fetch.exe

Fetch Utility

Background DownloaderSafeNetwork Downloader

CPU Usage

1-6%

Memory

10-60 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Fetch

Publisher

FetchSoft LLC

Quick Answer

fetch.exe is safe. It belongs to the Fetch utility that downloads files from remote servers; it runs as a background process to manage queued fetch tasks.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Fetch\fetch.exe

Warning

Background activity normal

Fetch tasks run in background queues and can stay resident between downloads

Can I Disable?

✔ ES

Close the fetch-downloader UI or stop the service if present

What is fetch.exe?

fetch.exe is the executable component of the Fetch download utility. It coordinates downloads, manages a queue, and runs in the background to fetch files from remote servers according to user preferences or scheduled tasks.

The process uses a small multi-threaded model to handle concurrent fetch jobs, with sockets and HTTP(S) requests for transfers. It runs in a sandboxed context to avoid impacting other applications during downloads.

Quick Fact: Fetch was among early multi-threaded download tools, enabling parallel connections to optimize throughput.

Types of Fetch Processes

Downloader Process: Main fetch orchestrator and queue manager (1 instance per install)
Worker Process: Per-download worker handling a single file transfer
Scheduler Process: Initiates scheduled fetch jobs and timers
Network Listener: Listens for download triggers or API callbacks
Integrity Verifier: Validates checksums after download
Utility Helper: Background tasks like retries and retries back-off

Is fetch.exe Safe?

Yes, fetch.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from FetchSoft downloaded from official sources (fetchsoft.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).

Is fetch.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real fetch.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if fetch.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Fetch\fetch.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Fetch\fetch.exe. Any fetch.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "FetchSoft LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU and 10-60 MB memory during active downloads. Unusually high or constant usage indicates malware.
Behavior: Fetch should run as part of the Fetch application service or user-initiated tasks. It should not launch without a fetch job.

Red Flags: If fetch.exe is located in Temp, AppData, or System32 without a corresponding Fetch installation, or if it lacks a valid digital signature, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly-named files like "fetch.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is fetch.exe Running on My PC?

fetch.exe runs when you have fetch tasks in queue, a running fetch client, or a scheduled download job configured by the Fetch utility.

Reasons it's running:

Active Download Queue: There are pending fetch jobs in the queue awaiting network transfer.
Background Fetch: Fetch is set to run in the background to monitor for new tasks or API callbacks.
Scheduled Tasks: Windows Task Scheduler or the app's own scheduler triggers downloads at set times.
Startup or Service: Fetch may install as a startup item or run as a background service.
Retry/Backoff: If a download failed, the tool may keep running to retry transfers automatically.

Can I Disable or Remove fetch.exe?

Yes, you can disable fetch.exe. Close it when not needed; you can disable startup, or uninstall the Fetch utility if you no longer require downloads.

How to Stop fetch.exe

End Individual Jobs: Open Fetch UI or Task Manager and end specific fetch tasks or processes
Close Application: Exit the Fetch application or the background service if running
End All Fetch Processes: In Task Manager, locate fetch.exe and End Task
Prevent Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Fetch
Disable Auto-Start in App: Fetch settings -> System -> Disable auto-start on system boot

How to Uninstall Fetch

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Fetch -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Fetch -> Uninstall
✔ Verify removal: ensure fetch.exe and related files are removed from C:\Program Files\Fetch

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If fetch.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Pending Downloads: Queue fewer tasks or adjust concurrency limits in settings.
Background Extensions or Plugins: Disable unnecessary extensions or plugins in the Fetch UI.
Slow Network or Server: Check network connection, try a different server or mirror.
Outdated Fetch Version: Update Fetch to the latest version from the official site.
Corrupted Cache: Clear fetch cache in Settings -> Privacy -> Clear data.
Security Software Interference: Add Fetch to allowed apps or temporarily disable antivirus during downloads.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Fetch UI and review the download queue
2. Pause or cancel unnecessary tasks
3. Clear cache and data for the Fetch app
4. Update to the latest Fetch version
5. Check for conflicting security software rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fetch.exe a virus?

No, fetch.exe is not a virus when it comes from the official Fetch software. Always verify that the file is located in C:\Program Files\Fetch\fetch.exe and digitally signed by FetchSoft LLC.

Why is fetch.exe using CPU?

CPU usage correlates with active downloads, concurrency, and network speed. Open the Fetch Task Manager to identify the active task and pause or adjust settings.

Can I delete fetch.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall the Fetch utility via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your download queue will be cleared; cached files may remain unless cleared.

Can I disable fetch.exe?

Yes, you can disable startup, pause the scheduler, or close the Fetch UI to stop fetch.exe from running in the background.

Why does fetch.exe start on boot?

Fetch may be configured to start with Windows or as a background service to catch scheduled tasks. Disable via Task Manager startup or uninstall Fetch.

How do I reduce fetch.exe memory usage?

Limit concurrent downloads, clear cache, disable unnecessary features, and update to latest Fetch release.