Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\LogMeIn Hamachi\hamachi-2.exe or hamachi-2-ui.exe
Warning
Core process runs for VPN connectivity
Multiple related hamachi processes may appear when a network is active
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can stop the service and exit the UI; disable auto-start if desired
What is hamachi.exe?
hamachi.exe is the executable for the LogMeIn Hamachi VPN client. It creates a virtual VPN adapter on your computer and coordinates secure, peer-to-peer connections between devices joined to a Hamachi network. The process handles tunnel establishment, NAT traversal, and persistent network state for connected peers.
Hamachi uses a client service and UI to manage virtual networks. It maintains a tunnel between peers, handles NAT traversal, and maintains a persistent network state for connected clients.
Quick Fact: Hamachi relies on a secure overlay network and uses a lightweight tunneling protocol to keep devices on the same virtual network.
Types of Hamachi Processes
- Hamachi VPN Engine: Core service handling network tunnels (hamachi-2.exe)
- Hamachi UI: User interface for managing networks (hamachi-2-ui.exe)
- Network Driver: Virtual Ethernet adapter for Hamachi networks
- Background Service: Keeps connectivity alive and handles keep-alives
Is hamachi.exe Safe?
Yes, hamachi.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from LogMeIn downloaded from official sources (logmein.com or through official Hamachi installers).
Is hamachi.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real hamachi.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if hamachi.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\LogMeIn Hamachi\ or C:\Program Files\LogMeIn Hamachi\. Any hamachi-2.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "LogMeIn, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is around 1-5% CPU and 30-150 MB memory when idle; spikes during network activity are expected but persistent high usage warrants review.
- Behavior: Hamachi should manage VPN connections; unexpected persistence or network activity without Hamachi UI open may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If hamachi.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when not needed, lacks a signature, or has abnormal network activity, run a full antivirus scan and verify the installer source.
Why Is hamachi.exe Running on My PC?
hamachi.exe runs to maintain virtual network connectivity, manage peer discovery, and keep tunnels open for active Hamachi networks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Hamachi Network: You are connected to one or more Hamachi networks; the engine runs to manage tunnels and traffic routing.
- Background Service: Hamachi runs a background service to maintain connections even when the UI isn't open.
- System Startup: Hamachi is configured to start with Windows to provide immediate network availability.
- Network Traffic: Background keep-alives and NAT traversal messages can cause periodic CPU usage.
- Driver/VPN Adapter: The virtual Hamachi network adapter is present and requires driver-level routines to stay ready.
Can I Disable or Remove hamachi.exe?
Yes, you can disable hamachi.exe. You can stop the service, close the UI, or uninstall Hamachi entirely if you don't need it.
How to Stop hamachi.exe
- End Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end hamachi-2.exe and hamachi-2-ui.exe if visible
- Stop Service: Run services.msc, locate 'LogMeIn Hamachi Tunneling Engine' or 'Hamachi2', and click Stop
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable LogMeIn Hamachi
- Quit UI: Close Hamachi UI to stop device maintenance; the engine may continue until stopped
- Prevent Background: In the Hamachi settings, turn off 'Start Hamachi when Windows starts' or uninstall if not needed
How to Uninstall Hamachi
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → LogMeIn Hamachi → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → LogMeIn Hamachi → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If hamachi.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active VPN traffic: Maintain only necessary Hamachi networks; quit UI when not in use
- Background Net adapters: Disable the Hamachi network adapter in Network Connections if not needed
- Stale tunnels: Reconnect or restart Hamachi service to clear stale sessions
- Outdated Hamachi: Update Hamachi to the latest version from official site
- Malicious extension or software: Run antivirus scan and verify downloads; remove unexpected software
- Resource-intensive networks: Only join networks that are needed; close others
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify any hamachi processes
2. Restart Hamachi service: net stop hamachi2 && net start hamachi2
3. Disable Startup for Hamachi via Task Manager
4. Disable Hamachi network adapter if not required
5. Uninstall or update to latest version
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hamachi.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate hamachi.exe from LogMeIn is not a virus. Verify the file is located in C:\Program Files (x86)\LogMeIn Hamachi and that the digital signature shows LogMeIn, Inc.
Why is hamachi.exe using CPU?
CPU usage often occurs during VPN traffic, network discovery, or when tunnels are active. Check Hamachi UI and services, and reduce active networks if possible.
Can I delete hamachi.exe?
You can uninstall Hamachi from Windows Settings → Apps if you no longer need it. It will remove the hamachi-2 binaries and the virtual adapter.
Can I disable hamachi.exe?
Yes, you can stop the Hamachi service and exit the UI. To prevent startup, disable the Hamachi startup entry or uninstall the program.
Why is Hamachi starting at Windows startup?
If you installed Hamachi to auto-start, it will start the tunneling service on boot. Disable via Task Manager → Startup or uninstall if not needed.
How do I reduce Hamachi's memory usage?
Close unnecessary networks, quit the UI when not in use, and ensure you have the latest version. Consider disabling the tunneling adapter if not required.