Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\FileBot\ or the installed directory.
Warning
FileBot may spawn multiple processes during batch renaming
Each batch task can create subprocesses under the Java runtime
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close FileBot GUI or end the task; disable startup if needed
What is filebot.exe?
filebot.exe is the Windows launcher for FileBot, a cross‑platform media renamer and organizer. It processes video and subtitle files by fetching metadata from TMDB and TheTVDB, then applies user‑defined renaming expressions and organizing scripts to folders and libraries.
FileBot relies on a Java runtime to run its renaming engine. When launched, filebot.exe starts the JVM, loads FileBot scripts, and queries metadata sources to build target names. It supports batch processing and configurable filters for precise results.
Quick Fact: FileBot's renaming expressions were inspired by UNIX renaming patterns and support complex replacements.
Types of FileBot Processes
- Launcher Process: The filebot.exe wrapper that starts the Java VM
- Renaming Engine: Java-based component that applies rules to filenames
- Metadata Fetcher: Queries TheTVDB, TMDB, and other sources for info
- Batch Scheduler: Optional tooling to queue batch runs
- Cache and I/O: Handles local cache and file I/O operations
- UI/CLI Interface: Graphical UI or CLI for user interaction
Is filebot.exe Safe?
Yes, filebot.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from FileBot downloaded from official sources (filebot.net) or installed via trusted channels.
Is filebot.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real filebot.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if filebot.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\FileBot\filebot.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FileBot\filebot.exe. Any file outside these folders is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer as a trusted FileBot publisher.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low during idle; high CPU or memory when not performing a batch is suspicious.
- Behavior: FileBot should only run when you launch a batch rename or when a scheduled task triggers it.
Red Flags: If filebot.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp or AppData), runs when Windows starts without user action, lacks a valid signature, or uses persistent high resources, scan with antivirus software immediately.
Why Is filebot.exe Running on My PC?
filebot.exe runs when FileBot is invoked to rename files or monitor configured folders for new content.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Batch Rename: You started a rename/organize batch; the engine runs to process files.
- Background Folder Watch: If a watch folder or Auto-Queue is configured, FileBot may stay active to process new files automatically.
- Scheduled Task: A Windows Task Scheduler job or cron-like job triggers filebot.exe at defined times.
- Batch Script or Automation: A script or workflow invokes filebot.exe to rename a set of files from a pipeline.
- Java Runtime in Use: FileBot relies on a Java VM; if multiple Java processes appear, filebot.exe may spawn child processes during a batch.
Can I Disable or Remove filebot.exe?
Yes, you can disable filebot.exe. It’s safe to close FileBot when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different tool.
How to Stop filebot.exe
- End Current Task: In FileBot UI or CLI, cancel the active batch; or press Ctrl+C in console mode.
- Close GUI: Close the FileBot window or use Menu → Exit.
- End All Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate filebot.exe, and End Task.
- Prevent Startup: Windows Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable FileBot, if configured to start automatically.
- Stop Watch/Queue: In FileBot, disable watch folders or Auto-Queue to stop background processing.
How to Uninstall FileBot
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FileBot → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → FileBot → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete remaining FileBot folders in C:\Program Files\FileBot and C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\FileBot
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If filebot.exe is consuming excessive resources during a batch rename or watch task:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Large a Batch: Split into smaller batches; use a smaller input folder or limit files in a single job.
- Intense Metadata Requests: Limit metadata sources or run in offline mode; ensure network connectivity.
- Java Version Mismatch: Install/point to a compatible JRE/JDK (e.g., Java 8–11). Set JAVA_HOME accordingly.
- Background Watch Enabled: Disable folder watching to prevent constant scanning; adjust watch interval.
- Corrupt Cache: Clear FileBot cache in C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\FileBot or reinstall.
- Outdated Version: Update to the latest release from filebot.net and re-run.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open FileBot Task Manager to identify high-usage tasks
2. Pause or cancel the active batch
3. Update FileBot to the latest version from filebot.net
4. Verify Java runtime is correctly installed and JAVA_HOME is set
5. Run a small test batch in dry-run mode to confirm behavior
Frequently Asked Questions
Is filebot.exe safe?
Yes, filebot.exe is the official FileBot launcher. Ensure it is downloaded from filebot.net or installed via trusted sources, and verify the digital signature if available.
What is FileBot used for?
FileBot renames and organizes media files (movies, TV episodes) using metadata from TMDB, TheTVDB, and other sources, with customizable rename scripts.
Does FileBot require Java to run?
Yes, FileBot relies on a Java Runtime Environment. The filebot.exe launcher starts the JVM to run the renaming engine.
How do I stop filebot.exe from starting at Windows startup?
Open Task Manager → Startup tab, locate FileBot, and disable it. You can also remove scheduled tasks that trigger FileBot.
How do I rename files with FileBot?
Install FileBot, configure a rename script (e.g., {plex} or {n} - {t}), and run a batch on a source folder. See FileBot docs for expressions.
Where are FileBot metadata sources stored?
Metadata is retrieved from online sources like TMDB and TheTVDB during a batch; locally cached results are stored in C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\FileBot