settings, the service runs to transmit data at intervals.
- Background Update Checks: Telemetry coordinates with update checks for virus definitions and product versions.
- Startup and Reboot: The service may start automatically on system boot to validate protection status.
- Cloud Protection and Diagnostic Data: Telemetry sends anonymized cloud reputation data and minor diagnostics to ESET servers for improvement.
Can I Disable or Remove eset-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable eset-telemetry. It is safe to stop telemetry if you have privacy concerns or if it impacts performance, and you can uninstall the product entirely if you prefer a different security solution.
How to Stop eset-telemetry
- Open ESET Product Settings: Navigate to Settings → Privacy → Telemetry and turn off data sharing
- Disable Startup: Within ESET, disable auto-start of telemetry; or use Windows Task Manager → Startup to disable related entries
- Stop Services: Open Services (services.msc), right-click 'ESET Telemetry Service' and choose Stop; set Startup type to Disabled
- Check Task Scheduler: Open Task Scheduler and disable any ESET Telemetry tasks
- Selectively Uninstall Telemetry: If the product allows, deselect telemetry during installation or adjust components to remove telemetry
How to Uninstall ESET Telemetry (via product or OS)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → ESET Security Product → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ESET Security Product → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot the system after uninstall
Common Problems: Telemetry-Related Performance
If eset-telemetry.exe seems to impact performance or network usage:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry enabled with high-frequency data batch: Reduce batch frequency in ESET Telemetry settings or disable non-essential telemetry features
- Outdated ESET product: Update to the latest version; telemetry improvements are included in updates
- Firewall or antivirus blocking telemetry: Allow outbound connections to telemetry.eset.com:443; ensure no sandboxing blocks the process
- Background processes: Limit simultaneous telemetry tasks by adjusting settings; reduce concurrent uploads
- Conflicting security software: Temporarily disable other security software to identify conflicts; re-enable after testing
- Corrupted telemetry data: Repair or reinstall the ESET product to reset telemetry components
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open ESET settings → Privacy → Telemetry and toggle off data sharing
3. Update ESET to the latest version
4. Restart the system to apply changes
5. Check firewall rules for outbound telemetry access
6. If issues persist, use the ESET online support tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eset-telemetry.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate eset-telemetry.exe is part of ESET's software and should be located in a trusted ESET folder with a valid digital signature. Always verify the file path and signature.
Why is eset-telemetry.exe running on my PC?
ESET Telemetry runs to collect anonymized data for protection quality, update delivery, and product health. It may start at boot or during normal operation if telemetry is enabled.
Can I disable eset-telemetry?
Yes. Disable telemetry in the ESET settings, stop the service, or remove the telemetry component during uninstall. This will stop data uploads but may affect some product improvements.
Where is eset-telemetry.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\ESET\Telemetry\eset-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\Telemetry\eset-telemetry.exe. If found elsewhere, verify signature.
Does telemetry affect system performance?
It should have a small footprint (low CPU and memory). If you notice spikes, check for high-frequency uploads, outdated software, or conflicting apps.
How do I opt out of telemetry data collection?
Open ESET settings → Privacy → Telemetry and disable data sharing; restart the product. You can also use Windows Task Manager or Services to stop related processes.