Is it a Virus?
\u2714 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\\Program Files\\Opera\\operadriver.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Opera\\operadriver.exe
Warning
Not a virus, but misnamed files can mimic it
Ensure the executable is downloaded from Opera's official developer resources
Can I Disable?
\u2714 YES
Terminate tests or close automation runs; operadriver only runs during Selenium sessions
What is operadriver.exe?
operadriver.exe is the standalone WebDriver server used to automate the Opera browser in Selenium tests. It accepts WebDriver commands over HTTP and controls Opera instances for automated testing.
Operadriver serves as a bridge between Selenium WebDriver and the Opera browser, launching sessions and translating JSON commands into browser actions. It communicates on a local port (default 9515) to drive Opera's Chromium engine.
Quick Fact: OperaDriver pairs with the Opera browser to support automated tests in Selenium, leveraging Opera's Chromium-based rendering.
Types of OperaDriver Processes
- Driver Server: The operadriver.exe process that exposes WebDriver endpoints.
- Session Manager: Manages individual WebDriver sessions for test scripts.
- Command Translator: Translates WebDriver JSON commands into Opera actions.
- Opera Launcher: Launches Opera instances used by tests.
- Event Logger: Captures automation events for diagnostics.
- Config Helper: Reads capabilities and options passed by WebDriver.
Is operadriver.exe Safe?
Yes, operadriver.exe is safe when downloaded from official Opera developer resources and used with compatible OperaBrowser versions.
Is operadriver.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate operadriver.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names.
How to Tell if operadriver.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Opera\\operadriver.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Opera\\operadriver.exe. Any operadriver.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click operadriver.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Opera Software ASA" or similar.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low to moderate CPU when active and minimal memory. Persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Operadriver should run only during Selenium sessions. Always-on background operation indicates potential malware.
Red Flags: Operadriver.exe located outside Opera folders (like AppData or Temp), lacks a valid signature, or shows unusual network activity. Scan with updated antivirus and verify source.
Why Is operadriver.exe Running on My PC?
operadriver.exe runs to support automated testing with Selenium when you start Opera automation, and may stay active during a test session.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Automation Session: Tests initiate WebDriver commands; operadriver launches Opera and executes actions.
- Background Test Orchestrator: Test frameworks keep the driver process alive to reuse sessions and speed up runs.
- CI/CD Pipelines: In continuous integration, operadriver is started to drive browsers for automated checks.
- WebDriver Protocol Listening: Operadriver listens on a local port (default 9515) to accept commands from Selenium.
- Logging and Debugging: Diagnostic logging or verbose mode can keep the driver visible in Task Manager.
Can I Disable or Remove operadriver.exe?
Yes, you can disable operadriver.exe. It only runs during automated tests; you can stop CI jobs or close your test scripts. Uninstall OperaDriver if you no longer need WebDriver support.
How to Stop operadriver.exe
- End Selenium Session: Terminate the test script or stop the Selenium server running operadriver.
- Close Opera Instances: Close any Opera windows opened by tests.
- Terminate Driver Process: In Task Manager, locate operadriver.exe and End Task.
- Disable Startup: If you have a test suite starting at boot, disable the automation job.
- Remove Driver: Delete operadriver.exe from the folder you placed it in, or uninstall the package providing it.
How to Uninstall OperaDriver
- ✔ Delete the operadriver executable you downloaded from the Opera developer resources
- ✔ If bundled in a testing framework, remove the driver package (e.g., via npm, pip, or your test tool)
- ✔ Remove any related automation scripts and references to operadriver in your project
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If operadriver.exe is consuming excessive resources during a test run, try the following.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Long-running test with many actions: Optimize tests to reduce unnecessary steps; limit parallel sessions or throttle actions.
- Excessive logging or debug mode: Disable verbose logging in the Selenium script or driver options.
- Stale or flaky tests: Stabilize tests and add explicit waits to avoid unnecessary retries.
- Mismatched driver and Opera version: Download operadriver version compatible with your Opera browser.
- Multiple concurrent sessions: Limit parallel sessions; close idle sessions in test runner.
- Insufficient hardware: Improve RAM/CPU resources or run tests on dedicated hardware.
Quick Fixes:
1. Terminate excess Selenium sessions in your test runner
2. Reduce log level to Error or Warning
3. Ensure operadriver.exe path is correct and not duplicated
4. Update Opera and operadriver to compatible versions
5. Run a clean test run with fewer parallel instances
Frequently Asked Questions
Is operadriver.exe a virus?
No, operadriver.exe from Opera's official sources is not a virus. Verify the file location under C:\\Program Files\\Opera\\operadriver.exe and ensure the signature shows Opera Software ASA.
Why is operadriver.exe using so much CPU?
CPU spikes usually come from long or complex automated tests, many browser actions, or verbose logging. Inspect the Selenium script and reduce parallelism; check with Task Manager to identify the culprit.
Can I delete operadriver.exe?
If you no longer run Selenium tests against Opera, you can delete the operadriver.exe you downloaded. If it's bundled with a testing framework, remove the driver package.
Can I disable operadriver.exe?
Yes. Stop the Selenium server or disable the automation job; operadriver only runs when tests execute.
Why is operadriver.exe running in CI?
CI workflows that test Opera via WebDriver will start operadriver to drive the browser during the test suite.
How do I ensure operadriver.exe matches Opera browser version?
Check Opera version and download a matching operadriver release from Opera's official sources; incompatibilities may cause failures.