Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Typically located in Program Files (x86)\LogMeIn Central\
Warning
Multiple background processes
Each active remote session or helper component may run as a separate process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close remote sessions or disable startup to reduce resource use
What is logmein-central.exe?
logmein-central.exe is the core executable for LogMeIn Central's remote access client. It runs the background service that enables remote connections, monitoring, and centralized IT management. You may see it start at login, remain resident, and spawn related helper processes.
LogMeIn Central uses a service-based architecture with a main background process plus helper components to manage network traffic, authentication, and session handling, ensuring remote access remains responsive and controlled.
Quick Fact: LogMeIn Central maintains persistent connections to managed devices, enabling admins to monitor and control endpoints from a centralized console.
Types of LogMeIn Central Processes
- Main Service Process: Core background service that maintains remote connections and sessions
- Heartbeat/Network Process: Keeps alive communication with LogMeIn servers and devices
- Update Process: Checks for and applies software updates and license checks
- UI Helper Process: Supports the client UI when launched by an admin
- Session Handler: Manages active remote sessions and access control
- Credential Sync Process: Syncs credentials and ensures license state across consoles
Is logmein-central.exe Safe?
Yes, logmein-central.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from LogMeIn, Inc. downloaded from official sources or installed via the LogMeIn Central installer.
Is logmein-central.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real logmein-central.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can disguise itself with similar names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if logmein-central.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\LogMeIn Central\LogMeIn Central.exe or C:\Program Files\LogMeIn Central\LogMeIn Central.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from LogMeIn, Inc..
- Resource Usage: Normal idle CPU is 1-6% across all processes; total memory typically 40-180 MB. Higher usage during remote sessions is expected.
- Behavior: Should run as a background service and appear in Services as 'LogMeIn Central Service'. Unrecognized behavior warrants scanning.
Red Flags: If logmein-central.exe is located outside the LogMeIn Central folder, lacks a valid digital signature, or runs when Windows is idle with suspicious network activity, scan with antivirus software. Be wary of similarly named files like 'logmein-central1.exe'.
Why Is logmein-central.exe Running on My PC?
logmein-central.exe runs to sustain remote access capability, manage devices, and respond to console actions. It may run even when the UI is closed to monitor sessions.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Sessions: You have an active remote support or unattended access session ongoing
- Background IT Management: Administrative tasks such as device inventory, policy enforcement, or remote updates are running
- Startup Launch: LogMeIn Central is configured to start when Windows boots
- Background Sync: The app synchronizes credentials, licenses, and settings with the central console
- Heartbeat & Presence: Periodic heartbeats keep devices and consoles aware of each other’s status
Can I Disable or Remove logmein-central.exe?
Yes, you can disable logmein-central.exe. You can stop remote sessions, disable startup, and remove the product if you no longer need remote management.
How to Stop logmein-central.exe
- End Individual Sessions: From the LogMeIn Central Console, end active sessions; or use Task Manager to end logmein-central.exe processes
- Close Client UI: Exit the Central UI if open to reduce activity
- End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate logmein-central.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → disable 'LogMeIn Central' or remove the service from startup
- Stop Background Tasks: LogMeIn Central settings → System or Preferences → disable 'Start with Windows' or 'Continue running in background'
How to Uninstall LogMeIn Central
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → LogMeIn Central → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → LogMeIn Central → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, reboot and ensure no leftover services remain
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If logmein-central.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Multiple active remote sessions: End idle sessions from the Console or Task Manager and minimize active connections
- Background update checks: Allow updates during maintenance windows or configure update settings in the Central Console
- Stale credentials or license state: Sign out and sign back in on the Central Console; ensure licenses are valid
- Network-intensive operations: Limit file transfers; schedule large tasks during off-peak hours
- Outdated software: Update LogMeIn Central to the latest version from the official site
- Conflicting security software: Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall rules related to LogMeIn Central or add exceptions
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify resource-heavy logmein-central.exe
2. Close idle sessions in the Central Console
3. Update LogMeIn Central to the latest version
4. Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup → 'LogMeIn Central' → Disable
5. Check firewall/antivirus rules to ensure LogMeIn Central is allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is logmein-central.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate logmein-central.exe from LogMeIn, Inc. is not a virus. Verify the path: C:\Program Files (x86)\LogMeIn Central\LogMeIn Central.exe and ensure a valid signature.
Why is logmein-central.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage can spike during active remote sessions, updates, or license checks. Use the Central Console or Task Manager to identify the culprit and address the session or update.
Can I delete logmein-central.exe?
You can uninstall LogMeIn Central through Windows Settings → Apps or Control Panel. You may still reinstall from logmein.com if you need remote management again.
Can I disable logmein-central.exe?
Yes. Disable startup and background tasks or end remote sessions to reduce activity. You can also quit from the Central UI.
Why is logmein-central-exe running at startup?
LogMeIn Central is configured to start with Windows to ensure remote devices can be managed promptly. Disable startup in Task Manager or Services if you don't need it always on.
How do I reduce memory usage of logmein-central.exe?
Close idle sessions, limit concurrent connections, and ensure you’re on the latest version. Consider adjusting update and sync frequency in the Central Console.