Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\NotesApp\notes-telemetry.exe
Warning
Light background activity
Telemetry runs in the background to collect usage data; it typically uses minimal resources when Notes is idle
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Open Notes → Settings → Privacy → Telemetry, and toggle off 'Share anonymous usage data'
What is notes-telemetry.exe?
notes-telemetry.exe is the telemetry collection component of the Notes application. It runs in the background to capture anonymized usage data, feature interactions, and crash reports to help developers improve reliability and usability. Data collection respects user privacy settings and can be managed by the user.
Notes-telemetry runs as a background service that records event data from the Notes UI, uploads it to a telemetry endpoint over HTTPS, and uses anonymization and opt-out options to minimize personal data exposure.
Quick Fact: The Notes app uses a lightweight telemetry model with opt-out controls and clear data categories to protect user privacy.
Types of Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Core: Primary service collecting anonymized usage events
- Uploader Process: Handles data transmission to telemetry endpoint
- Crash Reporter: Captures crash dumps for analysis
- Settings Sync: Syncs user consent and telemetry preferences
- Background Tasks: Periodic health checks and buffer management
Is notes-telemetry Safe?
Yes, notes-telemetry is safe when obtained from the official Notes application and enabled by privacy settings.
Is notes-telemetry a Virus or Malware?
The real notes-telemetry is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names. Always verify path and signature.
How to Tell if notes-telemetry is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\NotesApp\notes-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\NotesApp\notes-telemetry.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "NotesApp, Inc." as the publisher.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU, 30-120 MB memory. Constant high usage when Notes is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Telemetry should run only when Notes is installed and active. Persistent background activity with no Notes UI is a red flag.
Red Flags: If notes-telemetry.exe appears outside the NotesApp folder, lacks a valid signature, or runs persistently with no Notes UI, scan with antivirus and verify publisher before enabling or re-installing Notes.
Why Is notes-telemetry Running on My PC?
notes-telemetry runs to collect anonymous usage data and ensure smooth operation of the Notes app. It may start with Notes or Windows startup depending on privacy settings.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Note-Taking and UI Interactions: Telemetry records events like note creation, edits, and search queries to improve features.
- Background Synchronization: Notes notebooks, tags, and preferences sync in the background to keep data consistent across devices.
- Startup and Idle Monitoring: Telemetry may launch on startup to apply privacy settings and check for updates, then run in the background.
- Error and Crash Reporting: If Notes crashes, the reporter captures non-personally identifiable dump data to assist debugging.
- User Privacy and Telemetry Preferences: If you enabled telemetry sharing, the service runs to transmit chosen data categories to the server.
Can I Disable or Remove notes-telemetry?
Yes, you can disable notes-telemetry. You can turn off data collection in Notes Settings under Privacy, and you can stop or uninstall the Notes app if you prefer not to use telemetry.
How to Stop notes-telemetry
- End Telemetry Processes: Open Windows Task Manager and end the process named notes-telemetry.exe
- Disable Telemetry in Notes: Notes → Settings → Privacy → Telemetry → Turn off 'Share anonymous usage data'
- Disable at Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Notes (or NotesTelemetry) from launching at boot
- Group Policy (Enterprise): gpedit.msc → Administrative Templates → Notes → Telemetry → Disabled
- Stop Background Sync: Notes settings → Privacy → Sync → Disable background data sync
How to Uninstall Notes
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Notes → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Notes → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative note apps such as Evernote, OneNote, or Bear
Common Problems: Telemetry-Related Issues
If notes-telemetry.exe is causing problems, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry Data Volume Too Large: Limit data categories in Settings → Privacy → Telemetry, or disable optional data types.
- Persistent Background Activity: Disable telemetry in Notes Settings and restart the app; ensure only necessary components run.
- Data Upload Fails: Check network connectivity, firewall rules, and ensure the telem endpoint is reachable; verify accounts.
- Conflicts with Antivirus: Add an exception for notes-telemetry.exe in your antivirus software to avoid interference.
- Outdated Notes Version: Update Notes to the latest version where telemetry handling is improved.
- Privacy Settings Not Accepted: Review and re-accept privacy and telemetry terms in Notes Settings; ensure consent is saved.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Task Manager and end the notes-telemetry.exe process if consuming resources
3. In Notes: Settings → Privacy → Telemetry, toggle off sharing
4. Update Notes to the latest version
5. Run Windows Defender or your antivirus to scan for malware
6. If issues persist, consider fully reinstalling Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is notes-telemetry safe?
Yes. It is part of the official Notes app and is designed to collect only anonymized usage data, with opt-out controls in Settings.
What data does notes-telemetry collect?
It collects event-level usage data, feature interactions, and crash reports; personal content is not collected, and data types can be customized in Privacy settings.
Can I disable notes-telemetry entirely?
Yes. You can turn off telemetry in the Notes app settings or uninstall the Notes application if you prefer not to use telemetry.
Where is telemetry data sent from notes-telemetry?
Data is sent to the Notes telemetry endpoint over HTTPS; the destination URL and privacy policies are shown in Settings under Telemetry.
Does notes-telemetry run when Notes is closed?
It can run in the background if telemetry is enabled, but you can disable background data sharing in Settings; closing the UI does not guarantee it stops.
How can I view or manage telemetry settings?
Open Notes → Settings → Privacy → Telemetry to view what is collected, opt-out options, and data retention settings.