mattermost.exe

Mattermost Desktop Client

Application ProcessSafeChat Platform

CPU Usage

1-10%

Memory

60-300 MB

Location

Program Files

Publisher

Mattermost, Inc.

Quick Answer

mattermost.exe is safe. It's the official Mattermost Desktop Client executable, used for team chat, file sharing, and real-time notifications, running in Electron with a multi‑process architecture.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be located in C:\Program Files\Mattermost Desktop\Mattermost.exe or C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Mattermost\Mattermost.exe

Warning

Multiple processes

Electron apps spawn main and renderer processes; background workers may run for notifications

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close from tray or Task Manager; disable startup in Task Manager if needed

What is mattermost.exe?

Mattermost.exe is the executable for the Mattermost Desktop Client, a cross-platform chat application that connects to your Mattermost server. It launches Electron-based windows, handles message rendering, file sharing, and real-time notifications. The process runs in multiple sub-processes to improve stability and responsiveness.

Mattermost.exe uses a multi-process Electron architecture: a main process coordinates windows, several renderer processes draw each chat UI, and background workers handle syncing and notifications, communicating with the server over HTTPS and WebSocket.

Quick Fact: Mattermost Desktop uses Electron to render the chat UI, enabling cross-platform features and persistent background syncing even when minimized.

Types of Mattermost Processes

Main Process: Orchestrates windows and app lifecycle (1 instance)
Renderer Process: Renders each window's UI (multiple instances)
Background Service: Handles push notifications and data syncing
Plugin/Integration Process: Isolates optional integrations (if any)
GPU/IO Process: Renders graphics and IO tasks
Updater Process: Checks for and applies updates

Is mattermost.exe Safe?

Yes, mattermost.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Mattermost downloaded from official sources (mattermost.com or official installers).

Is mattermost.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real mattermost.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may imitate names; verify signatures and locations.

How to Tell if mattermost.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Mattermost Desktop\Mattermost.exe or C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Mattermost\Mattermost.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click mattermost.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer as Mattermost, Inc. or an official signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU per window, 60-300 MB total memory. Constant high usage when closed is suspicious.
Behavior: Mattermost should run when you launch it and show chat; persistent background processes when closed may indicate malware.

Red Flags: If mattermost.exe is located in temp folders (C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Temp) or lacks a digital signature, or runs at startup without your consent, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly-named files like 'mattermost_console.exe'.

Why Is mattermost.exe Running on My PC?

Mattermost Desktop runs to provide real-time messaging, file sharing, and notifications. It may stay active to listen for server updates, even when the main window is closed.

Reasons it's running:

Active User Session: You are actively connected to a Mattermost server; the app maintains a live connection for messages and pings.
Background Sync: The desktop client periodically syncs channels, threads, and user presence to stay up-to-date.
Startup and Tray Behavior: The app may be configured to launch at login or stay in the system tray for quick access.
Notifications and Alerts: Background services deliver message notifications and mentions even when minimized.
Offline Caching: Local cache of recent messages allows offline access and faster UI rendering.

Can I Disable or Remove mattermost.exe?

Yes, you can disable mattermost.exe. You can sign out, quit the app, or remove it entirely if you no longer need the client.

How to Stop mattermost.exe

Quit App: From the Mattermost tray icon, choose Quit or Sign Out to close client sessions.
Close Windows: Close all chat windows to reduce resource usage.
End Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate mattermost.exe, right-click End Task.
Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Mattermost Desktop.
Disable Background: In Settings → Notifications, turn off background sync and tray notifications if desired.

How to Uninstall Mattermost Desktop

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Mattermost Desktop → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Mattermost Desktop → Uninstall
✔ Restart your computer after uninstall

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If mattermost.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too many chats or large message history: Limit history or disable auto-loading; archive unused channels.
Background notifications enabled: Reduce notification intensity or disable at Settings → Notifications.
Outdated client: Update Mattermost Desktop to the latest version from the official site.
Corrupted cache: Clear cache via Settings → Advanced → Clear Local Cache.
Plugins or integrations: Disable or remove problematic plugins from Settings → Integrations.
Insufficient system RAM: Close other applications or upgrade RAM; consider using lighter clients.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and end heavy mattermost.exe processes or tabs
2. Sign out and restart the app
3. Clear local cache and restart
4. Update to the latest build from mattermost.com
5. Disable background sync in Settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mattermost.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate mattermost.exe from Mattermost is not a virus. Verify path is in C:\Program Files\Mattermost Desktop\Mattermost.exe and that the digital signature shows Mattermost, Inc.

Why is mattermost.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually caused by active chat windows, large message history, or problematic plugins. Use Task Manager to identify heavy processes and consider updating or disabling extensions.

Can I disable mattermost.exe?

Yes. You can quit the app, sign out, or disable startup in Task Manager. To stop background activity, toggle off background syncing in Settings.

How do I uninstall Mattermost Desktop?

Open Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Mattermost Desktop → Uninstall. Reboot after removal.

Where are my Mattermost messages stored locally?

Message cache is stored in the user profile under AppData, e.g., C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Mattermost. Logging in re-synchronizes data from the server.

Is this the official Mattermost client?

Yes, Mattermost Desktop is the official Electron-based client. Download from mattermost.com or official installers and verify the signature.