Quick Answer
flashfxp.exe is safe. It's the official FlashFXP FTP client, designed to transfer files via FTP/SFTP, with a dedicated transfer engine to handle file transfers.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\\FlashFXP\\flashfxp.exe
Warning
Multiple processes may occur during transfers
FlashFXP uses separate threads for transfers and site connections
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the application or disable startup entry to stop auto-launch
What is flashfxp.exe?
flashfxp.exe is the executable for the FlashFXP Windows FTP client. It provides a graphical interface to manage FTP, FTPS, and SFTP connections, queue transfers, manage sites, and automate file transfers. The program uses a transfer engine separate from the UI to perform uploads and downloads efficiently.
This process coordinates a GUI with a dedicated transfer engine to run secure file transfers. It supports multiple protocols, passive/active modes, site bookmarks, and queued tasks for reliable batch transfers.
Quick Fact: FlashFXP has been a dedicated FTP client since the early 2000s, emphasizing batch transfers and robust queue management.
Types of FlashFXP Processes
- Main GUI Process: User interface and site manager (1 instance)
- Transfer Engine: Handles file uploads/downloads and protocol negotiation
- TLS/SSL Processor: Manages FTPS/SFTP encryption and certificate handling
- Scheduler/Queue: Manages transfer queues and scheduled tasks
- Logging/Notification: Writes transfer logs and shows progress updates
- Temporary/Cache Manager: Manages temporary files and cache for transfers
Is flashfxp.exe Safe?
Yes, flashfxp.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official FlashFXP site downloaded from flashfxp.com or installed by the publisher.
Is flashfxp.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real flashfxp.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names.
How to Tell if flashfxp.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\FlashFXP\\flashfxp.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\FlashFXP\\flashfxp.exe. Any flashfxp.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid publisher like "FlashFXP Software".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-25% CPU per transfer thread, 60-300 MB memory. Constant high resource usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: FlashFXP should launch when you start the app or trigger a transfer. If it runs unexpectedly without user action or in background, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If flashfxp.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when FlashFXP isn't opened, has no digital signature, or uses persistent resources, scan your system with antivirus software. Beware of similarly named files like "fxp.exe" or "flashfxp64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is flashfxp.exe Running on My PC?
flashfxp.exe runs when you open the FlashFXP client or when background tasks are enabled to manage transfers.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Transfers: You are actively uploading or downloading files; the transfer engine runs to manage throughput.
- Background Tasks: Queued transfers, site sync, or auto-retries may run in the background.
- Startup Launch: FlashFXP is configured to start with Windows or your user session.
- Site Manager Activity: Open connections or edits to saved sites may trigger background processes.
- Passive Network Mode: Transfers may spawn processes for data channels in passive mode.
Can I Disable or Remove flashfxp.exe?
Yes, you can disable flashfxp.exe. It's safe to close FlashFXP when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different FTP client.
How to Stop flashfxp.exe
- End Active Transfers: In FlashFXP, use the Transfer Queue Manager to cancel or pause transfers
- Close the Application: Exit the FlashFXP window or use Alt+F4
- Exit from System Tray: Right-click the FlashFXP tray icon and choose Exit
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable FlashFXP
- Stop Background Tasks: In FlashFXP settings, disable persistent background transfers
How to Uninstall FlashFXP
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FlashFXP → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → FlashFXP → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative clients: FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck
Common Problems: Connection and Transfer Issues
If flashfxp.exe encounters problems during connection or transfer, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Connection timed out or refused: Check server address, port, firewall settings, and ensure the server allows FTPS/SFTP. Use Passive mode if needed.
- TLS/SSL handshake failures: Verify certificate trust, update to the latest FlashFXP, and enable explicit FTPS if required by server.
- Unsupported protocol version: Ensure you are using a compatible protocol (FTP, FTPS, or SFTP) supported by the server and FlashFXP version.
- Authentication errors: Double-check username/password, consider using key-based authentication for SFTP, and test with another client to verify credentials.
- Transfers stall or fail mid-queue: Pause and resume transfers, verify network stability, and check disk space on both ends.
- Firewall blocking ports: Open FTP-related ports (21, 990 for FTPS implicit, 22 for SFTP) or enable passive mode to use high ports.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open FlashFXP and review the Transfer Queue for stuck jobs
2. Test login with a simple site and a small file
3. Disable unnecessary servers in Site Manager
4. Update FlashFXP to the latest version
5. Check firewall/antivirus logs for blocked connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flashfxp.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate flashfxp.exe from FlashFXP is not a virus. Make sure the file path is C:\\Program Files\\FlashFXP\\flashfxp.exe and the digital signature shows a valid publisher.
Does FlashFXP support FTPS and SFTP?
Yes. FlashFXP supports FTPS and SFTP in addition to standard FTP, with configurable security and certificate options.
Why can't FlashFXP connect to my server?
Check server address, port, credentials, and firewall settings. Verify protocol compatibility and TLS versions on both ends.
Where are FlashFXP settings stored?
FlashFXP stores site manager data, queues, and preferences in its application data folder. Typical paths include C:\\Users\\<username>\\AppData\\Roaming\\FlashFXP.
How do I transfer files with FlashFXP?
Create a site in Site Manager, configure credentials and protocol, then connect and drag-and-drop files or use the queue to schedule transfers.
Can I uninstall FlashFXP but keep settings?
Uninstalling FlashFXP may remove program files but you can back up the Site Manager data and queue files in the AppData folder before uninstalling.