Quick Answer
mirillis-action-exe is safe. It runs the Mirillis Action! screen recorder, capturing your desktop, gameplay, or window content with live encoding options.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\Mirillis\Action!\MirillisAction.exe
Warning
Many processes safe
Mirillis Action! uses several internal threads for capture, encoding, and UI.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Action! or disable startup in Task Manager or the app's settings
What is MirillisAction.exe?
mirillis-action-exe is the executable for Mirillis Action!, a high-performance screen recording and streaming tool. It captures desktop activity, game footage, and window content, offering real-time encoding, overlays, and adjustable output formats.
Action! uses a dedicated capture engine and hardware-accelerated encoding to minimize impact on gameplay. It runs as a foreground application with optional background services for updates and streaming.
Quick Fact: Mirillis Action! supports multiple capture targets and applies hardware acceleration to reduce CPU load during recording.
Types of Mirillis Action! Processes
- Main App Process: User interface and control logic for recording
- Screen Capture Engine: Frame grabbing from desktop or game window
- Video Encoding Thread: Real-time encoding to MP4, AVI, etc.
- Audio Capture: System and microphone audio channels
- Overlay and UI Helpers: Live overlays and on-screen widgets
- Background Updater: Check for updates and streaming integrations
Is mirillis-action-exe Safe?
Yes, mirillis-action-exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Mirillis downloaded from official sources (mirillis.com or bundled with the installer).
Is mirillis-action-exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mirillis-action-exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if mirillis-action-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Mirillis\\Action!\\MirillisAction.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Mirillis\\Action!\\MirillisAction.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click MirillisAction.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Mirillis Ltd" as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-20% CPU during capture, 120-600 MB memory during recording. Constant extreme usage when not recording is suspicious.
- Behavior: Mirillis Action! should run when actively recording or the app is open. Constant background persistence without UI could indicate malware.
Red Flags: If mirillis-action-exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when the app isn’t open, has no digital signature, or uses resources abnormally, scan with antivirus and verify from mirillis.com. Beware of similarly named files.
Why Is mirillis-action-exe Running on My PC?
mirillis-action-exe runs when you start Mirillis Action! or when background services are enabled for updates and streaming. It may also stay resident to support hotkeys or overlay features.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Recording or Preview: You are currently capturing desktop or game footage; the capture engine and encoder stay active during recording.
- Background Streaming/Overlay: The app may keep background processes for streaming or overlay widgets, even when the main window is closed.
- Auto-Start on System Boot: Mirillis Action! may be configured to launch at Windows startup, keeping the recorder ready.
- Update Checking: Background updater components check for new versions or plugins to improve compatibility.
- Hotkey and Recording Quick Access: Background tasks monitor global hotkeys to start/stop recording or toggle overlays.
Can I Disable or Remove mirillis-action-exe?
Yes, you can disable mirillis-action-exe. It's safe to close Action! when not in use, and you can uninstall it if you don't need it.
How to Stop mirillis-action-exe
- End Recording or Close App: Close Mirillis Action! or press the stop hotkey to end capture
- Close Background Services: In Action!'s settings, turn off background tasks like auto-start and updates
- End Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find MirillisAction.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Mirillis Action!
- Stop Overlay and Hotkeys: In-app settings, disable global hotkeys and overlay updates
How to Uninstall Mirillis Action!
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Mirillis Action! → Uninstall
- ✔ Settings → Apps → Mirillis Action! → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete remaining Mirillis folders in C:\Program Files\Mirillis and AppData if desired
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If mirillis-action-exe is consuming excessive resources during recording or idle:
Common Causes & Solutions
- High Frame Rate or Resolution: Lower capture resolution or frame rate in Action!'s settings; reduce bitrate
- Background Overlay or Widgets: Disable unnecessary overlays; close additional widgets in the app
- Hardware Encoding Bottleneck: Try software encoding or update GPU drivers; ensure hardware accel is supported
- Conflicting Audio Devices: Change audio input/output and sample rate in settings; restart recording
- Outdated Software: Update to latest Mirillis Action! version via help or download page
- Insufficient System Resources: Close other heavy apps; consider upgrading RAM or SSD for caching
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Mirillis Action! Task Manager-like UI and identify heavy components
2. Reduce capture frame rate and resolution
3. Disable nonessential overlays and widgets
4. Update GPU drivers and test hardware acceleration
5. Restart Action! and try a clean recording
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mirillis-action-exe a virus?
No, the legitimate mirillis-action-exe from Mirillis is not a virus. Ensure it is located in C:\Program Files\Mirillis\Action!\MirillisAction.exe and digitally signed by Mirillis Ltd.
Why is mirillis-action-exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage depends on capture settings, game/app load, and encoding. Lower resolution/frame rate, disable overlays, and ensure drivers are up to date.
Can I delete mirillis-action-exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Mirillis Action! through Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your recordings remain in your chosen output folder unless you delete them.
Can I disable mirillis-action-exe?
Yes. You can close Action! or disable startup in Task Manager. In-app settings, you can disable background updates and overlay features.
How do I uninstall Mirillis Action! safely?
Use Settings → Apps → Mirillis Action! → Uninstall, then remove leftover files in Program Files and AppData if needed.
Does Mirillis Action! support streaming?
Yes, Mirillis Action! supports streaming to popular platforms with built-in RTMP options and export options.
What formats does mirillis-action-exe output?
Action! can export MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV depending on version and codec selections.