Quick Answer
nextcloud-telemetry.exe is safe. It is part of the Nextcloud Desktop Client and collects anonymized usage data to help improve reliability, performance, and compatibility. It runs in the background.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Typically located at C:\\Program Files\\Nextcloud\\Telemetry\\nextcloud-telemetry.exe
Why is telemetry running in the background?
Multiple background tasks
Telemetry runs to collect anonymized usage data and report telemetry to Nextcloud servers
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable from Nextcloud Desktop Client settings or Windows startup options
Will telemetry stop after uninstall?
Partially - depends on removal
Uninstalling Nextcloud may remove telemetry components; disable first to avoid re-enabling during reinstall
What is nextcloud-telemetry.exe?
nextcloud-telemetry.exe is a component of the Nextcloud Desktop Client that collects anonymized usage data to help developers improve reliability, performance, and compatibility across platforms. It runs in the background and adheres to user privacy settings configured in the client.
This process runs as a lightweight background task that transmits telemetry over HTTPS to Nextcloud servers. It respects privacy controls and only activates when the client is installed or running, minimizing impact on foreground tasks.
Quick Fact: Nextcloud telemetry helps identify crashes and usage patterns to guide feature improvements without exposing personal data.
Types of Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Launcher: Initial startup payload and configuration
- Usage Reporter: Collects anonymized usage statistics
- Error Reporter: Sends crash and diagnostic reports
- Data Sender: Transmits metrics securely to Nextcloud servers
- Background Helper: Supports periodic health checks and updates
- Privacy Controller: Applies user privacy settings to telemetry data
Is nextcloud-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, nextcloud-telemetry.exe is safe when it originates from the official Nextcloud Desktop Client installer from nextcloud.com or trusted software distribution channels.
Is nextcloud-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real nextcloud-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names; verify by location and signature.
How to Tell if nextcloud-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Nextcloud\\Telemetry\\nextcloud-telemetry.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Nextcloud\\Telemetry\\nextcloud-telemetry.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Nextcloud GmbH" with a valid certificate.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU and 20-100 MB memory. Constant, unusually high resource usage is suspicious.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run in the context of the Nextcloud client and not start when the client is not installed.
Red Flags: If nextcloud-telemetry.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without the Nextcloud client, lacks a digital signature, or uses persistent high resources, scan with antivirus and seek official Nextcloud support.
Why Is nextcloud-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
Nextcloud telemetry runs to collect anonymized data for reliability and feature improvements. It may execute during startup or while the desktop client is active to monitor usage and health.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Desktop Client: The Nextcloud Desktop Client is running and telemetry collects usage data in the background.
- Background Synchronization: Background sync tasks trigger telemetry to report synchronization health and status.
- Startup Launch: If Nextcloud is configured to start with Windows, telemetry may launch at login.
- Diagnostics and Updates: Telemetry helps diagnose issues and collect environment details for updates and compatibility.
- Privacy Settings Allowance: Telemetry runs only if user privacy preferences allow anonymized data sharing.
Can I Disable or Remove nextcloud-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable nextcloud-telemetry.exe. It's safe to disable telemetry if you prefer not to share usage data. You can also disable startup or uninstall the Nextcloud client to remove it.
How to Stop nextcloud-telemetry.exe
- End Telemetry Task: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end the process nextcloud-telemetry.exe
- Disable in Nextcloud Settings: In Nextcloud Desktop Client, go to Settings/Preferences > General > Privacy and turn off usage statistics telemetry
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Nextcloud Telemetry (if listed)
- Prevent Background Running: In Nextcloud Settings -> Advanced -> Privacy, ensure 'Share usage data' is off
- Stop Updates in Background: If available, disable automatic telemetry uploads in the Update settings
How to Uninstall Nextcloud Telemetry
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Nextcloud -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Nextcloud -> Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the computer to ensure components are removed
Common Problems: Telemetry Noise or High Resource Use
If nextcloud-telemetry.exe is causing issues, try the following practical steps to minimize impact while preserving client functionality.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Background Tasks: Reduce telemetry frequency in Nextcloud Settings (Privacy) or limit background sync features
- High Memory Usage by Telemetry: Disable nonessential telemetry features and restart the Nextcloud client
- Outdated Nextcloud Client: Update Nextcloud to the latest version to ensure telemetry optimizations
- Corrupted Telemetry Config: Reset Nextcloud settings or clear config files in AppData folder
- Conflicting Extensions: Disable or remove extensions that interact with Nextcloud telemetry or sync
- Network Bottlenecks: Limit telemetry bandwidth through firewall or router settings
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Windows Task Manager and end nextcloud-telemetry.exe if it spikes
2. In Nextcloud settings, disable 'Share usage statistics'
3. Update Nextcloud to latest version
4. Restart the Nextcloud Desktop Client
5. Check for conflicting extensions or plugins
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nextcloud-telemetry.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate nextcloud-telemetry.exe is part of the official Nextcloud Desktop Client and should reside in C:\Program Files\Nextcloud\Telemetry with a valid signature.
Why is nextcloud-telemetry.exe running in the background?
Telemetry runs to collect anonymized usage data to improve reliability and features; it runs alongside the Nextcloud Desktop Client behavior.
Can I disable nextcloud telemetry?
Yes. Use Nextcloud Settings > Privacy to turn off usage statistics, or disable the process in Windows startup and Task Manager.
Does disabling telemetry affect updates?
In some cases, telemetry data helps optimize updates, but disabling it will not stop critical updates; stability may be slightly affected.
How do I uninstall Nextcloud without losing data?
Uninstall Nextcloud from Windows Settings > Apps, or Control Panel; your synced files remain on disk, and you can reinstall later.
How can I reduce telemetry network usage?
Limit background uploads in Nextcloud settings, or block telemetry endpoints via firewall if required while keeping client functionality.