Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be located under C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Telemetry\gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry uses multiple background processes
Telemetry can spawn a few helper processes for network, upload, and data aggregation
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable via Galaxy settings: Privacy/Data or Telemetry; or stop at startup in Windows Task Manager
What is gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe?
gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe is the background telemetry service for the GOG Galaxy launcher. It collects anonymous usage events, crash reports, and feature interactions to help improve performance, reliability, and recommendations. The process runs automatically when Galaxy is installed or opened, sending data to GOG servers unless you opt out in the privacy settings.
Telemetry runs as a dedicated process separate from the UI to minimize impact. It transmits data over TLS, respects privacy options, and categorizes events so that only non-identifiable usage data is sent, aiding analytics and troubleshooting.
Quick Fact: GOG Galaxy pioneered lightweight telemetry in desktop clients to balance usefulness with user privacy; data is designed to be non-identifiable.
Types of gog-galaxy-telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Core: Main telemetry engine handling data collection and formatting
- Upload Daemon: Background component responsible for sending data to servers
- Crash Reporter: Captures crash reports and diagnostic data
- Background Sync: Syncs user settings and usage patterns with the cloud
- Diagnostic Agent: Gathers performance metrics for debugging
- Updater Helper: Ensures telemetry components stay current
Is gog-galaxy-telemetry Safe?
Yes, gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from GOG Galaxy downloaded from official sources.
Is gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names.
How to Tell if gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG Galaxy\Telemetry\gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files\GOG Galaxy\Telemetry\gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe. Any gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signature from "GOG Ltd" or "GOG.com".
- Resource Usage:: Baseline CPU is low (0.5-3%), memory 5-25 MB. Abnormally high usage when Galaxy is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Telemetry should run when Galaxy is active or allowed; persistent activity without Galaxy is a red flag.
Red Flags: If gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs without Galaxy, has no valid signature, or sends data without consent, scan with antivirus and review privacy settings.
Why Is gog-galaxy-telemetry Running on My PC?
gog-galaxy-telemetry runs in the background to collect anonymous usage data, crash reports, and feature interactions to help improve the Galaxy client experience and troubleshooting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Galaxy Use: You're running the Galaxy client; telemetry captures events across the UI, feature usage, and error data.
- Background Tasks: Telemetry components run to monitor features and report issues even when Galaxy is minimized.
- Startup Launch: Galaxy may start at login, bringing the telemetry service online automatically.
- Privacy Settings: Telemetry is enabled by default; data sharing is controlled via Galaxy privacy options.
- Error/Crash Reporting: Telemetry collects crash reports to assist in troubleshooting and improving stability.
Can I Disable or Remove gog-galaxy-telemetry?
Yes, you can disable gog-galaxy-telemetry. Disabling reduces data sharing but may affect certain improvement signals. You can disable in Galaxy privacy settings or stop the service from starting at Windows startup.
How to Stop gog-galaxy-telemetry
- Open Galaxy Settings: Go to Settings → Privacy & Data or Telemetry and turn off data sharing
- Close Galaxy: Exit Galaxy and ensure the client is not running in the system tray
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable 'GOG Galaxy' entry
- End Telemetry Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe, and End Task
- Stop Background Apps: In Galaxy Settings → Privacy & Data, disable 'Continue running background apps when Galaxy is closed'
How to Uninstall Galaxy Telemetry (via Galaxy client)
- ✔ Open Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
- ✔ Find GOG Galaxy and click Uninstall
- ✔ Follow prompts to remove the launcher and its telemetry-related components
- ✔ Reinstall Galaxy later if desired or switch to a different launcher
Common Problems: Telemetry Not Working or Spiking
If gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe is misbehaving or using excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry disabled in settings: Check Galaxy Settings → Privacy & Data and re-enable telemetry data sharing if you want analytics to continue.
- Firewall or antivirus blocks: Allow gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe in Windows Firewall and any security software’s allowed apps list.
- Outdated Galaxy version: Update Galaxy to the latest version from the official GOG site or inside the app.
- Too many background events: Limit analytics scope in settings and reduce noisy error reporting if possible.
- Corrupted telemetry data cache: Clear Galaxy cache or reset telemetry settings within the client; restart Galaxy.
- Network connectivity issues: Ensure a stable internet connection and verify DNS/proxy settings are not blocking telemetry traffic.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Galaxy Task Manager (if available) to identify high-usage telemetry components
3. Restart Galaxy and check telemetry settings
4. Ensure telemetry is enabled in Privacy settings
5. Allow telemetry through firewall and update Galaxy
6. If issues persist, reinstall Galaxy or contact support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe?
It is the GOG Galaxy Telemetry service that collects anonymous usage data to help improve the client and troubleshoot issues. You can disable it if you don’t want data sharing.
Is gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, when it is the legitimate file from GOG Galaxy signed by GOG Ltd. If you find it elsewhere or without a valid signature, treat as suspicious.
Why does gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe run at startup?
Galaxy can launch at login and enable telemetry to start with it so data can be captured from the start. You can disable startup in Task Manager.
How do I disable telemetry without removing Galaxy?
In Galaxy: Settings → Privacy & Data or Telemetry, turn off data sharing. You can also disable startup and stop background apps as needed.
Where is telemetry data stored and how is it used?
Telemetry data is collected in anonymized form and sent to GOG servers over TLS for product improvement and crash analysis. Personal identifiers are suppressed where possible.
Can I uninstall gog-galaxy-telemetry.exe separately from Galaxy?
Telemetry is part of the Galaxy client. You can disable data collection, but fully removing telemetry generally requires uninstalling the Galaxy client.