FSCapture.exe

What is FSCapture.exe?

FSCapture.exe is the executable for FastStone Capture, a compact screen capture tool for Windows. It supports capturing full screen, active windows, specific regions, freehand shapes, and includes basic image editing and annotation features.

FastStone Capture runs as a small, multi-threaded process with dedicated components for editing, clipboard handling, and hotkey support, prioritizing low memory use while delivering rapid capture actions.

Types of FastStone Capture Processes

• Main GUI Process: Controls the capture modes, settings, and user interface (1 instance)
• Editor/Annotator: Opens when editing captured images (multiple instances possible)
• Clipboard/Export Helper: Handles clipboard operations and exporting to clipboard or files
• Hotkey Listener: Monitors global shortcuts to trigger captures
• Background Service: Small background tasks for saving and file management
• UI Auxiliary: Subprocesses that support dialogs and previews

Is FSCapture.exe Safe?

Yes, FSCapture.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from FastStone Soft downloaded from official sources (faststone.org) or installed via trusted channels.

Is FSCapture.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real FSCapture.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to masquerade as legitimate software.

How to Tell if FSCapture.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\FastStone Capture\FSCapture.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FastStone Capture\FSCapture.exe. Any FSCapture.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click FSCapture.exe in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "FastStone Soft" as the signer.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU per capture task, 20-120 MB total memory when idle; consistently high usage without interaction is suspicious.
4. Behavior: FSCapture.exe should run only when you initiate a capture or open the application; persistent background activity when idle may indicate malware.

Why Is FSCapture.exe Running on My PC?

FSCapture.exe runs when you start FastStone Capture or when you trigger a capture via hotkeys or the system tray. It may stay resident for quick subsequent captures.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Capture Session: You're actively capturing or preparing to capture; the main GUI or editor may be visible.
• Background Helper: Helper components run to manage saving, exporting, and clipboard operations even after a capture.
• Global Hotkeys: Global shortcuts can launch FSCapture.exe to start a capture from anywhere in Windows.
• Startup Entry: FastStone Capture can be configured to start automatically on Windows login for quick access.
• Recent Capture History: A recent capture or export action may keep FSCapture processes alive momentarily as resources are finalized.

Can I Disable or Remove FSCapture.exe?

Yes, you can disable FSCapture.exe. You can close FastStone Capture when not in use and uninstall it if you no longer need it.

How to Stop FSCapture.exe

• End Active Capture: In the FastStone Capture window, click Capture → Exit or close window; or use the system tray icon and choose Exit.
• Close App Windows: Click the X button on the FastStone Capture UI or press Esc to dismiss dialogs.
• End Background Helpers: If present, use Task Manager to end FSCapture.exe or related helper processes.
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable FastStone Capture
• Stop Background Export: In Settings, disable background export or clipboard monitoring if available.

How to Uninstall FastStone Capture

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FastStone Capture → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → FastStone Capture → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider using FastStone Image Viewer or other software if you need alternative capture tools

Common Problems: High CPU, Memory, or Saving Issues

If FSCapture.exe seems slow, unresponsive, or fails to save, try the following targeted checks and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Active Captures: Close unused capture dialogs and editors; save frequently to avoid memory growth.
• Editor Not Opening: Repair installation or reinstall FastStone Capture; ensure the editor component is installed.
• Hotkeys Not Triggering: Check global hotkey conflicts in Settings and ensure FSCapture is allowed to receive global hotkeys.
• Images Not Saving to Disk: Verify save directory permissions and path; check default Save Location in Settings and ensure there is write access.
• Export to Clipboard Fails: Ensure clipboard monitoring is enabled; try restarting FSCapture or using Copy only after capture.
• High Disk I/O During Save: Change export format or destination to a faster drive; consider using PNG-24 for smaller thumbnails.

Related Processes