Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Gyazo\gyazo.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal (capture, upload, helper)
Gyazo may spawn background tasks for uploads and clipboard monitoring
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Gyazo or disable startup to stop background activity
What is gyazo.exe?
gyazo.exe is the executable for the Gyazo Desktop screenshot tool. It captures your screen or a selected region, uploads the image to Gyazo's cloud, and returns a shareable URL. This application also supports GIF capture and quick image sharing.
Gyazo uses a lightweight background service to capture and upload images to the Gyazo cloud, creating unique URLs. It integrates with clipboard and shortcuts, and maintains a small footprint to keep the capture workflow fast.
Quick Fact: Gyazo popularized instant image sharing by launching a dedicated capture tool that uploads immediately to the cloud.
Types of Gyazo Processes
- Main Process: Gyazo main window and UI (1 instance)
- Capture Process: Screen capture handler (on-demand)
- Upload Process: Uploads images to Gyazo cloud
- Clipboard Monitor: Detects image data on the clipboard for quick sharing
- GIF Capture Process: Records and uploads animated GIFs (where supported)
- Background Utility: Background tasks and network services
Is gyazo.exe Safe?
Yes, gyazo.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Gyazo downloaded from official sources (gyazo.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
Is gyazo.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gyazo.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if gyazo.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Gyazo\gyazo.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Gyazo\gyazo.exe. Any gyazo.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Gyazo, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal Gyazo usage is low to moderate CPU while capturing (2-12%), with 50-200 MB memory. Constant high usage without activity is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Gyazo should start when you launch the app or use its hotkeys. Unexpected background activity when the app isn't used may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If gyazo.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Gyazo isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files.
Why Is gyazo.exe Running on My PC?
gyazo.exe runs when you actively capture or when Gyazo is configured to monitor the clipboard, run in the background, or auto-upload after a capture.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Capture: You're initiating a screenshot or GIF capture; Gyazo starts the capture process to save and upload.
- Background Clipboard Monitoring: Gyazo watches the clipboard for image data to offer instant sharing without manual triggers.
- Startup or Auto-Launch: Gyazo can be configured to launch on Windows startup for quick access.
- Background Upload Service: Completed captures may upload automatically to Gyazo cloud, keeping links ready.
- Notification and History: Background tasks notify you of new uploads and maintain a local history for quick reuse and sharing.
Can I Disable or Remove gyazo.exe?
Yes, you can disable gyazo.exe. It's safe to close Gyazo when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different screenshot tool.
How to Stop gyazo.exe
- Close Gyazo: Click the Gyazo window's close button or use Alt+F4 to exit the UI
- Quit Background Tasks: In the system tray, right-click Gyazo and choose Quit or Exit
- Prevent Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Gyazo
- Disable Clipboard/Background: In Gyazo Settings → General, turn off clipboard monitoring and background capture
- Stop Auto-Uploads: In Gyazo Settings → Upload, disable auto-upload on capture
How to Uninstall Gyazo
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Gyazo → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Gyazo → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative screenshot tools: ShareX, Lightshot, Snip & Sketch
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If gyazo.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Captures or Large GIFs: Capture size and GIF length impact CPU. Shorten GIFs or capture smaller regions.
- Background Clipboard Monitoring: Disable clipboard monitoring in Gyazo settings if not needed.
- Network Upload Bottlenecks: Check internet connection and try a different network; large uploads can increase CPU temporarily.
- Outdated Gyazo Version: Update Gyazo to the latest version via Gyazo → Check for updates.
- Conflicting Extensions: Disable or remove extensions that interact with Gyazo or screenshot workflows.
- Background Process Runaway: Restart Gyazo or reboot the PC to reset background tasks
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Gyazo Task Manager (via system tray) and end heavy captures or uploads
3. Clear local history to free resources
4. Disable unnecessary features in Gyazo Settings
5. Update Gyazo to the latest version
6. Check network status and reconnect if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gyazo.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate gyazo.exe from Gyazo is not a virus. Verify the file location is in C:\Program Files\Gyazo\gyazo.exe and that the digital signature shows 'Gyazo, Inc.'.
How do I use Gyazo to take a screenshot?
Open Gyazo and use the capture hotkeys or the UI to select a region; Gyazo uploads the image and provides a shareable link.
Can I capture GIFs with Gyazo?
Yes, Gyazo supports GIF capture where available. Use the GIF option in the capture tool to record an animated region and upload.
Where is Gyazo installed on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Gyazo or C:\Program Files (x86)\Gyazo. The exact path depends on installer options.
How do I uninstall Gyazo?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Gyazo → Uninstall and follow prompts. Consider alternative screenshot tools if desired.
Why is Gyazo running in the background after a capture?
Gyazo may keep a background process for quick sharing, clipboard monitoring, or auto-upload. You can disable these features in Settings or exit the app.