kmeleon.exe

K-Meleon Web Browser

Application ProcessSafeWeb Browser

CPU Usage

2-20%

Memory

60-320 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\KMeleon

Publisher

KMeleon Project

Quick Answer

kmeleon.exe is safe. It's the legitimate K-Meleon browser executable that uses a multi-process model for stability and security.

Is it a Virus?

NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\KMeleon\kmeleon.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each tab + plugin = separate process in modern KMeleon builds

Can I Disable?

YES

Close individual windows or disable startup

What is kmeleon.exe?

kmeleon.exe is the executable file for the K-Meleon web browser on Windows. K-Meleon uses the Goanna rendering engine (derived from Mozilla's Gecko) and can run multiple processes for tabs, extensions, and internal components to improve security and stability. This guide explains what it does, how to identify legitimate copies, and practical troubleshooting steps.

Goanna-based engine powers K-Meleon with a configurable multi-process model. Each tab, extension, and UI element may run in separate processes in modern builds, with sandboxing and memory management designed to protect the system during browsing.

Quick Fact: K-Meleon has historically offered a lightweight, customizable alternative to heavier browsers, with a focus on low-resource operation on Windows.

Types of KMeleon Processes

Browser Process: Main KMeleon window and user interface (1 instance)
Renderer Process: Each tab and iframe (multiple instances)
GPU Process: Hardware acceleration and graphics rendering
Extension Process: Each KMeleon extension may get its own process
Plugin Process: For NPAPI/legacy plugins supported by KMeleon
Utility Process: Background tasks and network services

Is kmeleon.exe Safe?

Yes, kmeleon.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from the KMeleon Project downloaded from official sources or bundled by a reputable installer.

Is kmeleon.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real kmeleon.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if kmeleon.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\KMeleon\kmeleon.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\KMeleon\kmeleon.exe. Any kmeleon.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click kmeleon.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Look for KMeleon Project.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-20% CPU per tab, 60-320 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when KMeleon is closed is suspicious.
Behavior: KMeleon should only run when you open the browser. Multiple instances when KMeleon is closed indicates malware.

Red Flags: If kmeleon.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when KMeleon isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "kmeleon32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is kmeleon.exe Running on My PC?

kmeleon.exe runs when you open the K-Meleon browser or when KMeleon is configured to run in the background for features like page updates, notifications, or session restoration.

Reasons it's running:

Active Browser Use: You're currently browsing with KMeleon - each tab and UI element may create separate processes.
Background Tasks: KMeleon extensions or web apps may run in the background to provide notifications or quick access features.
Startup Program: KMeleon is configured to launch automatically when Windows starts
Background Sync: KMeleon may check for updates or sync bookmarks and settings if configured.
System Tray App: "Continue running background apps when KMeleon is closed" setting is enabled

Can I Disable or Remove kmeleon.exe?

Yes, you can disable kmeleon.exe. It's safe to close KMeleon when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different browser.

How to Stop kmeleon.exe

End Individual Tabs: Use KMeleon Task Manager (if available) or close problematic tabs.
Close Browser: Close all KMeleon windows from the UI.
End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find kmeleon.exe, right-click → End Task
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable KMeleon
Stop Background Apps: KMeleon Settings → Advanced → System → Disable background updates and notifications

How to Uninstall KMeleon

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → KMeleon → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → KMeleon → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative browsers: Firefox, Chromium-based, or Edge

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If kmeleon.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Tabs Open: Each tab uses memory. Close unused tabs or use a tab management approach to suspend inactive tabs.
Resource-Heavy Extensions: Extensions run in background. Disable unnecessary ones in KMeleon extensions manager.
JavaScript-Heavy Websites: Web apps (email clients, streaming) consume resources. Close or reload problematic tabs.
Malicious Extensions: Some extensions may be harmful. Remove suspicious extensions immediately.
Outdated KMeleon Version: Update KMeleon to latest version from the official site or repository.
Hardware Acceleration Issues: Try disabling: KMeleon Settings → Performance → Hardware Acceleration

Quick Fixes:
1. Use KMeleon Task Manager to identify high-usage tabs/extensions
2. Clear cache and site data: KMeleon settings
3. Disable unnecessary extensions in KMeleon
4. Update KMeleon to the latest version
5. Disable hardware acceleration if instability occurs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kmeleon.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate kmeleon.exe from the KMeleon Project is not a virus. Ensure the file is located at C:\Program Files\KMeleon\kmeleon.exe and has a valid digital signature from the KMeleon Project.

Why is kmeleon.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usage is usually caused by specific tabs running heavy JavaScript, auto-playing media, or extensions. Open KMeleon Task Manager to identify the culprit, close or disable it, and update KMeleon.

Can I delete kmeleon.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall KMeleon through Windows Settings if you no longer need it. Your browsing data will be removed unless you explicitly back up or sync it.

Can I disable kmeleon.exe?

Yes, you can close KMeleon or end the process in Task Manager. To prevent startup, disable KMeleon in the Task Manager's Startup tab. To stop background processes, adjust KMeleon settings.

Why is kmeleon.exe running at startup?

KMeleon may be configured to launch automatically when Windows starts. Disable this in Task Manager → Startup tab by locating KMeleon and clicking Disable.

Why are there so many kmeleon.exe processes?

KMeleon uses a multi-process architecture for stability and security. Each tab, extension, and plugin can run in its own process. Use KMeleon Task Manager to see what each process does.