Quick Answer
mediathekview.exe is safe. It's the official Windows launcher for the MediathekView desktop client, providing a Java-based GUI to browse, search, and download media catalogs from Mediathek servers.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\MediathekView\MediathekView.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal
MediathekView may spawn separate components (GUI, catalog parser) as separate processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close MediathekView or disable startup; catalog updates can run in background if enabled
What is mediathekview.exe?
mediathekview.exe is the Windows launcher for the MediathekView desktop client. It provides a compact, efficient GUI to browse, search, and download media from public broadcasters’ Mediathek catalogs, consolidating content in a single app.
It uses a Java-based runtime and Swing UI to fetch catalogs, apply filters, and present playback/download links. Local caching speeds access and minimizes repeated network requests while maintaining catalog freshness.
Quick Fact: MediathekView started as a volunteer project to centralize Mediathek catalogs; the Windows launcher simply runs the underlying Java app with a native feel.
Types of MediathekView Processes
- GUI Process: Main window and user interface (one or more instances)
- Catalog Parser: Parses and updates media catalogs from the web
- Downloader/Indexer: Handles media download links and index updates
- Background Task: Periodic checks and cache maintenance
- Updater Helper: Checks for application updates and config changes
- Logging Utility: Writes activity logs for troubleshooting
Is mediathekview.exe Safe?
Yes, mediathekview.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the MediathekView project downloaded from the official source (mediathekview.de) or distributed by a trusted package.
Is mediathekview.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mediathekview.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify the file path and signature.
How to Tell if mediathekview.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\MediathekView\MediathekView.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\MediathekView\MediathekView.exe. Any mediathekview.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click
C:\Program Files\MediathekView\MediathekView.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer like "MediathekView Team".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per process and 60-300 MB memory. Constant high usage when not actively using MediathekView is a red flag.
- Behavior: MediathekView should launch on demand or via startup with user interaction. Continuous background runs when closed may indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If mediathekview.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when you’re not using MediathekView, has no valid signature, or hides in background processes, scan with antivirus immediately. Be wary of similarly named files like "mediathekview.exe" in other folders.
Why Is mediathekview.exe Running on My PC?
mediathekview.exe runs when you open MediathekView or when the app is configured to run in the background for updates or catalogs.
Reasons it's running:
- Active User Interaction: You’re actively browsing or downloading content; each action may spawn GUI and downloader components.
- Background Catalog Updates: The app periodically fetches and refreshes catalogs to keep listings current.
- Background Tasks: Indexing, caching, and link resolution run in the background to speed up future access.
- Startup or Auto-Update: MediathekView is configured to start with Windows or to check for updates automatically.
- Offline Download Preparation: When you queue downloads, the app prepares links and metadata even if you haven’t started playback.
Can I Disable or Remove mediathekview.exe?
Yes, you can disable mediathekview.exe. Close MediathekView when not in use, disable startup entry, or uninstall the software if you don’t need it.
How to Stop mediathekview.exe
- End GUI Sessions: Close the MediathekView window or use File → Exit
- Close Background Tasks: In Task Manager, end MediathekView-related processes if needed
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable MediathekView
- Stop Background Updates: In MediathekView settings, disable background catalog updates
- Check for Residual Services: Ensure there are no lingering services or scheduled tasks related to MediathekView
How to Uninstall MediathekView
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MediathekView → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MediathekView → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete any remaining configuration folders under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\MediathekView if present
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If mediathekview.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Catalogs Loaded: Limit catalogs in Settings or disable rarely used catalogs to reduce data processing.
- Background Catalog Updates: Set update interval shorter or longer depending on your needs; disable auto-update if not needed.
- Heavy Media Downloads: Pause or cancel active downloads; ensure network bandwidth is sufficient.
- Outdated Software: Update to the latest MediathekView release from mediathekview.de.
- Resource-Intensive Web Content: Some media pages with embedded scripts can spike CPU; consider filtering or limiting certain sources.
- Insufficient Memory: Close other programs or consider increasing system memory; restart MediathekView to rebuild caches.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open MediathekView Settings and review catalogs; disable unused ones
2. Pause or cancel active downloads
3. Check for updates: Help → Check for Updates
4. Restart MediathekView
5. Clear cache or local data from Settings → Data/Cache
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mediathekview-exe safe?
Yes—the legitimate mediathekview.exe from the official MediathekView project (mediathekview.de) is safe to run when downloaded from trusted sources and verified with a valid signature.
Why is mediathekview.exe using so much CPU?
CPU peaks usually happen during catalog parsing, search indexing, or heavy web pages. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify the component, update the app, or pause heavy downloads.
Can I delete or uninstall mediathekview?
Yes. You can uninstall via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your favorites/catalogs may be preserved if you back up your config before uninstalling.
Can I disable mediathekview.exe from starting automatically?
Yes. Disable the startup entry in Task Manager → Startup, or disable auto-update/background tasks in MediathekView settings.
Where are MediathekView catalogs stored locally?
Catalog data is cached locally, typically under the user profile AppData directories (e.g., C:\Users\<You>\AppData\Local\MediathekView or C:\Users\<You>\AppData\Roaming\MediathekView).
Why are there multiple mediathekview.exe processes?
The app uses a modular, multi-process architecture to separate UI, catalog parsing, and downloading tasks. This improves stability and responsiveness.