mongodb-compass.exe

MongoDB Compass GUI Client

Application ProcessSafeDatabase GUI Tool

CPU Usage

2-15%

Memory

250-900 MB

Location

Program Files

Publisher

MongoDB, Inc.

Quick Answer

mongodb-compass.exe is safe. It's MongoDB's official GUI client that connects to MongoDB deployments, visualizes schemas, builds queries, and manages data through a desktop interface.

Is it a Virus?

NO - Safe

Must be located in C:\Program Files\MongoDB Compass\mongodb-compass.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each connection and UI component may spawn separate processes in Electron

Can I Disable?

YES

Close Compass when not in use or disable Windows startup for Compass

What is mongodb-compass.exe?

mongodb-compass.exe is the executable for MongoDB Compass, a desktop GUI that lets you connect to MongoDB deployments, visually inspect schemas, run queries, and manage data. It provides schema visualization, document editing, and real-time server statistics through an intuitive interface.

MongoDB Compass runs as an Electron-based GUI that uses the MongoDB Node.js driver to connect to servers (TLS enabled). It uses a Browser/Renderer architecture to render schemas, queries, and data visualizations, isolating tasks for stability.

Quick Fact: MongoDB Compass debuted to simplify schema visualization and query building for MongoDB deployments, with a modern UI and live schema insights.

Types of Compass Processes

Browser Process: Main Compass window and user interface (1 instance)
Renderer Process: Each tab and panel's UI rendering
GPU Process: Hardware-accelerated graphics rendering
Network/IPC Process: Handles network requests and inter-process communication
Updater Process: Background updater and telemetry tasks

Is mongodb-compass.exe Safe?

Yes, mongodb-compass.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from MongoDB downloaded from official sources (mongodb.com/downloads or pre-installed by manufacturer).

Is mongodb-compass.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real mongodb-compass.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if mongodb-compass.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\MongoDB Compass\mongodb-compass.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\MongoDB Compass\mongodb-compass.exe. Any mongodb-compass.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "MongoDB, Inc." as the signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per core, 250-900 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Compass should only run when you start it or when it is set to auto-launch; if it starts without user action, scan for malware.

Red Flags: If mongodb-compass.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when Compass isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "mongodb-compass.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is mongodb-compass.exe Running on My PC?

mongodb-compass.exe runs when you start MongoDB Compass or when Compass is configured to monitor connections and update schema visualizations in real time.

Reasons it's running:

Active Compass Session: You have Compass open and connected to a MongoDB deployment; it loads schemas, data browsing, and query results.
Background Data Refresh: Compass periodically refreshes schema details and sample data to keep your view current.
Startup Launch: Compass can be configured to launch automatically on system startup or remain resident in the system tray.
New Connection or Query: Opening new connections or running queries spawns processes to render results and manage data.
Telemetry and Updates: Background telemetry and automatic update checks may keep the process alive briefly.

Can I Disable or Remove mongodb-compass.exe?

Yes, you can disable mongodb-compass.exe. It's safe to close Compass when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different database GUI.

How to Stop mongodb-compass.exe

Close Compass: Close the application from the UI or use Alt+F4 to exit.
Prevent Startup: Windows: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable MongoDB Compass
End Background Tasks: Use Task Manager to end any remaining compass-related processes
Disable Auto-Launch: In Windows, remove compass from startup; macOS: System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items
Stop Background Sync: In Compass settings, disable background schema or data refresh

How to Uninstall MongoDB Compass

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → MongoDB Compass → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → MongoDB Compass → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative tools: Studio 3T, Robo 3T, NoSQLBooster

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If mongodb-compass.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Open Connections: Close unused connections or reduce the number of concurrently opened databases in Compass.
Large Data Previews: Limit the number of documents loaded in the data view; adjust sample size.
Background Data Sync: Disable automatic refresh in Preferences to reduce background activity.
Outdated Compass: Update to the latest version from the official download page.
Network Latency: Check network connectivity; use Atlas connection with TLS; low latency clusters.
Malicious Behavior or Misconfiguration: Ensure you downloaded Compass from MongoDB's official site and review connection settings for correctness.

Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused connections and tabs in Compass
2. Reduce the data preview size and disable background refresh
3. Update to the latest Compass version
4. Restart Compass after clearing local caches
5. Check network connectivity and TLS settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mongodb-compass.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate mongodb-compass.exe from MongoDB is not a virus. Ensure it is installed from mongodb.com/downloads and located in C:\Program Files\MongoDB Compass\mongodb-compass.exe.

Why is mongodb-compass.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can happen with large data queries, complex aggregations, or many active connections. Check the data views, close unused connections, and ensure Compass is up to date.

Can I delete or uninstall MongoDB Compass?

Yes. You can uninstall via Settings > Apps > MongoDB Compass > Uninstall. Your saved connections may be retained if you sync with a MongoDB account.

How do I connect MongoDB Compass to a database?

Open Compass, click New Connection, enter the connection string (mongodb://) or Atlas cluster details, configure TLS if required, then Connect.

Where is MongoDB Compass installed on Windows?

Typically under C:\Program Files\MongoDB Compass\mongodb-compass.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\MongoDB Compass\mongodb-compass.exe.

Is MongoDB Compass safe to use with Atlas?

Yes. Compass supports TLS connections to Atlas clusters and provides authentication options such as username/password or certificates, depending on cluster configuration.