fireftp.exe

FireFTP Client

Application ProcessSafeFTP Client

CPU Usage

1-8%

Memory

50-200 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\FireFTP

Publisher

FireFTP Project

Quick Answer

fireftp.exe is safe. It is the FireFTP helper executable responsible for FTP/SFTP transfers when the FireFTP extension or client is installed.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\FireFTP\fireftp.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FireFTP\fireftp.exe

Warning

Many processes can appear

Unlike a browser, fireftp.exe may spawn multiple worker threads for transfers; this is expected during active sessions

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close FTP transfers or disable the FireFTP extension to stop the helper from starting

What is fireftp.exe?

fireftp.exe is the standalone executable used by the FireFTP client to handle FTP/SFTP transfers within Windows when FireFTP is installed as a companion program or plugin. It launches when you connect to FTP servers, coordinates authentication, data channels, and transfer queues, and may run in the background to keep sessions alive during file operations.

FireFTP's exe acts as a helper process. It uses Windows sockets to perform FTP/SFTP transfers, manages secure channels when possible, and coordinates concurrent transfers with the main UI, ensuring reliability even if the browser UI stalls.

Quick Fact: FireFTP pioneered multi-protocol file transfers for browser-integrated clients; this helper keeps transfers isolated from the UI for stability.

Types of FireFTP Processes

Launcher Process: Starts the FireFTP client and initializes transfer sessions
Transfer Worker: handles a single file or queue of transfers
Auth/Control: manages authentication to FTP/SFTP servers
Background Sync: syncs credentials and transfer state in the background
UI Synchronization: keeps the browser extension and Windows UI in sync
Error Handler: collects and reports transfer errors

Is fireftp.exe Safe?

Yes, fireftp.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the FireFTP project installed from trusted sources.

Is fireftp.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real fireftp.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names; always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if fireftp.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\FireFTP\fireftp.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FireFTP\fireftp.exe. Any fireftp.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer such as "FireFTP Project".
Resource Usage: Idle CPU near 1-8%; memory around 50-200 MB. Abnormally high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: The process should only run when transferring or when the FireFTP extension is active.

Red Flags: If fireftp.exe is located in Temp or AppData folders, runs when Firefox is closed, lacks a signature, or uses unusual network protocols, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly named files like 'ftp.exe' or 'fireftp-*.exe'.

Why Is fireftp.exe Running on My PC?

fireftp.exe runs when you initiate FTP transfers via the FireFTP client or when the FireFTP component is configured to run as a helper to manage connections.

Reasons it's running:

Active FTP Transfer: You're actively connected to an FTP/SFTP server and transferring files; the worker process handles data streams.
Background Transfer Queue: A queued or scheduled transfer is in progress, potentially syncing credentials or directories in the background.
Startup or Auto-Launch: Windows starts FireFTP automatically or the extension is configured to run on startup for quick access.
Background Sync: The client synchronizes transfers, bookmarks, or server configurations behind the scenes to stay up to date.
Browser Integration: The FireFTP extension uses an external helper to manage sockets and transfers, which explains why the exe runs alongside Firefox.

Can I Disable or Remove fireftp.exe?

Yes, you can disable fireftp.exe. It's safe to close FireFTP when not in use, and you can uninstall or disable the extension if you prefer a different FTP client.

How to Stop fireftp.exe

End Active Transfers: In the FireFTP UI, cancel transfers or disconnect from the server
Close the Client: Close Firefox or disable the FireFTP extension
End the Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate fireftp.exe, right-click → End Task
Prevent Startup: Disable FireFTP from launching at Windows startup via Task Manager → Startup
Stop Background Transfers: In FireFTP settings, disable background transfers or keep the client fully closed

How to Uninstall FireFTP

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FireFTP → Uninstall
✔ Firefox: Remove FireFTP extension from Add-ons
✔ Delete FireFTP program folder: C:\Program Files\FireFTP or C:\Program Files (x86)\FireFTP

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If fireftp.exe is consuming excessive resources during transfers or idle periods:

Common Causes & Solutions

Large or many file transfers: Pause or cancel unnecessary transfers and verify transfer queues; consider enabling throttle if supported
Background Sync enabled: Disable unnecessary background syncs in FireFTP settings
Firewall or antivirus interference: Ensure firewall rules permit FTP/SFTP and add exceptions for fireftp.exe
Outdated FireFTP version: Update to the latest FireFTP version; check for compatibility with your Firefox version
Faulty extensions or plugins: Disable or remove conflicting extensions that affect networking
Network congestion or slow server: Try with a different server or network or enable passive mode if supported

Quick Fixes:
1. Open FireFTP Task Manager in the UI and end heavy transfers
2. Restart Firefox with FireFTP disabled and re-enable after launch
3. Check and update FireFTP to the latest version
4. Verify firewall rules for FTP/SFTP ports (21/22) and passive mode
5. Clear any transfer queues and cache if available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fireftp.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate fireftp.exe is part of the FireFTP client installed from trusted sources. Verify the path at C:\Program Files\FireFTP\fireftp.exe and ensure a valid digital signature.

Why is fireftp.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usually occurs during large transfers, many simultaneous connections, or due to a problematic extension. Check the FireFTP Task Manager, reduce simultaneous transfers, and ensure software is up to date.

Can I delete fireftp.exe?

If you no longer use FireFTP, you can uninstall via Windows Settings → Apps. Deleting the file without uninstalling may leave broken references in Firefox.

Can I disable fireftp.exe?

Yes. Disable the FireFTP extension, close Firefox, or end the fireftp.exe process in Task Manager. To stop it at startup, disable the startup entry.

Why is fireftp.exe running at startup?

If FireFTP is configured to start with Windows or the extension automatically launches on browser startup, fireftp.exe may run in the background.

How can I tell if fireftp.exe is legitimate?

Check the file path, digital signatures, and compare the version with your installed FireFTP package from a trusted source; use Task Manager to inspect the process and network activity.