FileZilla FTP Client
filezilla.exe is safe. It's the official FileZilla Client executable used for FTP/SFTP connections and transfers.
filezilla.exe is the main executable for the FileZilla FTP Client, a graphical FTP/SFTP client used to manage files on remote servers. When you launch FileZilla, filezilla.exe provides the user interface, handles connections, and coordinates transfers, transfers queues, and site manager interactions.
FileZilla uses a single GUI process with worker threads for transfers and network I/O. It relies on the libcurl-based SDK for FTP/SFTP operations and uses separate threads to manage sockets, transfers, and directory listings.
Quick Fact: FileZilla is open-source software supporting FTP, FTPS, and SFTP with a focus on simplicity and reliability across platforms.
Yes, filezilla.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from FileZilla Project downloaded from official sources (filezilla-project.org) or official installers.
The real filezilla.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names, so verify the path and signature.
C:\Program Files\FileZilla FTP Client\filezilla.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FileZilla FTP Client\filezilla.exe. Any other location is suspicious.Red Flags: If filezilla.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs on boot without installed client, lacks a valid signature, or shows constant high resource use, scan with antivirus. Look for similarly named files like "filezilla32.exe" from untrusted sources.
filezilla.exe runs when you start the FileZilla FTP Client or when a remote transfer is active. It may also stay resident to support queued tasks or auto-connect features.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can close FileZilla and disable startup if desired. Uninstalling will remove the client but may erase saved site data unless you back it up.
If filezilla.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unnecessary transfers and pause queues in FileZilla
2. Check Activity Monitor/Task Manager for filezilla.exe activity and end unneeded tasks
3. Update FileZilla to the latest version from the official site
4. Whitelist FileZilla in your antivirus and firewall settings
5. Verify server settings and switch to Passive mode if needed
No, the legitimate filezilla.exe from FileZilla Project is not a virus. Verify the path: C:\Program Files\FileZilla FTP Client\filezilla.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FileZilla FTP Client\filezilla.exe and check the digital signature.
High CPU usage can occur during large or multiple transfers, or due to misconfigured server settings and firewall interference. Use the FileZilla transfer queue and Task Manager to identify the culprit and adjust concurrency or disable problematic sites.
Yes, you can uninstall FileZilla to remove filezilla.exe via Windows Settings > Apps > Uninstall. Your saved sites can be backed up via FileZilla's Site Manager if needed.
Yes. Close FileZilla, disable startup entries in Task Manager, and optionally remove auto-launch options in FileZilla settings to prevent automatic runs.
If FileZilla is configured to start on login, filezilla.exe will run at startup. Disable the startup entry in Task Manager -> Startup or in FileZilla settings to prevent auto-launch.
Close unused tabs/sites, limit simultaneous transfers, disable unnecessary plugins, and consider updating to the latest version with improved performance.