openshot-qt.exe

What is openshot-qt.exe?

openshot-qt.exe is the Windows executable for OpenShot Video Editor. It launches the graphical user interface, loads projects, and coordinates editing, preview rendering, and exporting tasks. When actively editing, you may observe multiple openshot-qt.exe instances handling UI, previews, and background processing.

openshot-qt.exe runs the GUI front-end and delegates heavy media processing to OpenShot's backend libraries (libopenshot) and FFmpeg for encoding, enabling a responsive editing experience across tasks.

Types of OpenShot Processes

• Main GUI Process: The primary interface window that hosts the timeline, viewer, and controls
• Rendering/Export Process: Backend handling of video encoding during export
• Preview/Thumbnail Processor: Generates timeline thumbnails and real-time previews
• Background Auto-Save Task: Regular project backups to prevent data loss
• Worker Threads for Effects: Applies transitions and effects using dedicated worker threads

Is openshot.exe Safe?

Yes, openshot.exe is safe when it is the legitimate OpenShot File from official sources (openshot.org or a properly installed OpenShot package).

Is openshot.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real openshot.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware disguises itself with similar names. Always verify the file location and digital signature.

How to Tell if openshot.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\OpenShot Video Editor\openshot-qt.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenShot Video Editor\openshot-qt.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show OpenShot Studios, LLC as the signer.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per core and 100-500 MB memory. Consistently high usage when OpenShot is closed is suspicious.
4. Behavior: OpenShot should run when you open the program. Extra sudden background activity when the app is not launched can indicate malware.

Why Is openshot.exe Running on My PC?

openshot.exe executes whenever you launch OpenShot Video Editor or when the program is configured to run background tasks such as autosave, thumbnail generation, or background rendering during exports.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Editing Session: You have a project open; the GUI and timeline operations spawn processes for previews and real-time updates.
• Background Rendering: Export and proxy rendering can run in the background to prepare final output while you continue editing.
• Autosave and Backups: OpenShot periodically saves project backups, which may run in the background to prevent data loss.
• Media Import and Analysis: Imported media is scanned, thumbnails generated, and metadata extracted as you build your project.
• GPU/Preview Acceleration: The editor leverages GPU-accelerated previews and effects, which may spawn additional threads or subprocesses.

Can I Disable or Remove openshot.exe?

Yes, you can disable openshot.exe. You can close OpenShot when not editing and uninstall it if you don't plan to use it.

How to Stop openshot.exe

• Close OpenShot: Click the X to close the application or use File > Exit.
• End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate openshot-qt.exe, right-click End Task to stop active processes.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > find OpenShot Video Editor, Set Disabled to prevent startup.
• Stop Background Apps: In OpenShot Settings > General > System, disable any option like 'Run in background' if available.
• Revoke Auto-Launch: Remove any OpenShot shortcuts from startup folders: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

How to Uninstall OpenShot

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → OpenShot Video Editor → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → OpenShot Video Editor → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternative editors like DaVinci Resolve, Shotcut, or Kdenlive

Common Problems: Video Export or Editing Hiccups

If openshot.exe shows performance issues, freezes, or export failures, review these typical causes and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Unsupported input formats: Convert media to OpenShot-friendly formats or install FFmpeg and enable its path in OpenShot settings.
• Large or complex timelines: Break projects into smaller segments, disable unnecessary effects, and render in segments.
• Outdated software: Update OpenShot to the latest version and ensure FFmpeg is up to date.
• Low disk space: Free up drive space for cache, renders, and backups.
• Corrupted project files: Restore from a recent backup or recover previous autosave versions.
• Missing fonts or assets: Install required fonts and ensure media assets are accessible in project folders.

Related Processes