Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\GoToAssist\gotoassist.exe or C:\Program Files\GoToAssist\gotoassist.exe
Warning
Most gotoassist.exe processes are normal during sessions
Each session may spawn a separate process and background services
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the GoToAssist client or disable auto-start to stop background activity
What is gotoassist.exe?
gotoassist.exe is the executable for the GoToAssist Remote Support Client used by technicians to connect to a user's computer for live assistance. It may run during an active remote session, stay resident in the background, or launch at startup to enable quick reattachment. This guide explains what it does, how to verify its legitimacy, and how to manage its resource use.
gotoassist uses a small set of worker processes to handle remote control, chat, file transfers, and session streaming. It is designed to run only during an active session and to operate in a sandboxed context to minimize impact on your system.
Quick Fact: GoToAssist employs a secure remote protocol and may spawn isolated processes to handle per-session tasks without compromising the host system.
Types of GoToAssist Processes
- Main Client Process: Core GoToAssist client UI and session management (1 instance)
- Session Handler: Handles remote session data and commands (per session)
- Updater: Manages automatic updates and quick checks for new versions
- Telemetry/Logger: Collects diagnostic data and logs for support
- Background Service: Background tasks and network services related to GoToAssist
- Heartbeat/Connection Manager: Maintains the secure connection and session keep-alive signals
Is gotoassist.exe Safe?
Yes, gotoassist.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from LogMeIn/GoToAssist downloaded from official sources.
Is gotoassist.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gotoassist.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if gotoassist.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\\Program Files (x86)\\GoToAssist\\gotoassist.exe or C:\\Program Files\\GoToAssist\\gotoassist.exe. Any gotoassist.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click gotoassist.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "LogMeIn, Inc." or related official entity.
- Resource Usage: Typical usage is 2-10% CPU per session, 60-180 MB memory. Elevated usage when no session is suspicious.
- Behavior: GotoAssist should run only during an active remote session or when manually launched by the user.
Red Flags: If gotoassist.exe appears outside the GoToAssist folder, lacks a valid signature, or runs when you’re not using GoToAssist, scan for malware with a reputable tool. Watch for similarly named files like "gotoassist2.exe".
Why Is gotoassist.exe Running on My PC?
gotoassist.exe runs to support remote help sessions; it may run in background to maintain a live connection, update statuses, or wait for a technician to reattach.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Session: You're connected to a technician; the client maintains control and UI state for the session.
- Background Tasks for Availability: Background checks, status reporting, and quick reattachment capabilities keep the session ready.
- Startup or Auto-Launch: GoToAssist is configured to start with Windows so you can receive support quickly.
- Diagnostics or Telemetry: Lightweight telemetry may run to assist with troubleshooting if enabled by policy.
- Heartbeat/Keep-Alive: Periodic network heartbeats ensure the connection remains stable during a session.
Can I Disable or Remove gotoassist.exe?
Yes, you can disable gotoassist.exe. It's safe to close the GoToAssist client when not in use, and you can uninstall it entirely if you no longer need remote support.
How to Stop gotoassist.exe
- End Active Session: In the GoToAssist UI, end the remote session or disconnect.
- Close Client: Exit the GoToAssist application or use Alt+F4 to close windows.
- End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find gotoassist.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable GoToAssist
- Stop Background Apps: GoToAssist Settings → General → Disable 'Continue running background apps when GoToAssist is closed'
How to Uninstall GoToAssist
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → GoToAssist Remote Support → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → GoToAssist Remote Support → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If gotoassist.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active remote sessions with multiple connections: Close unused sessions or limit active connections in the GoToAssist client.
- Background telemetry or diagnostics enabled: Disable non-essential telemetry in GoToAssist settings.
- Outdated GoToAssist version: Update GoToAssist to the latest version via the client or official site.
- Interference from antivirus/firewall: Allow gotoassist.exe through security software or create an exception.
- Large file transfers or screen sharing: Pause or limit heavy transfers; ensure stable network connection.
- Poor network conditions causing retries: Check network stability; reconnect the session if necessary.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open GoToAssist Task Manager in the client and identify high-usage sessions
2. Close or suspend unused remote sessions
3. Disable unnecessary features in Settings (telemetry, background keep-alive)
4. Update GoToAssist to the latest version
5. Ensure gotoassist.exe is allowed by antivirus and firewall
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gotoassist.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate gotoassist.exe from LogMeIn/GoToAssist is not a virus. Verify the path is C:\\Program Files (x86)\\GoToAssist\\gotoassist.exe or C:\\Program Files\\GoToAssist\\gotoassist.exe and check the digital signature from 'LogMeIn, Inc.'.
Why is gotoassist.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by an active remote session with video, screen sharing, or large data transfers. Use the GoToAssist Task Manager to identify the culprit and end the session or pause transfers.
Can I delete gotoassist.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall GoToAssist Remote Support from Windows Settings → Apps, or Control Panel. Deleting the file manually may leave remnants; use the proper uninstallation method.
Can I disable gotoassist.exe?
Yes, you can disable GoToAssist from running at startup or close the client when not needed. Disable startup via Task Manager → Startup, and close or sign out from the application during non-session periods.
Why is gotoassist.exe running at startup?
GoToAssist can be configured to launch at Windows startup to allow quick connection during a support session. disable this in Task Manager → Startup or via GoToAssist settings.
How do I update GoToAssist?
Open the GoToAssist client and use the built-in Update option, or visit the official GoToAssist/LogMeIn site to download the latest version. Regular updates improve stability and security.