Quick Answer
outriders.exe is safe. It's the legitimate game executable for Outriders, launched via the official launcher with separate processes for the game, updates, and anti-cheat.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must reside in C:\Program Files\Outriders\outriders.exe
Warning
Multiple game-related processes
Launcher, Updater, Anti-Cheat, and Main Game run as separate processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close the game or disable auto-start in the launcher; not recommended to delete files
What is outriders.exe?
outriders.exe is the executable for Outriders, a cooperative action RPG shooter. The game uses a launcher and a main game process, spawning separate sub-processes for anti-cheat, updates, and asset streaming. This multi-process setup helps stability, security, and smoother multiplayer sessions.
Outriders uses a multi-process model where the launcher, main game process, and anti-cheat service run separately to improve stability and security. The main game handles gameplay logic and rendering, while background services manage updates and cloud saves.
Quick Fact: Outriders relies on a launcher to validate files and patch the game; the main game runs in its own process, with anti-cheat often loaded as a separate background service.
Types of Outriders Processes
- Launcher Process: Handles startup, authentication, and patching.
- Main Game Process: Runs gameplay, rendering, and user input.
- Anti-Cheat Process: Easy Anti-Cheat service operating in a separate process.
- Updater/Downloader Process: Downloads patches and updates in the background.
- Asset Streaming/Background Service: Manages streaming assets and cloud save sync.
Is outriders.exe Safe?
Yes, outriders.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Square Enix/People Can Fly downloaded from official sources (via the Outriders launcher, Steam, or Epic Games Store).
Is outriders.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real outriders.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names; verify with file location and publisher.
How to Tell if outriders.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Outriders\outriders.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Outriders\outriders.exe. Any outriders.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click outriders.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Square Enix" or "People Can Fly".
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 3-20% CPU during play, 2-8 GB memory. Extremely high usage when not actively playing is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Outriders should start via the launcher and run when you launch the game. If it runs continuously without a launcher, investigate.
Red Flags: If outriders.exe is located outside C:\Program Files\Outriders, runs at startup without the launcher, lacks a valid signature, or uses excessive resources when idle, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly named files like "outriders64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is outriders.exe Running on My PC?
outriders.exe runs when you start Outriders or when the launcher is configured to run in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Game Session: You're in an active Outriders session; the main game process is running to handle gameplay, rendering, and input.
- Launcher Auto-Start: The Outriders launcher may be configured to start with Windows or login to manage updates and patch checks.
- Anti-Cheat Service: Easy Anti-Cheat runs as a separate background process to monitor gameplay integrity.
- Background Sync: The launcher may perform cloud save synchronization or inventory checks in the background.
- Updates and Patch Checks: The updater component periodically checks for patches, downloads, and applies fixes even when not actively playing.
Can I Disable or Remove outriders.exe?
Yes, you can disable outriders.exe. It's safe to close the game; to fully disable, disable auto-start in the launcher or Windows startup; to remove completely, uninstall Outriders via Steam or Epic Games Store.
How to Stop outriders.exe
- End Game Sessions: Close the game or use the launcher to exit all active sessions.
- Close the Launcher: Quit the Outriders launcher or the Steam/Epic client if you launched from there.
- Prevent Startup: In Windows, open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Outriders launcher; or disable launcher auto-start in its settings.
- Stop Background Updates: In the launcher settings, disable background patch checks or automatic updates.
- Uninstall If Desired: Windows Settings → Apps → Outriders → Uninstall (or via Steam/Epic platform uninstall).
How to Uninstall Outriders
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Outriders → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Outriders → Uninstall
- ✔ If using Steam: Steam Library → Right-click Outriders → Manage → Uninstall
- ✔ If using Epic Games, open Epic Games Launcher → Library → Outriders → Install (or Uninstall if available)
Common Problems: Crashes, Performance, and Connectivity
If outriders.exe is causing issues like crashes, low FPS, or network problems, check these common causes and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Corrupted game files: Verify integrity of game files via Steam/Epic/Launcher; reinstall if needed.
- Outdated graphics drivers: Update GPU drivers from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel websites or via GeForce Experience/AMD Radeon Software.
- In-game settings too high: Lower resolution, textures, and shadow quality; enable performance presets.
- Background overlays or overlays: Disable Discord/Steam overlay and other overlays that may cause input lag.
- Antivirus interferences: Whitelist outriders.exe and launcher in antivirus software.
- Poor network conditions: Check NAT type, use wired connection, and verify server status for Outriders.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Launch the game launcher and run a validate/repair.
3. Update graphics drivers to the latest version.
4. Lower in-game graphics settings for smoother performance.
5. Disable unnecessary background apps and overlays.
6. Restart the PC to reset resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is outriders.exe safe?
Yes, outriders.exe is safe when it’s the legitimate game file installed through official channels (Outriders launcher, Steam, or Epic Games). Verify its location under C:\Program Files\Outriders and ensure the digital signature matches Square Enix/People Can Fly.
Why is outriders.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage can occur during intense combat, large numbers of enemies, or streaming assets. Check in-game tasks, verify driver updates, and consider lowering graphical presets or enabling performance mode.
Can I delete outriders.exe?
You should not delete outriders.exe while you want to keep the game. To remove it, uninstall Outriders via Windows Settings or the launcher (Steam/Epic). Your saved progress will depend on cloud sync or local save settings.
Can I disable outriders.exe?
Yes. You can close the game, disable launcher auto-start, and turn off background checks in the launcher. This will prevent the game from running automatically.
Why does Outriders start at startup?
Some users configure the launcher to start with Windows to check for updates automatically. Disable startup in Task Manager → Startup or in the launcher settings to prevent automatic launches.
Where are Outriders save files stored?
Save files are typically stored in your user profile under AppData or within the game’s saved games directory, often managed by the launcher or Steam/Epic. Check AppData\Local\Outriders or the launcher’s save location settings.