Opera Browser
opera.exe is safe. It's the main executable for Opera Browser, a Chromium-based web browser developed by Opera Software with built-in VPN and ad blocker features.
opera.exe is the main executable file for Opera Browser, a Chromium-based web browser developed by Opera Software. Opera is known for its built-in VPN, ad blocker, battery saver mode, and integrated messengers, offering features that distinguish it from other mainstream browsers.
Like other Chromium-based browsers, Opera uses a multi-process architecture to improve stability and security. Each tab, extension, and browser feature runs in its own process, so you'll typically see multiple opera.exe instances in Task Manager when the browser is open.
Quick Fact: Opera was one of the first browsers to introduce tabbed browsing and is particularly popular among gamers due to its Opera GX variant, which is specifically optimized for gaming with resource limiters and Twitch integration.
Yes, opera.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Opera Browser application installed from the official Opera website or a trusted source.
The real opera.exe is NOT a virus. It's a legitimate web browser application developed by Opera Software AS, a reputable Norwegian technology company.
C:\Program Files\Opera\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\. Any opera.exe elsewhere is suspicious. Red Flags: Be suspicious if opera.exe is located in C:\Windows\System32, Temp folders, or if it runs when Opera isn't open. Malware sometimes disguises itself using browser names.
opera.exe runs automatically because you have Opera Browser installed and either actively using it or it's set to run background processes.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can disable opera.exe. Since Opera is a third-party application (not a Windows system component), you can close, disable, or completely uninstall it without affecting Windows functionality.
Note: Disabling or removing Opera will not harm your system. You can always reinstall it later from opera.com if needed.
If opera.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unnecessary tabs and suspend background tabs
2. Disable or remove problematic extensions
3. Update Opera to the latest version
4. Clear cache and browsing data
5. Try Opera GX for better resource management controls
No, opera.exe is not a virus. It's the legitimate executable for Opera Browser. However, verify it's located in C:\Program Files\Opera\ and digitally signed by Opera Software AS. If it's elsewhere or behaves suspiciously, scan with antivirus software.
High CPU usage is typically caused by too many open tabs, resource-intensive websites, problematic extensions, or outdated browser versions. Close unused tabs, disable extensions, and update Opera. Opera typically uses less CPU than Chrome, so excessive usage warrants investigation.
Yes, you can delete opera.exe by uninstalling Opera Browser through Windows Settings > Apps. Since Opera is not a system component, removing it won't affect Windows. You can use alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge instead.
Yes, you can disable opera.exe by closing the browser, disabling background processes in Opera settings, or removing it from Windows startup programs in Task Manager. This is completely safe as Opera is an optional third-party application.
Opera may be configured to launch at startup for faster browser access or to run background processes. Disable this in Task Manager > Startup tab by right-clicking Opera and selecting "Disable," or in Opera Settings > Advanced > System by toggling off startup options.
Opera uses a multi-process architecture where each tab, extension, and browser component runs in a separate process. This improves stability and security—if one tab crashes, it doesn't bring down the entire browser. This is normal behavior for Chromium-based browsers.
Opera typically uses 200-1500 MB of RAM depending on the number of tabs and extensions. Opera is known for being more memory-efficient than Chrome. If usage seems excessive, close unused tabs, use tab suspension, or try Opera GX which includes RAM limiter features.