Listary Desktop Search Utility
listary.exe is safe. Listary is a lightweight desktop search utility that integrates with Windows Explorer and Open/Save dialogs to speed up file finding and launching.
listary.exe is the executable for Listary, a lightweight desktop search and launcher tool that enhances Windows file finding by integrating with Explorer and common Open/Save dialogs. It runs in the background and responds to hotkeys to present instant results as you type.
Listary uses shell extensions to intercept file dialogs and offers fast search results without full indexing. It remains lightweight, uses minimal memory, and updates results as you type, improving speed when navigating files and folders.
Quick Fact: Listary first popularized fast, keyboard-driven search across Windows dialogs, helping users locate files and apps without opening a separate search tool.
Yes, listary.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Listary downloaded from official sources.
The real listary.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
C:\Program Files\Listary\Listary.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Listary\Listary.exe. Any copy elsewhere is suspicious.C:\Program Files\Listary\Listary.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Listary" as the signer.Red Flags: If listary.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Listary 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 "listary64.exe" or "ListaryApp.exe" from untrusted sources.
listary.exe runs when Listary is active, when Windows dialogs are opened, or when Listary is configured to start with Windows or stay resident in the system tray.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can disable listary.exe. It's safe to close Listary when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer not to use it.
If listary.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Listary settings to review hotkeys and enable shell integration selectively
2. Restart Listary from the system tray
3. Update Listary to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary Listary features (e.g., background indexing)
5. Restart Windows if resource usage remains high
Yes, the legitimate listary.exe from Listary is safe when downloaded from the official site or installed via trusted installers. Verify the file path: C:\Program Files\Listary\Listary.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Listary\Listary.exe and check the digital signature.
High CPU can be caused by heavy search tasks, interacting with many dialogs, or a conflicting extension. Use Listary Task Manager-like features, reduce number of active dialogs, and ensure you have the latest version installed.
Yes. You can close Listary and disable startup in Task Manager. You can also disable specific integrations in Listary settings to reduce background activity.
Listary is typically installed in C:\Program Files\Listary or C:\Program Files (x86)\Listary. The configuration and logs reside under C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Listary.
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Listary → Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Listary → Uninstall. Reboot after uninstall if needed.
Listary enhances search by integrating with Explorer and Open/Save dialogs, but does not replace Windows Search. It provides fast results within dialogs and is configurable to avoid conflicts.