Quick Answer
inkdrop.exe is safe. It's the official Inkdrop note-taking app binary. It runs in a multi-process Electron environment to keep UI responsive while handling sync, indexing, and plugins.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Inkdrop\Inkdrop.exe or C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Programs\Inkdrop\Inkdrop.exe
Warning
Many processes, typical for Electron apps
Inkdrop spawns main, renderer, and background tasks per window or plugin
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Inkdrop or disable background syncing in Settings to reduce activity
What is inkdrop.exe?
inkdrop.exe is the executable for the Inkdrop note-taking application on Windows. It launches the app UI, handles note rendering, search, and sync, and coordinates plugins within a multi-process Electron framework.
Inkdrop uses a main process plus renderers for each window, with background tasks for sync and indexing. IPC channels coordinate UI actions, storage, and plugin interactions to maintain responsiveness.
Quick Fact: Inkdrop employs Electron's multi-process model, isolating windows and plugins to improve stability and security.
Types of Inkdrop Processes
- Main Process: Controls app lifecycle and global state
- Renderer Process: Each window renders its UI
- Plugin Process: Runs individual plugin code isolated
- Background Process: Sync, indexing, and scheduled tasks
- Update Service: Background updater and integrity checks
Is inkdrop.exe Safe?
Yes, inkdrop.exe is safe when obtained from official Inkdrop downloads or installed via approved channels.
Is inkdrop.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate inkdrop.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify digital signatures and path.
How to Tell if inkdrop.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be in
C:\Program Files\Inkdrop\Inkdrop.exe or C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Programs\Inkdrop\Inkdrop.exe.
- Digital Signature: Right-click Inkdrop.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer such as Inkdrop, Inc.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage varies; monitor for unusual spikes when idle.
- Behavior: Inkdrop should launch on user action and not create unexplained network calls when idle.
Red Flags: If inkdrop.exe is located outside expected folders (e.g., Temp, AppData\Local\Temp), or lacks a digital signature, run antivirus scans and reinstall from official sources.
Why Is inkdrop.exe Running on My PC?
inkdrop.exe runs to provide the Inkdrop UI, perform data synchronization, indexing, and plugin operations. It may stay active for responsive editing and auto-sync.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Note-Taking Session: You have the Inkdrop window open; the main and renderer processes manage UI and note data.
- Background Synchronization: Inkdrop syncs notes, tags, and settings with your account in the background.
- Plugin or Theme Activity: Plugins run in separate processes or threads, contributing to overall activity.
- Auto-Update Checks: Inkdrop periodically checks for updates to ensure you have the latest features and fixes.
- Startup or Background Launch: Inkdrop may start at login or keep a background service running for quick access.
Can I Disable or Remove inkdrop.exe?
Yes, you can disable inkdrop.exe. You can close Inkdrop and disable background sync, or uninstall Inkdrop entirely if you prefer another note app.
How to Stop inkdrop.exe
- End Active Window: Close the Inkdrop window or use the system tray option to quit.
- Close Background Sync: In Inkdrop Settings → Sync, turn off background sync.
- Task Manager End Task: Open Task Manager, Details tab, right-click inkdrop.exe and End Task.
- Startup Control: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Inkdrop.
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Inkdrop → Uninstall.
How to Uninstall Inkdrop
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Inkdrop → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Inkdrop → Uninstall
- ✔ Remove remaining Inkdrop folders under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData and C:\Program Files\Inkdrop
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If inkdrop.exe consumes excessive resources, try targeted steps to stabilize performance without losing notes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Many open notes/windows: Close unused notes/windows or use a compact layout.
- Background sync: Pause or schedule sync and review account connectivity.
- Active plugins: Disable or update plugins in Inkdrop's settings.
- Large attachments: Archive or remove large attachments from notes.
- Outdated Inkdrop: Update to the latest version.
- Indexing-heavy notebooks: Allow indexing to finish or re-index specific notebooks.
Quick Fixes:
1. Press Ctrl+Q to quit Inkdrop, then reopen only necessary notes
2. Pause sync in Settings
3. Update Inkdrop to latest version
4. Disable unused plugins in Settings
5. Try a clean start by launching Inkdrop with a fresh profile
Frequently Asked Questions
Is inkdrop.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate inkdrop.exe is safe when installed from official sources and located in the Inkdrop program directory.
Why is inkdrop.exe using so much CPU?
CPU spikes usually occur during large note searches, indexing, or active sync. Check open notebooks and plugin activity.
Can I delete inkdrop.exe?
You can uninstall Inkdrop via Windows Settings, but your notes can be re-imported if you have exported backups.
Can I disable inkdrop.exe at startup?
Yes, use Task Manager → Startup to disable Inkdrop from launching at login.
Where is inkdrop.exe installed?
Common paths are C:\Program Files\Inkdrop\Inkdrop.exe or C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Programs\Inkdrop\Inkdrop.exe.
How do I update Inkdrop?
Open Inkdrop and go to Help → Check for Updates, or download the latest installer from inkdrop.app.