far.exe

What is far.exe?

far.exe is the executable core of FAR Manager, a compact, keyboard-centric file manager for Windows. It hosts the main interface, handles navigation, and coordinates plugins that extend editors, viewers, and file operations. FAR Manager emphasizes scriptability and light resource usage.

far.exe runs the FAR Manager application using a single process architecture where plugins run within the same process. It provides console-like navigation, copy/move/delete actions, batch operations, and integration with external editors and viewers, optimized for speed on low-resource systems.

Types of FAR Manager Processes

• Main Process: The primary far.exe instance that renders the UI and runs the core command loop
• Plugin Framework: Plugins (DLLs) are loaded into the same process space and executed as part of far.exe
• External Editor Integration: Invoking an external editor or viewer may spawn helper tasks while far.exe remains the controller
• Batch/Script Runner: Automated tasks invoked by FAR Manager or via scripts execute within the main process context
• Background Task Thread: Background operations (indexing, asynchronous file operations) run on dedicated threads inside far.exe

Is far.exe Safe?

Yes, far.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from FAR Manager downloaded from official sources or installed from trusted packages.

Is far.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real far.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can impersonate legitimate names; always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if far.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Far Manager\far.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Far Manager\far.exe. Any far.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer from The FAR Team or official FAR distribution.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU and 2-10 MB total memory. High usage when FAR Manager is not in use is suspicious.
4. Behavior: FAR Manager should run when you launch the application. Unexpected background activity or system-wide persistence warrants a scan.

Why Is far.exe Running on My PC?

far.exe runs when you start FAR Manager or when a plugin or script triggers a task. It can also run in the background if a plugin uses asynchronous operations.

Reasons it's running:

• Active User Session: You're actively using FAR Manager; the main UI and command loop are running, which starts far.exe processes.
• Plugins or Macros: Plugins or macro scripts loaded by FAR Manager may spawn threads or operations, causing activity while you work.
• Startup Entry: FAR Manager can be configured to start at Windows login or via shell integrations.
• Automation/Scripting: Automated tasks or scripted workflows in FAR Manager can invoke far.exe actions in response to events.
• External Editor/Viewer Invocations: When you open an external editor or viewer from FAR Manager, related helper processes may momentarily run while far.exe coordinates the operation.

Can I Disable or Remove far.exe?

Yes, you can disable far.exe. It's safe to close FAR Manager when not in use, and you can uninstall FAR Manager completely if you prefer a different file manager.

How to Stop far.exe

• End Individual Tasks: Close FAR Manager windows or use the in-app task manager to terminate specific plugins or operations.
• Close Application: Exit FAR Manager completely; ensure all panels and viewers are closed.
• End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate far.exe, right-click → End Task
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable FAR Manager startup entry
• Stop Background Tasks: In FAR Manager, disable any option that keeps plugins or editors running after close

How to Uninstall FAR Manager

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FAR Manager → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → FAR Manager → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternative managers: Directory Opus, Total Commander, Q-Dir

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If far.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Plugins Loaded: Disable or remove unnecessary plugins from FAR Manager's plugin manager
• Large Archives or Complex File Trees: Consider limiting search depth or using lighter viewers; close unnecessary panels
• Outdated FAR Manager: Update FAR Manager to the latest release from official sources
• Antivirus/Defender Interference: Temporarily whitelist FAR Manager or adjust real-time protection settings
• Network Share Overheads: Map network drives with reliable connections or limit directory traversals over slow links
• Corrupt Config File: Reset FAR Manager configuration to default and reimport settings as needed

Related Processes