fraps.exe

What is fraps.exe?

fraps.exe is the main executable for Beepa's FRAPS software, a screen capture and benchmarking tool for Windows. FRAPS hooks DirectX/OpenGL to capture frames, display an on-screen FPS overlay, take screenshots, and record video. The fraps.exe process runs when FRAPS is launched or when recording begins, coordinating capture tasks.

FRAPS uses a user-level hook into graphics APIs to intercept frames, tag them with timestamps, and feed them to the built-in or configured encoder. It also renders the FPS overlay and writes captured data to disk during recording.

Types of FRAPS Processes

• Main UI Process: User interface and configuration controls (1 instance)
• Capture/Encoder Thread: Handles frame capture and video encoding tasks
• Graphics Hook Process: Intercepts DirectX/OpenGL frames to enable overlay
• Overlay/Display Process: Renders on-screen FPS and capture HUD
• Audio Capture Process: Captures game/system audio for video recordings
• Background Helper: Daemon-like tasks for licensing and updates

Is fraps.exe Safe?

Yes, fraps.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Beepa/FRAPS downloaded from official sources.

Is fraps.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real fraps.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names. Always verify the source and digital signature.

How to Tell if fraps.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be located at C:\Program Files\FRAPS\fraps.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FRAPS\fraps.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click fraps.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from Beepa Pty Ltd.
3. Resource Usage: Moderate CPU usage during recording (varies by resolution). Unusually high idle CPU is suspicious.
4. Behavior: FRAPS should run only when the FRAPS UI is open or you start a recording. Continuous background activity without user input is a red flag.

Why Is fraps.exe Running on My PC?

fraps.exe runs when you launch FRAPS or when you trigger screen capture or overlay features. It also runs in the background if you’ve enabled Windows startup or background recording.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Capture Session: You are recording or preparing to record; FRAPS keeps fraps.exe active to manage frames.
• Overlay is Enabled: The on-screen FPS overlay and HUD require FRAPS to stay active.
• Startup Launch: FRAPS may be configured to start with Windows or be launched by its launcher.
• Background Recording: FRAPS can monitor hotkeys for background recording and pre-buffer frames.
• License or Update Check: FRAPS may spawn background tasks to check licensing or retrieve updates.

Can I Disable or Remove fraps.exe?

Yes, you can disable fraps.exe. You can stop recording, close the FRAPS UI, and uninstall FRAPS if desired.

How to Stop fraps.exe

• End Active Recording: In the FRAPS UI, click Stop, or press the configured hotkey to stop recording.
• Close FRAPS: Exit the FRAPS application completely.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Beepa FRAPS
• Disable Background Recording: FRAPS Settings → General → Uncheck 'Start FRAPS on Windows startup' and 'Record in background'
• Uninstall FRAPS: Windows Settings → Apps → FRAPS → Uninstall or use the installer to remove

How to Uninstall FRAPS

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → FRAPS → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → FRAPS
• ✔ Restart your system after removal

Common Problems: High CPU or Disk Usage During Capture

If fraps.exe uses too many resources during capture or overlay, try the following.

Common Causes & Solutions

• High resolution or high frame rate: Lower capture resolution and frame rate in FRAPS settings or switch to a lighter encoder.
• Conflicting capture software: Disable other screen capturing or overlay tools like OBS/ShadowPlay to avoid conflicts.
• Disk I/O bottleneck: Ensure fast drives with enough free space; write to a local SSD if possible.
• Outdated graphics drivers: Update GPU drivers and reinstall FRAPS if necessary.
• Background processes: Close unnecessary background apps and limit FRAPS overlay usage while idle.
• Antivirus interference: Temporarily whitelist FRAPS and its capture folders to reduce false positives.

Related Processes