Quick Answer
hp-tray.exe is safe. It is the HP Support Assistant tray process that runs in the background to check for updates, notify you of important HP actions, and launch the assistant when you click the tray icon.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Should reside in C:\\Program Files\\HP\\HP Support Assistant\\hp-tray.exe
Warning
Background tray processes can be active even when the UI is closed
HP SA uses hp-tray.exe to schedule updates and notifications
Can I Disable?
YES
Close HP Support Assistant and disable startup entry if desired
What is hp-tray.exe?
hp-tray.exe is the background tray component of HP Support Assistant. It runs on Windows to monitor system health, check for driver and software updates, and provide quick access to HP support actions from the system tray. It starts with Windows and stays resident to notify you about important HP tasks without opening the main UI.
This lightweight process communicates with HP update services and the local SA client to schedule checks, display notifications, and launch the UI when you click the tray icon. It operates with minimal resources while keeping HP protections current.
Quick Fact: hp-tray.exe enables HP Support Assistant to run quietly in the background, delivering update prompts and quick access without forcing you to open the full app.
Types of HP Tray Processes
- Tray Process (hp-tray.exe): System tray host for HP Support Assistant (single instance)
- Updater Service: Schedules driver and software update checks
- Notification Subsystem: Delivers alerts and reminders to the user
- Launcher: Launches the HP SA UI on tray click or startup
- Health Monitor: Collects basic status from HP hardware checks
Is hp-tray.exe Safe?
Yes, hp-tray.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from HP installed by HP Support Assistant from official sources (hp.com or through HP software).
Is hp-tray.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real hp-tray.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic file names; verify the location and signature to be sure.
How to Tell if hp-tray.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\HP\\HP Support Assistant\\hp-tray.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\HP\\HP Support Assistant\\hp-tray.exe. Any hp-tray.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "HP Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU and 20-60 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: HP tray should run quietly in the background. If it launches unexpectedly or spikes activity without HP SA, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If hp-tray.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when HP Support Assistant is not installed, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Be wary of similarly-named files such as "hp-tray.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is hp-tray.exe Running on My PC?
hp-tray.exe runs to support the HP Support Assistant experience. It can start at login or remain active to check for updates and deliver notifications even when the main UI is closed.
Reasons it's running:
- Active HP Support Assistant Usage: The tray is active whenever HP SA is installed and the user interacts with it or expects update checks.
- Startup Program: HP SA is configured to launch at Windows startup to check for updates in the background.
- Background Update Checks: Regular background checks for drivers and software updates are scheduled by the tray component.
- Notification and Reminders: The tray delivers update prompts, health alerts, and maintenance reminders to the system tray.
- UI Launch Facilitation: Clicking the tray icon or specific events can trigger the full HP SA UI to open for actions.
Can I Disable or Remove hp-tray.exe?
Yes, you can disable hp-tray.exe. You can stop the tray by closing HP Support Assistant and preventing startup in Task Manager.
How to Stop hp-tray.exe
- End HP Tray Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find hp-tray.exe under Details, right-click End Task
- Close HP Support Assistant: Quit the HP SA UI from the taskbar icon or system tray
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> select HP Support Assistant -> Disable
- Disable Background Tasks: HP Support Assistant settings -> System or General -> turn off 'Run at startup' or 'Continue running in background'
- Restart: Reboot to ensure tasks do not relaunch automatically
How to Uninstall HP Support Assistant (and hp-tray.exe)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → HP Support Assistant → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → HP Support Assistant → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, you may keep using Windows without HP SA or install a different updater if desired
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If hp-tray.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Excessive update checks or many notifications: Review HP SA notification settings and reduce frequent checks; ensure SA is up to date.
- Outdated HP Support Assistant: Update HP Support Assistant to the latest version from HP's official site.
- Corrupted installation: Repair or reinstall HP Support Assistant to reset tray components.
- Conflicting security software: Temporarily disable conflicting antivirus features or add an exception for hp-tray.exe.
- Too many open HP SA tasks: Close the UI and limit background tasks; use Task Manager to terminate redundant processes.
- Malware impersonation: Scan with a reputable antivirus/antimalware tool and verify the file location and signature.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify hp-tray.exe activity
2. Close HP Support Assistant UI if open
3. Disable startup for HP Support Assistant in Task Manager → Startup
4. Update or repair HP Support Assistant via Settings or HP official site
5. If issues persist, reinstall HP Support Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hp-tray.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate hp-tray.exe from HP is not a virus. Ensure the file path is C:\\Program Files\\HP\\HP Support Assistant\\hp-tray.exe and that it has a valid signature from HP Inc.
Why is hp-tray.exe running all the time?
The tray runs to manage update checks, notifications, and quick access to HP Support Assistant. It remains active to keep drivers and software current without forcing UI interaction.
Can I disable hp-tray.exe at startup?
Yes. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup for the HP Support Assistant, and adjust settings in HP SA to stop background runs.
Where is hp-tray.exe located?
Typically in C:\\Program Files\\HP\\HP Support Assistant\\hp-tray.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\HP\\HP Support Assistant\\hp-tray.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
How do I check if hp-tray.exe is legitimate?
Verify the digital signature shows HP Inc., confirm the path is under HP Support Assistant, and compare file size and version with a known-good installation from HP.
How do I uninstall HP Support Assistant and hp-tray.exe?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → HP Support Assistant → Uninstall, or Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall. Reinstall only if you need HP SA again.