Quick Answer
loom-desktop.exe is safe. It is Loom's official desktop recorder, running as a helper process to capture screen, webcam, and audio for Loom videos.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Programs\Loom\loom-desktop.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Each recording session may spawn helper processes for capture, encoding, and cloud upload
Can I Disable?
YES
Close Loom or end background processes; disable startup and background recording in Loom settings
What is loom-desktop.exe?
loom-desktop.exe is the executable component of Loom's Desktop Recorder. It launches when Loom is installed and runs as a background helper to capture your screen, camera, and audio during recordings. You may see loom-desktop.exe running even when you aren't actively recording because Loom keeps the app ready for quick start.
Loom uses a lightweight set of processes to manage capture, encoding, and cloud syncing. The loom-desktop.exe process typically spawns child components during recording and handles background tasks to keep the UI responsive.
Quick Fact: Loom helped popularize quick-screen recording; loom-desktop.exe coordinates capture and upload tasks to minimize UI latency.
Types of Loom Processes
- Main Application Process: Loom's primary window and UI (record/preview controls)
- Capture Process: Screen and webcam capture orchestrator
- Audio Capture Process: Microphone input handling
- Encoding/Compression Process: Video encoding for Loom recordings
- Cloud Sync Process: Uploads to Loom cloud after recording
Is loom-desktop.exe Safe?
Yes, loom-desktop.exe is safe when it comes from Loom and is downloaded from official sources (loom.com or the Microsoft Store).
Is loom-desktop.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real loom-desktop.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may spoof names; always verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if loom-desktop.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Programs\Loom\loom-desktop.exe or C:\Program Files\Loom\loom-desktop.exe. Any loom-desktop.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show Loom, Inc. as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal idle CPU 1-8% per process; during recording, higher usage is expected. Consistently high idle usage warrants a check for malware.
- Behavior: Loom-related processes should run only when Loom is installed and used; persistent background processes without Loom UI could indicate malware.
Red Flags: If loom-desktop.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData\Roaming), runs when Loom isn't open, has no valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Beware of spoofed names like "loom-desktop.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is loom-desktop.exe Running on My PC?
loom-desktop.exe runs when Loom is installed and the desktop recorder is ready to capture, encode, and upload videos. You may also see it when Loom is configured to run in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Loom Recording: You started a screen or screen+camera recording; loom-desktop.exe coordinates capture, encoding, and saving the video.
- Background Loom Features: Loom's background services handle auto-upload, thumbnails, and notifications while Loom UI remains open or minimized.
- Startup Program: Loom is configured to launch automatically when Windows starts or when a user signs in.
- Cloud Sync: Recorded videos may automatically upload to Loom cloud, triggering background processes.
- Performance Optimizations: Loom uses cached buffers and background encoding to reduce latency during recording and playback.
Can I Disable or Remove loom-desktop.exe?
Yes, you can disable loom-desktop.exe. It's safe to close Loom when not in use and uninstall Loom if you prefer another solution.
How to Stop loom-desktop.exe
- End Live Recordings: In Loom, stop the recording or press the stop button to end the current session
- Close Loom: Quit the Loom application completely
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Loom
- Stop Background Recording: Loom Settings → General → Disable 'Launch Loom at startup' or 'Continue running background apps when Loom is closed'
- Quit Background Services: In Task Manager, end loom-desktop.exe or related Loom processes
How to Uninstall Loom
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Loom → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Loom → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer and remove any leftover Loom folders in C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Loom and C:\Program Files\Loom
Common Problems: Loom Desktop Recorder
If loom-desktop.exe is causing issues, try these common fixes related to recording, performance, and cloud syncing.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Recordings: Stop current recordings; avoid recording system audio at the same time; reduce frame rate in Loom settings
- Background Extensions: Disable extensions or browser integration that may conflict with Loom
- Low System Resources: Close other apps, increase available RAM, or upgrade hardware if needed
- Microphone/Audio Permissions: Ensure Loom has microphone access in Windows Privacy settings
- Network/Upload Issues: Check internet connection and Loom account status; pause or cancel uploads if necessary
- Software Conflicts: Update graphics drivers and reinstall Loom to resolve conflicts with other recording software
Quick Fixes:
1. Restart Loom and your computer
2. Update Loom to the latest version
3. Check Loom permissions (microphone, camera, storage)
4. Reduce capture resolution/frame rate in Loom settings
5. Disable background recording in Loom settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loom-desktop.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate loom-desktop.exe from Loom is not a virus. Verify the file path is in C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Programs\Loom\loom-desktop.exe and that the digital signature shows Loom, Inc.
Why is loom-desktop.exe using CPU?
CPU usage spikes while recording, encoding, or preparing recordings for upload. If idle, check for background tasks, startup processes, or malware spoofing Loom names.
Can I delete loom-desktop.exe?
You should uninstall Loom via Windows Settings if you no longer need it. Deleting the file manually can break the app; use the installer to remove it cleanly.
Can I disable loom-desktop.exe?
Yes. Close Loom, stop any active recording, and disable startup in Task Manager. In Loom, disable background recording under Settings.
Where are Loom recordings stored?
Loom saves recordings to Loom's default folder in your user directory, typically under C:\Users\<Username>\Videos\Loom or your Loom app settings specify a location.
Does Loom work without internet?
You can record offline, but uploading and cloud features require an internet connection. Local recordings are saved to your device until uploaded.