What is mpv-service.exe?
mpv-service.exe is the Windows service component that runs MPV in the background to support playback control, IPC, and coordinated media handling. It allows MPV to operate with minimal UI while providing consistent playback across front-end applications and system events.
mpv-service.exe hosts the MPV core as a Windows service. It handles inter-process communication via pipes, manages lifecycle events, buffers, and synchronization between the engine and front-end GUIs to ensure smooth playback and stability.
Quick Fact: MPV's architecture uses modular components, and mpv-service.exe enables background control without requiring a full GUI.
Types of mpv Service Processes
- Service Process: Main Windows service coordinating MPV tasks
- IPC Handler: Inter-process communication broker between MPV front-end and engine
- Decoder Subprocess: Subprocesses used for decoding and streaming
- Audio/Video Helper: Assist with audio/video streams and rendering tasks
- Cache Manager: Manages media data buffering and cache
- Logging Utility: Writes playback logs and diagnostics
Is mpv-service.exe Safe?
Yes, mpv-service.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the MPV project downloaded from official sources (mpv.io or trusted packaging).
Is mpv-service.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mpv-service.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade as this file.
How to Tell if mpv-service.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\mpv\mpv-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\mpv\mpv-service.exe. Other locations are commonly used by malware.
- Digital Signature: Open file properties > Digital Signatures. The signer should show "MPV Project" or a valid MPV signature; absence or an unknown signer is suspicious.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU and 60-180 MB RAM. Constant high usage when idle is a red flag.
- Behavior: The service should run when MPV front-ends require background support; persistent startup without MPV activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If mpv-service.exe is located outside C:\Program Files\mpv, runs when MPV isn't open, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with multiple antivirus tools and verify the official MPV sources.
Why Is mpv-service.exe Running on My PC?
mpv-service.exe runs in the background to support MPV's playback and IPC workflows. It starts with Windows and bridges the UI front-end with the engine, even when the main window is closed.
Reasons it's running:
- Active MPV Usage: You're actively using MPV-enabled front-ends; the service coordinates decoding, rendering, and IPC between components.
- Background Tasks: Streaming, subtitle handling, and cache management occur through the service to keep the UI responsive.
- Startup and IPC Bridge: mpv-service.exe is configured to start at logon to provide IPC channels (pipes/sockets) between front-end apps and the MPV engine.
- Library and Sync Coordination: Library updates, playlist changes, and media metadata synchronization are coordinated by the service.
- System Tray / Background UI: If a front-end minimizes to the system tray or runs in the background, the service may stay active to maintain playback continuity.
Can I Disable or Remove mpv-service.exe?
Yes, you can disable mpv-service.exe. If you don't use the front-end apps or you prefer a GUI-based player, you can disable the service and uninstall the MPV package.
How to Stop mpv-service.exe
- End Front-End Playback: Close the MPV front-end application to stop active playback; the service will finish current tasks.
- Stop the Windows Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'mpv-service', set Startup type to Disabled, click Stop.
- Disable Startup: Open Task Manager -> Startup tab, locate MPV-related entry, and disable it.
- Prevent Background Tasks: In Settings, disable options that allow MPV to continue running in the background when the UI is closed.
- Uninstall MPV: Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> MPV -> Uninstall
How to Uninstall MPV
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MPV → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MPV → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstall to remove remaining components
Common Problems: MPV Service Performance or Startup Issues
If mpv-service.exe is causing problems, use these common-sense checks and fixes to restore stable operation.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Service fails to start after OS updates: Check dependencies and ensure the MPV package is up to date; run sc config mpv-service start= auto and reboot.
- High CPU usage by the service with no playback: Inspect front-end tasks, disable unnecessary IPC listeners, update MPV, and scan for injected codecs or malware.
- MPV-service crashes during playback: Update to the latest MPV release, verify the distribution integrity, and ensure codecs are compatible with your hardware.
- Service cannot access config files: Verify permissions on C:\Program Files\mpv and C:\Users\Public\Documents\mpv; grant admin access or run the service with appropriate privileges.
- Log flooding or excessive logging: Limit logging verbosity or rotate logs; check log directory permissions (C:\ProgramData\mpv\logs) and adjust MPV config accordingly.
- Conflicts with antivirus or security software: Add MPV paths to exception lists and ensure real-time protection does not terminate the service unexpectedly.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close front-end apps and stop the mpv-service.exe via Services or Task Manager
2. Update MPV to the latest release from the official source
3. Check the executable path: C:\Program Files\mpv\mpv-service.exe
4. Disable unnecessary startup entries for MPV
5. Review logs at C:\ProgramData\mpv\logs and clear if safe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mpv-service.exe a virus?
No, mpv-service.exe is the legitimate Windows service for MPV when downloaded from official sources. Always verify that the file is located at C:\Program Files\mpv\mpv-service.exe and has a valid MPV signature.
Why is mpv-service.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage by the service can spike during active playback, high-bitrate streams, or when IPC channels are busy. Use MPV Task Manager (Shift+Esc in front-end) to identify contributing tabs or tasks and update MPV.
Can I delete mpv-service.exe?
You can uninstall MPV entirely via Settings → Apps or Control Panel, which removes mpv-service.exe. Your playback preferences and playlists will be removed unless you back up data.
Can I disable mpv-service.exe?
Yes. You can disable the service from Services (services.msc) or via Task Manager startup items. This stops background tasks and IPC, but may affect background playback.
Why does mpv-service.exe start automatically at login?
MPV may be configured to start at login to enable background playback or quick-launch front-ends. Disable via Services startup type or Task Manager to prevent automatic launch.
Where is mpv-service.exe located?
Most installations place it at C:\Program Files\mpv\mpv-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\mpv\mpv-service.exe. If you find it elsewhere, verify the source and signatures before running.