Quick Answer
notion.exe is safe. It is the Notion Desktop App process. It uses multiple sub-processes to manage windows, data syncing, and rendering for a responsive workspace.
What is Notion.exe?
notion.exe is the executable for the Notion Desktop application. Notion uses Electron with a multi-process model, so you will see multiple Notion-related processes in Task Manager. These run UI, sync, and background tasks to deliver a smooth workspace.
The architecture splits UI, rendering, and data syncing into separate processes. This isolation helps stability; if one part hangs, others remain responsive while sharing IPC channels.
Quick Fact: Notion's desktop app leverages Electron (Chromium/Node) to provide a cross-platform experience on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Types of Notion Processes
- Main Process: Electron main process controls app lifecycle and windows
- Renderer Process: Each Notion window/renderer handles UI and blocks rendering
- GPU Process: Hardware-accelerated rendering and compositing
- Background Worker: Background tasks such as local indexing and sync
- Sync Service: Notion syncs workspace data with the cloud
- Updater: Automatic update checks and application updates
Is notion.exe Safe?
Yes, notion.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Notion Labs, downloaded from notion.so or the official app store.
Is notion.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real notion.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names. Verify location and signature.
How to Tell if notion.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Programs\Notion\Notion.exe or C:\Program Files\Notion\Notion.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click Notion.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Notion Labs, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-25% CPU per active window, 120-600 MB total memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Notion should run when you launch the app. Unexpected background activity when closed warrants inspection.
Red Flags: If notion.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData\Roaming), runs when Notion isn't open, has no valid signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus software. Watch for similarly named files such as "notionapp.exe".
Why Is notion.exe Running on My PC?
Notion.exe runs when you open the Notion Desktop app or when background syncing and indexing tasks are active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Notion Window: Opening Notion or editing a page keeps the UI and renderer active
- Background Sync: Notion syncs changes to the cloud; background workers run to track updates
- Startup Launch: Notion can be configured to start when Windows boots
- Local Indexing: Notion builds local indexes for fast search and offline access
- Notification and Integrations: System tray notifications and integrations may trigger background tasks
Can I Disable or Remove notion.exe?
Yes, you can disable notion.exe. It's safe to close Notion when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different productivity tool.
How to Stop notion.exe
- Close Windows: Close Notion windows or use File → Exit to shut down the app
- End Task: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate notion.exe, right-click End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Notion
- Disable Background Sync: In Notion settings, turn off background sync or run in background option
- System Tray Behavior: In Notion settings, disable startup to tray or disable minimizing to tray if available
How to Uninstall Notion
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Notion → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Notion → Uninstall
- ✔ Optional: Delete remaining Notion folders in AppData and LocalAppData if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If notion.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Open Pages or Large Notion Workspaces: Close unused pages or split workspaces; consider reducing embedded media.
- Background Sync Overload: Limit sync frequency in settings or pause syncing temporarily during heavy editing.
- Outdated Notion Version: Update Notion to the latest version from notion.so or via in-app updater.
- Local Cache/Offline Data: Clear cached data in Notion settings or delete cache folder after backup.
- Resource-Heavy Embeds: Disable or remove heavy embeds (videos, large images) in a page.
- Malware or Unrelated Extensions: Run antivirus scan; ensure not running suspicious processes; disable unrelated background apps.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Notion Task Manager (if available) or close heavy pages
2. Pause or adjust sync settings in Notion
3. Update Notion to latest version: Notion → Check for Updates
4. Restart Notion or reboot PC
5. Check for malware: run a full antivirus scan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is notion.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate notion.exe is the Notion Desktop App. Verify path: AppData\Local\Programs\Notion\Notion.exe and signature from Notion Labs, Inc.
Why is notion.exe using so much CPU?
Notion's editor and renderers can spike CPU when editing complex pages or syncing large databases. Use Notion Task Manager to find heavy pages and reduce media.
Can I delete notion.exe?
Yes, by uninstalling Notion from Windows Settings → Apps. Your data may be synced to the cloud if you log in; local data remains until cleared if requested.
Can I disable notion.exe from running in the background?
Yes. In Notion settings, turn off background sync or disable Notion startup in Task Manager to prevent background activity.
Why does Notion start at Windows startup?
Notion can be configured to launch at startup to provide immediate access. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup or within Notion's own startup settings.
Why are there multiple notion.exe processes?
Notion uses a multi-process Electron architecture: a main process, renderers for each window, and background workers. This improves responsiveness and stability.