fsnetwork.exe

FS Network Client

Application ProcessSafeNetwork Utility

CPU Usage

1-8%

Memory

50-200 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\FS Network

Publisher

FS Network Technologies

Quick Answer

fsnetwork.exe is safe. It's FS Network's official client that manages network discovery and file sharing, running as a dedicated process to keep connections stable and secure.

Is it a Virus?

NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\FS Network\fsnetwork.exe

Warning

Multiple processes common

Each component can run as separate processes or threads

Can I Disable?

YES

Close the FS Network Client or stop background tasks via Settings

What is fsnetwork.exe?

fsnetwork.exe is the Windows executable for the FS Network Client, a software utility that enables secure file sharing, device discovery, and data synchronization across networked devices. It runs as a foreground process when the application is actively used and in the background to maintain connections and background sync tasks.

FS Network Client operates with a multi-threaded network service that handles discovery, authentication, data transfer, and local caching for shared resources. It coordinates with system services to establish secure peer-to-peer and server-based sharing across devices.

Quick Fact: FS Network Client uses TLS encryption for data transfers and supports adaptive caching to improve performance on mixed Ethernet/Wi‑Fi networks.

Types of FS Network Processes

UI Process: User interface for configuration and status
Discovery Service: Network discovery and peer listing
Data Transfer Thread: Handles file transfers and streaming
Background Maintenance: Cache cleanup, health checks, and updates
Network Listener: TCP/UDP sockets listening for connections
Telemetry/Guardian: Health telemetry and secure event reporting

Is fsnetwork.exe Safe?

Yes, fsnetwork.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from FS Network downloaded from official sources or pre-installed by the system.

Is fsnetwork.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real fsnetwork.exe is not a virus. However, malware may imitate names. Always verify path and digital signature.

How to Tell if fsnetwork.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\FS Network\fsnetwork.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FS Network\fsnetwork.exe. If found elsewhere, treat with suspicion.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show issuer 'FS Network Technologies'.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per process and 50-200 MB memory. Higher usage during transfers is expected.
Behavior: fsnetwork.exe should run when FS Network Client is active, not constantly in isolation when the app is closed.

Red Flags: If fsnetwork.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when FS Network is not in use, has no valid signature, or uses persistent high resources, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like 'fsnetworkx.exe'.

Why Is fsnetwork.exe Running on My PC?

fsnetwork.exe runs to maintain network connectivity, monitor shared resources, and perform background synchronization tasks. It may start at Windows login or stay active to support ongoing file sharing.

Reasons it's running:

Active File Sharing: You are actively sharing or accessing files via FS Network, which keeps a persistent connection for faster transfers.
Background Sync: FS Network Client performs automatic syncing of folders and updates across devices in the background.
Startup Program: The client is configured to launch when Windows starts to ensure quick access to shares.
System Tray Monitoring: The tray icon and background services monitor network status and connectivity health.
Peer Discovery: Regular network discovery to locate peers and available shares even when idle.

Can I Disable or Remove fsnetwork.exe?

Yes, you can disable fsnetwork.exe. It's safe to close the FS Network Client when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you no longer need the service.

How to Stop fsnetwork.exe

Exit from System Tray: Right-click the FS Network tray icon and choose Exit or Quit.
Close the Client UI: In the main window, click the Close button to shut the UI while leaving background services paused.
Stop Startup: Open Windows Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable FS Network Client.
Pause Background Sync: In FS Network Settings > General, turn off 'Sync in background' or 'Continue running in background'.
End the Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate fsnetwork.exe, right-click End Task.

How to Uninstall FS Network Client

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> FS Network Client -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> FS Network Client -> Uninstall
✔ Restart your computer after uninstall and remove remaining folders under C:\Program Files\FS Network if present

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If fsnetwork.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Large file transfers: Pause transfers or limit bandwidth in Settings; queue transfers and monitor progress in the UI.
Background sync: Disable or throttle sync in Settings > General > Sync options.
Caching overuse: Clear application cache or enable Memory Saver in Settings > Performance.
Outdated client: Update FS Network Client to the latest version from the official site or auto-update.
Network issues: Verify network stability, DNS, and firewall settings allowing FS Network traffic.
Corrupted config: Reset FS Network Client settings to defaults or reinstall the client.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open FS Network Client Tray Icon and review running tasks
2. Pause or cancel large transfers
3. Clear cache from Settings > Performance
4. Check for updates and install the latest version
5. Disable startup and background sync if not required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fsnetwork.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate fsnetwork.exe from FS Network Technologies is not a virus. Verify the file location is C:\Program Files\FS Network\fsnetwork.exe and that it’s digitally signed by FS Network Technologies.

Why is fsnetwork.exe using CPU?

High CPU is usually due to active file transfers, large syncs, or background discovery. Use the FS Network Task Manager in the tray to identify the exact process and pause heavy tasks.

Can I delete fsnetwork.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall the FS Network Client via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your local shares may be affected; reconfigure on reinstallation.

Can I disable fsnetwork.exe?

Yes. Disable startup, exit from the tray icon, or end the fsnetwork.exe task in Task Manager. Disable background sync if not required.

Why does fsnetwork.exe start at Windows startup?

The client is set to launch with Windows to provide immediate access to shares. You can disable it in Task Manager > Startup or via the FS Network settings.

Where is fsnetwork.exe located and how to verify it?

Check that fsnetwork.exe is at C:\Program Files\FS Network\fsnetwork.exe and has a valid signature from FS Network Technologies; avoid paths like Temp or AppData to ensure legitimacy.