Quick Answer
mailspring.exe is safe. It's the official Mailspring desktop client executable that manages accounts, mail fetch, and notifications using an Electron-based architecture.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Mailspring\Mailspring.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal
Each account connection may spawn background tasks; UI windows run in separate renderers
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Mailspring or disable startup/background options in Settings
What is mailspring.exe?
mailspring.exe is the Windows executable for the Mailspring desktop email client. Mailspring is a cross-platform mail app that manages multiple IMAP/SMTP accounts, stores messages locally, and runs background tasks for syncing new mail, indexing, and notifications. This process launches the app UI and coordinates data access across modules.
Mailspring runs as an Electron-based main process that hosts the UI and core services, with renderer processes for each window. It handles account authentication, mail fetching via IMAP, sending via SMTP, local storage, and search indexing.
Quick Fact: Mailspring relies on Electron, combining Chromium and Node.js to render the interface and manage mail tasks efficiently.
Types of Mailspring Processes
- Main Process: Hosts the app logic and primary UI (one instance typically)
- Renderer Process: Renders each window's UI (multiple instances)
- GPU Process: Handles hardware acceleration and graphics
- Background Worker: Performs mail fetch, indexing, and sync tasks
- Updater Process: Manages automatic updates
- Utility Process: Background services like notifications
Is mailspring.exe Safe?
Yes, mailspring.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official Mailspring distribution downloaded from getmailspring.com or your device's official store.
Is mailspring.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mailspring.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if mailspring.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Mailspring\Mailspring.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Mailspring\Mailspring.exe. Any mailspring.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click mailspring.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show publisher "Mailspring, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage: modest CPU and memory during mail syncing; excessive activity when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Mailspring should run only when you start or schedule mail sync; constant background activity when unused can indicate malware.
Red Flags: If mailspring.exe is located in unusual folders, triggers at startup when not installed, lacks a valid signature, or uses abnormal resources, scan with antivirus and reinstall from the official source.
Why Is mailspring.exe Running on My PC?
Mailspring.exe runs when you open the Mailspring app or when background syncing is enabled. It may also launch at Windows startup to check for new mail and deliver notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Email Use: You're actively using Mailspring to read or compose mail; each account activity can spawn processes.
- Background Sync: Mailspring periodically fetches new mail via IMAP with IDLE or polling.
- Startup Launch: Mailspring may be configured to launch at Windows startup.
- Notifications and Alerts: The app keeps a background notifier to surface new mail and reminders.
- Mailbox Indexing: Initial indexing or reindexing of mailboxes can keep processes active for a short period.
Can I Disable or Remove mailspring.exe?
Yes, you can disable mailspring.exe. It's safe to close Mailspring when not in use, and you can uninstall it if you prefer another client.
How to Stop mailspring.exe
- Quit Mailspring: Close all Mailspring windows or use File → Quit
- Disable Startup: In Settings → General, disable 'Launch at startup' or remove the startup entry in Task Manager.
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Mailspring.exe → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Mailspring
- Disable Background Sync: In Mailspring Settings → General → Sync, turn off background fetch
How to Uninstall Mailspring
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Mailspring → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Mailspring → Uninstall
- ✔ Remove leftover data: %APPDATA%\Mailspring and %LOCALAPPDATA%\Mailspring
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If mailspring.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Many accounts or folders open: Limit active accounts or archive older messages to reduce indexing load.
- Background sync enabled: Reduce sync frequency or disable automatic mail checks in Settings.
- Large mailbox cache: Clear cache or reindex mailboxes from Settings → Advanced.
- Outdated version: Update to the latest version from the official website or built-in updater.
- Corrupted profile: Create a new profile and re-add accounts; export/import settings as needed.
- Antivirus interference: Temporarily whitelist Mailspring executables in your antivirus, then restart.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Mailspring Task Manager to identify heavy accounts or folders and close them.
2. Settings → Advanced → Clear Cache and Rebuild Index.
3. Update Mailspring to the latest release.
4. Disable unnecessary accounts or background sync in Preferences.
5. Restart Mailspring and, if needed, reboot the computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mailspring.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate mailspring.exe from Mailspring is not a virus. Ensure the file is located at C:\Program Files\Mailspring\Mailspring.exe and has a valid signature from Mailspring, Inc.
Why is mailspring.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by active mail syncing, large mailboxes, or problematic accounts. Check the Mailspring Task Manager (Window → Task Manager) to identify the process and disable or pause the culprit.
Can I delete mailspring.exe?
You can uninstall Mailspring via Windows Settings → Apps, but deleting the .exe file alone can leave the application incomplete. Reinstall if needed.
Can I disable mailspring.exe?
Yes. Close the app and disable startup and background sync in Mailspring settings, or remove the startup entry in Task Manager.
Why is mailspring.exe running at startup?
If you enabled 'Launch at startup', Mailspring will run when Windows starts to fetch mail and show notifications. Disable in Task Manager or Mailspring settings.
How do I reduce Mailspring's memory usage?
Limit open accounts, reindex mailboxes, clear cache, update to latest version, and consider archiving older messages to reduce indexing load.