ndi-service.exe

NewTek NDI Runtime Service

System ProcessSafeNDI Runtime Service
CPU Usage
2-15%
Memory
60-180 MB
Location
C:\Program Files\NewTek\NDI
Publisher
NewTek, Inc.

Quick Answer

ndi-service.exe is safe. It's the legitimate Windows service for NewTek NDI that coordinates network discovery and routing for NDI-enabled apps across your LAN.

Is it a Virus?
 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\NewTek\NDI\ndi-service.exe
Can I Disable?
 YES - but may disrupt NDI workflows
Disabling will stop NDI source discovery and routing between apps

What is ndi-service.exe?

ndi-service.exe is the Windows service component of NewTek's NDI runtime. It runs in the background to manage NDI network discovery, source advertising, and stream routing between producers and receivers across a local network. It starts automatically with Windows when the NDI runtime is installed, maintains active connections, performs health checks, and helps ensure low-latency video flow between NDI-enabled apps.

ndi-service.exe runs as a background Windows service that coordinates discovery, negotiation, and transport for NDI streams. It communicates with NDI-enabled apps using local APIs and UDP multicast for efficient delivery.

Quick Fact: The ndi-service.exe process enables low-latency, IP-based video across compatible software by maintaining active connections and source availability.

Types of NDI Processes

Is ndi-service.exe Safe?

Yes, ndi-service.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from NewTek downloaded from official sources (newtek.com or the installed NDI runtime).

Is ndi-service.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real ndi-service.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can disguise itself with similar names. Always verify the file location and digital signature.

How to Tell if ndi-service.exe is Legitimate or Malware

  1. File Location:: Must be in C:\\Program Files\\NewTek\\NDI\\ndi-service.exe for 64-bit Windows or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\NewTek\\NDI\\ndi-service.exe for 32-bit.
  2. Digital Signature:: Right-click ndi-service.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "NewTek, Inc." as the signer and a valid timestamp.
  3. Resource Usage:: Normal usage ranges ~2-15% CPU and 60-180 MB RAM per instance. Persistent high usage outside active NDI sessions is suspicious.
  4. Behavior:: The legitimate service runs as a Windows service named 'ndi-service' and starts with the system when NDI is installed.

Red Flags: If ndi-service.exe is found outside the Program Files\NewTek\NDI folder, runs when no NDI app is open, lacks a valid digital signature, or consumes unusual resources, scan immediately. Be wary of similarly named files like "ndi-service32.exe".

Why Is ndi-service.exe Running on My PC?

ndi-service.exe runs in the background to support NDI video over IP. It manages discovery, negotiation, and maintenance of NDI streams across the local network, ensuring producers and receivers stay connected.

Reasons it's running:

Can I Disable or Remove ndi-service.exe?

Yes, you can disable ndi-service.exe. Disabling will stop discovery and routing for NDI streams, which may break live video workflows that rely on NDI across your network.

How to Stop ndi-service

How to Uninstall NDI Runtime

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If ndi-service.exe is consuming excessive resources or behaving oddly, follow these steps to identify issues and restore normal operation.

Common Causes & Solutions

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and locate ndi-service.exe to check CPU/RAM usage.
2. Update NDI runtime to the latest version from the official NDI site.
3. Restart the NDI service or reboot the system.
4. Close or limit NDI producers/receivers that are heavy on bandwidth.
5. Add ndi-service.exe to antivirus exclusions to prevent interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ndi-service.exe a virus?

The legitimate ndi-service.exe from NewTek is not a virus. Verify it is located in C:\Program Files\NewTek\NDI\ndi-service.exe and signed by NewTek, Inc. to avoid counterfeit files.

Where is ndi-service.exe located?

Typically C:\Program Files\NewTek\NDI\ndi-service.exe. On 32-bit Windows, see C:\Program Files (x86)\NewTek\NDI\ndi-service.exe.

How do I stop ndi-service.exe?

Open Services (services.msc), locate ndi-service, and stop it. To prevent it from starting automatically, set its Startup type to Disabled.

Does ndi-service.exe affect other apps?

Yes. ndi-service.exe coordinates NDI streams between producers and receivers. If it’s stopped, NDI sources may become unavailable to apps like OBS, Resolve, or NDI Studio Monitor.

Can I uninstall the NDI runtime?

Yes, through Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, select NewTek NDI, and Uninstall. You may lose NDI functionality until reinstalled.

Why does ndi-service.exe run at startup?

NDI runtime is designed to be ready to discover sources as soon as Windows starts, so ndi-service may launch at startup for quicker network visibility.

Related Processes