killernet.exe

Killernet Network Control Agent

Background ServiceSafeNetwork Security

CPU Usage

1-8%

Memory

60-180 MB

Location

Program Files\Killernet

Publisher

Killernet LLC

Quick Answer

killernet.exe is safe. It's a network control agent that runs in the background to monitor traffic, apply firewall rules, and enforce policy decisions as part of the Killernet suite.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Killernet\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Killernet\

Warning

Background service

Runs with system privileges to enforce network policies

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Disable via UI or Windows Services if policy allows

What is killernet.exe?

killernet.exe is the executable for the Killernet Network Control Agent. It runs as a background service that continuously monitors network activity, enforces firewall rules, applies policy-based decisions to traffic, and coordinates with the central Killernet server to adapt protections in real time.

The agent interacts with Windows Filtering Platform and local firewall hooks, coordinating with the central Killernet service to block or permit connections based on security rules and live telemetry.

Quick Fact: Killernet's agent operates as a persistent service, designed to minimize user disruption while enforcing organizational or home-network policies.

Types of Killernet Processes

Service Process: Core background component enforcing policies (1 instance)
Worker Thread: Handles per-connection checks and rule evaluation
UI Helper: Optional UI component for status and configuration
Telemetry Agent: Collects usage data and sends telemetry to server
Update Processor: Manages automatic updates and signature refresh
Agent Helper: Auxiliary processes for cross-thread communication

Is killernet.exe Safe?

Yes, killernet.exe is safe when downloaded from official Killernet sources or installed via trusted software distributors.

Is killernet.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real killernet.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes mimics names to evade detection.

How to Tell if killernet.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Killernet\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Killernet\. Any killernet.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click killernet.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Killernet LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 60-180 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Killernet should run as a service and only semi-regularly show UI. Unexpected network blocks without policy updates indicate tampering.

Red Flags: If killernet.exe is found outside the Killernet directories, without a legitimate signature, or starts unusual network blocks without policy updates, run a full antivirus scan.

Why Is killernet.exe Running on My PC?

Killernet.exe runs to enforce network policies, monitor traffic, and maintain secure communications as part of the Killernet security suite.

Reasons it's running:

Active Policy Enforcement: The agent enforces firewall rules and traffic policies in real time as traffic flows.
Background Monitoring: It continuously monitors network events and telemetry to detect anomalies.
Startup Service: The service is configured to launch at Windows startup to protect the device from boot.
Policy Updates: Automated updates bring new rules; the agent runs updates in the background.
UI-Enabled Diagnostics: Even if the UI is closed, diagnostic tasks and status reporting may keep the process alive.

Can I Disable or Remove killernet.exe?

Yes, you can disable killernet.exe. It is safe to stop the service if policy allows and uninstall the Killernet product if you no longer need it.

How to Stop killernet.exe

End Background Service: Open Windows Services, locate 'Killernet Service' and stop it, then set Startup type to Disabled
Quit UI: If the UI is running, use the provided Exit/Close option
End Process: Open Task Manager, locate killernet.exe and End Task
Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Killernet service
Adjust Policies: In the Killernet UI, reduce enforcement or disable background monitoring

How to Uninstall Killernet

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Killernet → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Killernet → Uninstall
✔ Restart after uninstall to remove residual services

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If killernet.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Overly aggressive rules: Review rules in Killernet UI; disable or tune specific blocks
Frequent policy updates: Schedule updates during off-peak hours to reduce spikes; ensure stable network
Telemetry collection: Limit telemetry or adjust sampling in settings
Conflicting firewall software: Disable other firewall or add exceptions for Killernet components
Large number of connected endpoints: Segment networks and apply scoped policies to limit resources
Software bugs after update: Roll back to previous version or apply hotfix; contact support

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Killernet UI → Diagnostics → Check for issues
2. Restart Killernet Service from Services console
3. Check for available updates and apply
4. Temporarily disable non-essential blocks
5. Review CPU/memory in Task Manager and adjust settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is killernet.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate killernet.exe is part of the Killernet Network Control Agent and should reside in C:\Program Files\Killernet or C:\Program Files (x86)\Killernet with a valid signature from 'Killernet LLC'.

Why is killernet.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can be caused by aggressive policy checks on many connections or a misconfigured rule set. Check the Killernet UI for active blocks and review recent policy changes.

Can I delete killernet.exe?

If you are using Killernet, do not delete. If you want to remove the product, uninstall via Settings or Control Panel. Data may be retained depending on policy.

Can I disable killernet.exe?

Yes, you can disable the service from Windows Services or Task Manager, and in the Killernet UI you can pause enforcement.

Why is killernet.exe running at startup?

To enforce policies from boot, ensuring protection starts immediately after login. You can disable startup in Task Manager → Startup.

How do I know killernet.exe is legitimate?

Verify file path, digital signature, and certificate issuer. Use task manager to verify the process and compare to official Killernet documentation.

What should I do if I suspect a false positive?

Review the blocked traffic in the Killernet UI, update policy rules, and contact support if legitimate applications are being blocked.