What is google-slides-exe?
google-slides.exe is the desktop executable for Google Slides, the app that lets you create, edit, present, and share slides offline while syncing changes with Google Drive. It launches when you start Slides and coordinates rendering, offline storage, and collaboration features.
The executable coordinates the Slides UI, rendering engine, cloud sync, and offline storage. It uses a multi-process approach to separate UI, rendering, and network tasks, improving stability and data security during collaboration.
Quick Fact: Google Slides Desktop uses a modular architecture to isolate rendering and network tasks, helping keep multi-user editing responsive.
Types of Google Slides Processes
- Main UI Process: Manages the Slides interface and user interactions (1 instance)
- Renderer Process: Renders slide content and previews (multiple instances)
- GPU Process: Graphics acceleration and rendering
- Sync/Background Process: Handles Google Drive syncing and offline updates
- Plugin/Extension Process: Supports add-ons within Google Slides (if any)
- Offline Storage Process: Manages local cache and offline editing
Is google-slides.exe Safe?
Yes, google-slides.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Google downloaded from official sources (sites.google.com or Google Update installers).
Is google-slides.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real google-slides.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if google-slides.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Google\Slides\Application\google-slides.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Slides\Application\google-slides.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click google-slides.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Google LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per process, 100-500 MB total memory. High usage when not actively editing is suspicious.
- Behavior: Google Slides should run when the app is open. Multiple instances when closed may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If google-slides.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Slides isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus immediately. Watch for similarly named files like "slides.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is google-slides.exe Running on My PC?
google-slides.exe runs when you start Google Slides or when background synchronization and offline editing are active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Slide Editing: You're editing or presenting; the app spawns processes to render content and save changes.
- Background Drive Sync: Offline changes and online collaboration sync in the background with Google Drive.
- Startup Launch: Slides may be configured to start at Windows startup for quick access.
- Offline Caching: Local cache for offline editing runs to enable editing without network.
- Pre-fetch and Preview: Background tasks preload slides you recently accessed to speed up opening.
Can I Disable or Remove google-slides.exe?
Yes, you can disable google-slides.exe. It's safe to close Google Slides when not in use, and you can uninstall the app if you prefer another presentation tool.
How to Stop google-slides.exe
- End Specific Tasks: In Google Slides, use Menu → Tools → Task Manager (or project-specific task manager) to end heavy rendering tasks.
- Close the App: Close the Slides window or use Exit from the app menu.
- End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find google-slides.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Google Slides
- Stop Background Sync: In Google Slides Settings → Offline or Drive, toggle off background sync and offline saving
How to Uninstall Google Slides
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Google Slides → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Google Slides → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative tools: Microsoft PowerPoint, LibreOffice Impress, or Apple Keynote
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If google-slides.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Slides or Animations: Close unnecessary slides, reduce animation effects, and save frequently.
- Background Sync or Offline Caching: Pause or limit Drive sync, clear local cache, and adjust offline settings.
- Resource-Heavy Add-ins or Integrations: Disable or remove problematic add-ins in Slides or Google Workspace Marketplace.
- Outdated App Version: Update Google Slides to the latest version via Google Update or Settings → About.
- Web-Engine Rendering Issues: Repair installation or reset app settings to default; consider a fresh install.
- Background Tasks: In Windows, end background tasks or disable startup to reduce CPU usage.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Google Slides Task Manager and identify heavy processes
2. Pause Drive sync or clear local cache
3. Update Google Slides to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary add-ins or extensions
5. Restart Slides or reboot the PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is google-slides.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate google-slides.exe from Google is not a virus. However, verify the path matches C:\Program Files\Google\Slides\Application and has a valid signature from Google LLC.
Why is google-slides.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage usually occurs when editing complex slides, using many animations, or when syncing with Drive. Check the Slides Task Manager to identify the cause and close or adjust settings.
Can I delete google-slides.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Google Slides through Windows Settings if you no longer need the app. Your slides are stored in Google Drive or locally if offline.
Can I disable google-slides.exe?
Yes, you can close Slides or disable background sync in Settings. To stop auto-start, disable it in Task Manager → Startup.
Why does google-slides.exe start at Windows startup?
If installed with the default settings, Google Slides may be configured to start automatically for quick access. Disable in Task Manager → Startup to prevent this.
Why are there multiple google-slides.exe processes?
Google Slides uses a modular architecture with separate processes for UI, rendering, and syncing. This improves stability; you can view details in the app's task manager.