What is lightshot.exe?
lightshot.exe is the executable for Lightshot, a lightweight screenshot tool that lets you select a region of your screen, annotate, and share or save captures quickly. It runs in the background to watch for a global hotkey, places a tray icon, supports cloud uploads or local saves, and works across multiple monitors.
Lightshot captures a user-selected region via a global hotkey, opens an editor, and saves or uploads the result. It uses a small, multi-process approach to minimize impact on system resources and integrates with the Windows clipboard for easy reuse.
Quick Fact: Lightshot popularized fast, region-based captures and easy online sharing, enabling quick annotations before saving or uploading.
Types of Lightshot Processes
- Main Process: Launcher and UI for capturing and configuring options
- Capture Helper: Handles region selection and image processing during capture
- Cloud Uploader: Optional background task for uploading images to Lightshot cloud
- Clipboard Bridge: Manages clipboard copy of captured images
- Updater: Checks for updates to Lightshot software
- Tray Adapter: System tray icon launcher and status indicator
Is lightshot.exe Safe?
Yes, lightshot.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Lightshot downloaded from official sources (lightshot.com) or installed by a trusted vendor.
Is lightshot.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real lightshot.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if lightshot.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Lightshot\Lightshot.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Lightshot\Lightshot.exe. Any lightshot.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Lightshot" or "Skillbrains."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal. Excessive CPU or memory when idle is suspicious and warrants scanning.
- Behavior: Lightshot should run only when actively used or when configured to start at login. Persistent background activity with no UI can indicate malware.
Red Flags: If lightshot.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when you aren’t using it, has no valid digital signature, or shows unusual network activity, scan your system with reputable antivirus immediately. Watch for similarly named files like "lightshotx.exe" or "shotlight.exe".
Why Is lightshot.exe Running on My PC?
Lightshot runs to enable quick screen captures, editor access, and optional cloud sharing. It may stay resident in memory to monitor hotkeys and provide fast capture when you press the designated shortcut.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Screenshot Use: You recently pressed the capture hotkey or opened the Lightshot app, triggering capture flow and editor UI.
- Background Tray Support: Lightshot keeps a system tray icon and may stay resident to handle quick captures and settings.
- Startup Program: Lightshot is configured to launch at Windows startup, keeping it ready for immediate use.
- Cloud Upload or Clipboard Sync: If cloud syncing or clipboard integration is enabled, Lightshot maintains a background session for uploads and clipboard access.
- Auto-Update Checks: Updater tasks may run periodically to check for new Lightshot versions.
Can I Disable or Remove lightshot.exe?
Yes, you can disable lightshot.exe. It's safe to close Lightshot when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different screenshot tool.
How to Stop lightshot.exe
- Exit via System Tray: Right-click the Lightshot icon in the taskbar notification area and choose Exit.
- Close Capture: If a capture window is open, press Esc to cancel.
- End Task: Open Task Manager, locate lightshot.exe, right-click, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → right-click Lightshot → Disable.
- Disable Cloud/Background: In Lightshot settings, turn off 'Upload to cloud' or 'Continue running in background'.
How to Uninstall Lightshot
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Lightshot → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Lightshot → Uninstall
- ✔ Download and reinstall from lightshot.com if you want to re-install later
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If lightshot.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent Captures and Edits: Limit frequent captures; close the editor after saving, and ensure auto-upload isn’t continually running.
- Background Windows Integration: Disable startup or hide the tray icon if not needed to reduce background activity.
- Cloud Upload Errors: Check internet connection and Cloud upload settings; re-authenticate Lightshot if needed.
- Outdated Software: Update Lightshot to the latest version from the official site.
- Conflicting Extensions: Disable or uninstall extensions that interact with screenshots or the clipboard.
- Hardware Acceleration or GPU: If you experience UI lag, try disabling hardware acceleration in Lightshot settings or GPU driver updates.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Lightshot tray icon → Exit or disable startup to stop background activity
2. Capture fewer regions; avoid large selections that need heavy processing
3. Update Lightshot to the latest version
4. Check cloud upload settings and disable if not needed
5. If problems persist, reinstall Lightshot from official site
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lightshot.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate lightshot.exe from Lightshot is not a virus. Verify the file is located in C:\Program Files\Lightshot\Lightshot.exe and has a valid signature from Lightshot/Skillbrains.
How do I take a screenshot with Lightshot?
Press the designated capture hotkey (often Print Screen) or click the Lightshot tray icon, select a region, edit if needed, and save or upload.
Where is Lightshot installed on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Lightshot or C:\Program Files (x86)\Lightshot. The executable is named Lightshot.exe.
Can I disable Lightshot from starting at login?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup to disable Lightshot, or remove it from startup options in the Lightshot settings.
Does Lightshot require internet to upload?
Uploading to Lightshot cloud requires internet. You can disable cloud uploads and save locally if offline.
What should I do if Lightshot crashes?
Restart Lightshot, check for updates, and reinstall if crashes persist. Review system logs for related errors.