Quick Answer
flameshot.exe is safe. Flameshot is a free, open-source screenshot tool that captures regions, annotates, and shares images.
What is flameshot.exe?
Flameshot is a free, open-source screenshot tool that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It lets you quickly capture the screen or a user-selected region, then annotate with arrows, text, highlights, blur, and shapes. After editing, you can save, copy to clipboard, or upload the image.
Flameshot uses a Qt-based GUI to provide region capture, annotation tools, and quick sharing. It runs as a lightweight app that prompts for a save location after capture and supports configurable keyboard shortcuts for fast screenshots.
Quick Fact: Flameshot originated as a lightweight, highly configurable screenshot utility and remains popular for its rich annotation features.
Types of Flameshot Processes
- Main GUI Process: User interface for capture, annotation, and saving
- Tray Background Process: System tray icon and background listening for hotkeys
- Capture/Worker Process: Handles the region capture and initial image processing
- Annotation Engine: Overlays for arrows, text, blur, and shapes during editing
- Clipboard/Save Handler: Manages copy-to-clipboard and saving outputs
- Config Loader: Loads user preferences and hotkey configurations
Is flameshot.exe Safe?
Yes, flameshot.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the Flameshot project downloaded from official sources.
Is flameshot.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real flameshot.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if flameshot.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Flameshot\flameshot.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Flameshot\flameshot.exe. Any flameshot.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click flameshot.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Flameshot Project" or "The Flameshot Project".
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU, 40-150 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Flameshot should only run when capturing or via the tray UI. If it runs without user action, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If flameshot.exe is located in unusual folders (like AppData, Temp, or System32), runs at startup without user action, has no valid digital signature, or uses unexpected network activity, scan your system with antivirus.
Why Is flameshot.exe Running on My PC?
Flameshot runs when you trigger a capture, enable the tray, or startup. It can also stay resident to handle hotkeys and quick editing.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Capture or UI Use: You're currently capturing a region or editing a screenshot with Flameshot.
- Global Keyboard Shortcut Enabled: A configured hotkey (for example, Print Screen) launches Flameshot even if the main window is hidden.
- Tray Icon Running in Background: Flameshot's tray icon keeps the process alive for fast captures and quick access.
- Startup or Autostart: Flameshot is configured to start when the OS boots or the user logs in.
- Clipboard/Upload Actions: Captured images are automatically copied to the clipboard or uploaded to a configured service.
Can I Disable or Remove Flameshot?
Yes, you can disable Flameshot. It's safe to close Flameshot when not needed, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different screenshot tool.
How to Stop Flameshot
- End Active Capture: Press Esc to cancel a current capture or click the close button on the capture window.
- Quit Tray Icon: Right-click the Flameshot tray icon and select Quit or Exit to stop background operation.
- Disable Startup: OS startup settings: disable Flameshot from launching on login.
- Kill Flameshot Process: Open Task Manager, locate flameshot.exe, and End Task.
- Check Background Settings: In Flameshot preferences, disable options that keep it running in the background.
How to Uninstall Flameshot
- ✔ Windows: Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Flameshot → Uninstall
- ✔ Linux (example with apt): sudo apt remove flameshot
- ✔ macOS (if installed via Homebrew): brew uninstall flameshot
- ✔ Consider alternative screenshot tools available for your OS
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If flameshot.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Stale captures or many overlays: Close any active captures and restart Flameshot; check for stuck overlays.
- Conflicting hotkeys or external tools: Change Flameshot hotkeys in preferences and disable conflicting OS shortcuts.
- Outdated Flameshot version: Update Flameshot to the latest release via your package manager or official installer.
- Poorly configured save path: Set a valid, accessible save location in Flameshot preferences.
- Background image processing: Disable automatic uploads or clipboard actions if not needed; update GPU drivers if rendering issues occur.
- Hardware acceleration issues: Try disabling hardware acceleration in Flameshot settings or update graphics drivers.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Use Flameshot's built-in task or tray manager to identify active captures
3. Set a fixed, accessible save location (e.g., C:\Users\Public\Pictures)
4. Update Flameshot to the latest version
5. Check and rebind hotkeys to avoid OS conflicts
6. Restart Flameshot or the entire system to clear stuck processes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flameshot safe to install?
Yes. Flameshot is open-source and widely used. Ensure you download from the official repository or your OS package manager to avoid tampered builds.
Where are Flameshot screenshots saved by default?
Flameshot prompts you to save after capture. The default destination can be configured in settings, and typical defaults are your Desktop or Pictures folder depending on OS.
Can Flameshot run in the background?
Yes. Flameshot can remain in the system tray to respond to hotkeys and quick captures even when the main window is closed.
How do I change Flameshot hotkeys?
Open Flameshot preferences, navigate to Shortcuts, and set or rebind the global hotkeys for capture, annotate, and save actions.
Is Flameshot open-source and free?
Yes. Flameshot is free and open-source with an active community contributing improvements and features.
How do I uninstall Flameshot on Windows?
Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features, select Flameshot, and click Uninstall. You can reinstall later from the official source if needed.