hamster.exe

Hamster Time Tracker

Application ProcessSafeProductivity

CPU Usage

2-12%

Memory

30-150 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Hamster

Publisher

Hamster Software LLC

Quick Answer

hamster.exe is safe. It's the executable for the Hamster Time Tracker app; it's designed to run in multiple processes for timers, syncing, and UI to keep you productive.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be located in C:\Program Files\Hamster\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Hamster\ and carry a valid signature.

Warning

Multiple hamster processes

UI, timer, and sync components may run as separate processes; this is expected.

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

You can exit the app or disable startup; to stop background tasks adjust settings in Hamster.

What is hamster.exe?

hamster.exe is the executable for the Hamster Time Tracker application on Windows. It launches the app, manages timers, tracks work sessions, and coordinates data stored locally and synced with the cloud. Depending on user settings, it may start at boot and run background services.

Hamster uses a multi-process model: a UI process handles the main window and tray, a timer service logs active sessions, and a background sync module uploads data to Hamster Cloud via TLS, with local data stored in SQLite.

Quick Fact: Hamster introduced modular processes to separate UI, timing logic, and sync in early versions, improving reliability and energy efficiency.

Types of Hamster Processes

UI Process: Main window, tray icon, and user interactions
Timer Service: Records active timers and task durations
Sync Service: Uploads data to Hamster Cloud securely
Data Store: Local database (SQLite) for sessions and settings
Updater: Checks for and applies updates
Notification Service: Shows reminders and progress alerts

Is hamster.exe Safe?

Yes, hamster.exe is safe when it comes from Hamster Software LLC and is installed via official distribution channels (hamster.com or legitimate app stores).

Is hamster.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real hamster.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate file names; always verify digital signatures and location.

How to Tell if hamster.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Ensure the file is located at C:\Program Files\Hamster\hamster.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Hamster\hamster.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click hamster.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Hamster Software LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU and 30-150 MB memory per active session. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Hamster should not spawn unexpected child processes or communicate with unknown servers. Monitor network activity.

Red Flags: If hamster.exe is found outside C:\Program Files\Hamster\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Hamster, lacks a signature, runs at startup without consent, or uses unusual network activity, scan with antivirus and verify source.

Why Is hamster.exe Running on My PC?

hamster.exe runs when you open Hamster Time Tracker or when background services are enabled to track time, sync data, and remind you about tasks.

Reasons it's running:

Active Timer or Session: A timer is counting a task, so the timer service stays active to record duration.
Background Sync: The app is syncing local data with Hamster Cloud to keep your records up to date.
Startup Launch: Hamster may be configured to launch automatically when Windows starts.
Scheduled Backups: Periodic backups of sessions may require the process to stay alive briefly.
Tray and Notifications: The UI and notification services run in the background to handle reminders and quick actions.

Can I Disable or Remove hamster.exe?

Yes, you can disable hamster.exe. It's safe to close Hamster when not in use, and you can uninstall the application if you prefer another timer tool.

How to Stop hamster.exe

End Active Timers: In Hamster, stop the current timer or pause it; then close the UI to stop processes.
Close the App: Use the X button or select Exit; ensure no background task remains.
End All Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate hamster.exe and related hamster* processes, and End Task.
Prevent Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Hamster.
Disable Background Sync: In Hamster Settings -> Sync, disable automatic cloud syncing.

How to Uninstall Hamster

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Hamster Time Tracker -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Hamster Time Tracker -> Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative productivity tools and optionally remove local data backups

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If hamster.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Timers/Active Sessions: Close or pause unused timers; review the active tasks in Hamster's UI.
Heavy Sync or Backup Tasks: Limit sync frequency in Settings; ensure network is stable.
Resource-Heavy Plugins or Extensions: Disable or remove any optional plugins that run within Hamster.
Outdated Version: Update Hamster to the latest version from Hamster's site or built-in updater.
Database Corruption: Repair or restore from a local backup; confirm integrity and backups.
Hardware Acceleration: Toggle hardware acceleration in Settings to see if performance improves.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Hamster Task Manager from the tray icon and identify high-usage timers
2. Pause or end unnecessary timers
3. Update Hamster to latest version
4. Clear cache and local data if option exists
5. Disable background sync temporarily to test impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hamster.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate hamster.exe from Hamster Software LLC is not a virus. Check that the file is located at C:\Program Files\Hamster\hamster.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Hamster\hamster.exe and has a valid signature.

Why is hamster.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually caused by active timers, heavy synchronization, or problematic data in the local database. Use Hamster Task Manager to identify the source and pause or fix the task.

Can I delete hamster.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall Hamster Time Tracker from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your data may be removed unless you have cloud sync enabled.

Can I disable hamster.exe?

Yes. You can close the app or disable startup in Task Manager. To stop background operations, adjust settings in Hamster -> Settings -> Sync and Notifications.

Why is hamster.exe running at startup?

If you enabled startup for Hamster, it will launch on login. Disable it in Task Manager -> Startup or in Hamster Settings -> Startup.

How do I reduce Hamster's memory usage?

Close unused timers, limit sync frequency, and update to the latest version. Consider using the compact UI or archiving old sessions.

Related Processes

hamster-ui.exe

Hamster UI interface and tray interaction

hamster-update.exe

Background updater service

hamster-sync.exe

Cloud synchronization service