Quick Answer
hp-telemetry-exe is safe. It's HP's telemetry component that collects anonymized hardware and software data to improve drivers, diagnostics, and support experiences.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\HP\Telemetry\hp-telemetry-exe.exe
Warning
Many telemetry processes may run in background
Designed to operate with HP software; may spawn multiple threads
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable via HP Support Assistant or Windows startup settings
What is hp-telemetry-exe?
hp-telemetry-exe is the executable for HP's telemetry framework. The process runs in the background to collect anonymized system and usage data, including hardware telemetry, software version, and diagnostic results, helping HP optimize drivers, updates, and support. It can appear as hp-telemetry-exe.exe.
hp-telemetry-exe operates as a background service that triggers on system state changes, collects hardware and software metrics, sends them securely to HP servers, and coordinates with HP Update and Support Assistant to refine drivers and fix issues.
Quick Fact: HP telemetry data collection aims to improve device reliability and update accuracy; it runs with low priority to minimize user impact.
Types of HP Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Service: Monitors hardware/software metrics and health signals
- Data Collector: Aggregates usage data for analytics
- Uploader: Uploads anonymized data to HP servers
- Diagnostics Engine: Runs checks and prepares reports for support
- Update Coordinator: Coordinates driver and software updates
Is hp-telemetry-exe Safe?
Yes, hp-telemetry-exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from HP downloaded from official sources (hp.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
Is hp-telemetry-exe a Virus or Malware?
The real hp-telemetry-exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if hp-telemetry-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\HP\Telemetry\hp-telemetry-exe.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Telemetry\hp-telemetry-exe.exe. Any hp-telemetry-exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "HP Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-3% CPU and 20-60 MB memory. Consistently high usage outside active HP software is suspicious.
- Behavior: HP telemetry runs in the background; it should not prompt for actions or install software without user consent.
Red Flags: If hp-telemetry-exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Local, or System32), runs when HP software isn't active, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files.
Why Is hp-telemetry-exe Running on My PC?
hp-telemetry-exe runs in the background to support HP software by collecting anonymized telemetry data, coordinating updates, and enabling diagnostics. It may start at login and continue to run for ongoing health checks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Data Collection: The process gathers hardware and usage metrics for analytics and product improvement.
- Background Update Coordination: It helps HP Update determine when to apply drivers and firmware updates.
- Support Diagnostics: Diagnostics engine prepares reports for HP Support when issues are detected.
- Startup and Auto-Launch: HP Telemetry can launch at user login or Windows startup to ensure monitoring continuity.
- Policy and Compliance Checks: Ensures telemetry runs in compliance with configured privacy settings and corporate policies.
Can I Disable or Remove hp-telemetry-exe?
Yes, you can disable hp-telemetry-exe. It's safe to stop it if you prefer privacy, and you can uninstall HP Telemetry if you don't want it.
How to Stop hp-telemetry-exe
- End Telemetry Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate hp-telemetry-exe.exe, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable HP Telemetry (hp-telemetry-exe).
- Disable Background Data: Open HP software settings (e.g., HP Support Assistant) and turn off telemetry or data collection options.
- Uninstall Telemetry Package: Settings → Apps → HP Telemetry → Uninstall (or via Programs and Features).
- Block Network Access: If required, block its URL in your firewall to prevent data uploads.
How to Uninstall HP Telemetry
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → HP Telemetry → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → HP Telemetry → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider keeping HP Support Assistant for critical updates while disabling telemetry
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If hp-telemetry-exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active telemetry collection during updates: Wait for update cycles to finish; ensure HP Update is up-to-date.
- Background data uploader active: Open HP Support Assistant → Settings → Privacy or Telemetry and disable background telemetry if available.
- Outdated HP software: Update HP software and drivers to newest versions.
- Conflicting software: Disable conflicting HP components via HP Settings or reinstall HP Telemetry.
- High network activity: Limit telemetry data sharing to essential metrics in HP software privacy settings.
- Corrupted telemetry cache: Clear cache within HP Telemetry settings or reinstall the telemetry package.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify spikes (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)
2. Open HP Support Assistant → Settings → Telemetry → Off or reduce data sharing
3. Update HP software to latest version
4. Restart HP Telemetry processes or reboot system
5. Uninstall or Repair HP Telemetry package if persistent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hp-telemetry-exe a virus?
No, hp-telemetry-exe is an HP component designed to collect anonymized telemetry data for product improvement. Verify the path as C:\Program Files\HP\Telemetry\hp-telemetry-exe.exe and that it is signed by HP Inc.
Why is hp-telemetry-exe running at startup?
HP Telemetry may launch at login to monitor system health and coordinate updates; you can disable startup through Task Manager > Startup or HP Support Assistant.
Can I disable hp-telemetry-exe?
Yes, you can disable telemetry through HP Support Assistant or Windows startup settings. Disabling telemetry may reduce proactive diagnostics and driver optimization, but you can still use the device.
Where is hp-telemetry-exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\HP\Telemetry\hp-telemetry-exe.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Telemetry\hp-telemetry-exe.exe. Avoid renamed or copied files in other folders.
Will disabling hp-telemetry-exe affect HP Support?
Disabling telemetry may reduce proactive diagnostics and driver optimization, but HP Support Assistant can still run for updates with telemetry off.
How do I know hp-telemetry-exe is legitimate?
Check the digital signature shows HP Inc., verify the file path, and ensure network traffic matches expected HP telemetry endpoints.