mpv-launcher.exe

What is mpv-launcher.exe?

mpv-launcher.exe is the lightweight Windows launcher that starts the MPV media player with user-selected options and profiles. It serves as the bridge between your media front-end and MPV, ensuring options are applied before playback begins.

It delegates playback to mpv.exe, forwarding video output, audio device, subtitles, and user profiles. It runs mpv as a child process, keeping the launcher responsive while mpv handles decoding with libav and cross-platform codecs.

Types of mpv Processes

• Launcher Process: The mpv-launcher.exe instance that starts mpv with user-selected options and profile settings.
• MPV Core Process: The mpv.exe instance that performs playback, decoding, and rendering.
• Decoder Subsystem: Internal decoding chain (libav/FFmpeg) used by mpv for media formats.
• Audio Output Subsystem: Audio playback backend (Wasapi/DirectSound on Windows).
• Video Output Subsystem: Video rendering path (VO) configured by mpv.

Is mpv-launcher.exe Safe?

Yes, mpv-launcher.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the MPV Project downloaded from official sources (mpv.io) or your distribution channel.

Is mpv-launcher.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real mpv-launcher.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names. Always verify the file location and signature.

How to Tell if mpv-launcher.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\mpv\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\mpv\. Any mpv-launcher.exe outside these folders is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click mpv-launcher.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "MPV Project" or related publisher.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage during playback is modest. Abnormally high CPU when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Launcher should run only when starting playback. Persistent background activity without user action is a red flag.

Why Is mpv-launcher.exe Running on My PC?

mpv-launcher.exe runs to initialize MPV playback or to manage wrappers that interact with MPV. It may stay active briefly to prepare or to coordinate subsequent playback tasks.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Media Playback: You're actively playing a video or audio; the launcher starts mpv to handle decoding and rendering.
• Frontend Wrappers: If you use a frontend (e.g., mpv.net, MPV-Wrapper), the launcher may run in the background to coordinate playback and options.
• Startup Launch: If the launcher is configured to start at Windows login to restore the last session or quickly launch MPV, it will appear at startup.
• Background Watcher: Some wrappers install a small background helper to reopen playback after a session ends.
• Automation and Scripting: Scheduled tasks or hotkeys may invoke the launcher to start playback automatically.

Can I Disable or Remove mpv-launcher.exe?

Yes, you can disable mpv-launcher.exe. If you don't use wrappers, you can simply stop startup items and exit playback. You can remove the launcher by uninstalling the package or deleting its folder.

How to Stop mpv-launcher.exe

• End Current Playback: Close MPV or the frontend; mpv-launcher will exit when playback stops.
• Exit Launcher: If the launcher provides an Exit option, use it to terminate the process gracefully.
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable mpv-launcher or the wrapper entry.
• Stop Background Tasks: Check for a background tray helper and disable its auto-start if present.
• Uninstall Wrapper: If you installed mpv via a wrapper, uninstall the wrapper; keep only mpv core if desired.

How to Uninstall mpv-launcher.exe

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MPV Launcher / mpv → Uninstall
• ✔ If portable, delete the mpv directory containing mpv-launcher.exe
• ✔ Optionally remove the MPV package from the system or switch to a different frontend

Common Problems: High CPU, Freezing, or Audio Issues

If mpv-launcher.exe or MPV seems buggy, check these common scenarios and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Outdated MPV or Launcher: Update to the latest version from mpv.io or your distribution channel.
• Invalid configuration: Reset mpv.conf or remove problematic entries in the launcher profile.
• Video output mismatch: Change video output in mpv or wrapper settings (e.g., --vo=opengl or --vo=pbo).
• Corrupted cache: Clear cache at C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\mpv\cache and restart.
• Conflicting wrappers: Disable or uninstall other MPV wrappers to prevent conflicts with the launcher.
• Missing codecs: Install or update FFmpeg libraries included with your MPV build.

Related Processes