Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Plex\Plex Media Server\PlexTelemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry runs as background processes
Multiple lightweight processes may appear; this is expected for anonymized data collection
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable in Plex Settings > Privacy > Telemetry. You can also stop the Plex Media Server service if needed.
What is plex-telemetry-exe?
plex-telemetry-exe is Plex's telemetry component that runs in the background to collect anonymized usage data, device information, and streaming statistics while you use Plex. It helps Plex improve performance, reliability, and feature development without exposing your media content.
Plex telemetry operates as a small, low-resource background service. It collects non-identifying metrics such as app version, platform, session counts, and basic device information, and sends encrypted data to Plex servers for analysis.
Quick Fact: Plex introduced telemetry to optimize streaming quality; data is anonymized by design and can be disabled if you prefer greater privacy.
Types of Plex Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Service: Core background process that coordinates data collection
- Data Collector: Packages usage data for transmission
- Update Helper: Relays telemetry related to updates and feature usage
- Diagnostics Runner: Executes health checks and reports status to Plex
- Background Sync Agent: Synchronizes anonymized metrics with Plex servers
- Utility Process: Handles networking and logging tasks
Is plex-telemetry-exe Safe?
Yes, plex-telemetry-exe is safe when it's the legitimate Plex telemetry component installed by Plex, and located in the official Plex Media Server directory.
Is plex-telemetry-exe a Virus or Malware?
The real plex-telemetry-exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names; verify path and signature to confirm.
How to Tell if plex-telemetry-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Plex\Plex Media Server\PlexTelemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Plex\Plex Media Server\PlexTelemetry.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer or Task Manager -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show Plex, Inc. as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is about 1-5% CPU and 20-60 MB memory when the system is idle.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run in the background and only when Plex is installed or running; persistent activity when Plex is closed may indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If plex-telemetry-exe is found outside the Plex directories (like AppData, Temp, or System32), lacks a valid signature, or consistently uses high resources, run a full antivirus/malware scan.
Why Is plex-telemetry-exe Running on My PC?
plex-telemetry-exe runs to report anonymized usage data to Plex servers, help diagnose issues, and improve features. It may run even when Plex UI is not visible.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Plex Use: Plex is actively streaming, organizing libraries, or playing media; telemetry collects anonymized metrics during sessions.
- Background Data Reporting: Telemetry transmits non-identifying metrics in the background to help Plex optimize performance.
- Startup and Scheduling: Plex Media Server can start on system boot or when Plex is launched, which starts the telemetry components.
- Background Sync: Telemetry may run to report data about synchronization of libraries, watches, and account settings.
- Diagnostics and Feature Improvements: Collected metrics help Plex identify issues and improve streaming quality and user experience.
Can I Disable or Remove plex-telemetry-exe?
Yes, you can disable plex telemetry. You can turn off data collection in Plex settings, and you can stop or uninstall Plex Media Server if desired.
How to Stop plex-telemetry-exe
- Open Plex Settings: In Plex, go to Settings > Privacy > Telemetry and switch off 'Send usage data'.
- Stop Plex Media Server: Windows: open Services (services.msc) and stop 'Plex Media Server'.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > disable Plex Media Server startup entry.
- Block Telemetry (Optional): Create an outbound firewall rule for PlexTelemetry.exe to block data sending.
- Uninstall Plex (Optional): If you prefer, uninstall Plex Media Server from Settings > Apps, or Control Panel.
How to Uninstall Plex Telemetry
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Plex Media Server → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Plex Media Server → Uninstall
- ✔ Reinstall Plex with telemetry disabled if desired (or switch to a different media server setup)
Common Problems: High CPU or Network Usage
If plex-telemetry-exe is consuming noticeable resources or network bandwidth:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent data transmissions during heavy Plex activity: Ensure telemetry settings allow only essential data; update Plex; consider turning off non‑essential diagnostics in Settings.
- Background tasks or syncing: Disable optional background sync in Plex settings and review account synchronization options.
- Network congestion or firewall interference: Check firewall rules and schedule transmissions during off-peak hours; ensure network QoS settings are not throttling Plex.
- Outdated Plex version: Update Plex Media Server to the latest version; telemetry improvements may reduce resource usage.
- Misconfigured telemetry: Reset telemetry preferences in Plex settings or reinstall Plex Media Server.
- Malware masquerading as telemetry: Run full antivirus scan and verify PlexTelemetry.exe path and signature.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Plex Settings → Privacy → Telemetry and turn off sending usage data
2. Restart Plex Media Server
3. Check Task Manager for PlexTelemetry.exe activity and end unnecessary processes
4. Update Plex to the latest version
5. If needed, block PlexTelemetry.exe in your firewall or disable startup
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plex-telemetry-exe?
PlexTelemetry.exe is the telemetry component of Plex Media Server that collects anonymized usage data to help Plex improve performance and reliability. It runs in the background and can be disabled.
Is plex telemetry safe?
Yes, when obtained from Plex and located in the Plex Media Server directory. Telemetry collects non-identifying data and can be disabled via Plex settings.
Why is plex-telemetry-exe running in Windows?
Because Plex Media Server is installed and telemetry components run in the background to report usage statistics, diagnostics, and feature usage.
Can I disable plex-telemetry-exe without affecting Plex?
Yes. Disable telemetry in Plex Settings > Privacy > Telemetry. You can also stop the Plex Media Server service if necessary.
Where is plex-telemetry-exe located on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Plex\Plex Media Server\PlexTelemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Plex\Plex Media Server\PlexTelemetry.exe.
Does telemetry collect personal data?
Telemetry is designed to collect anonymized usage metrics and does not include personal media content unless you opt-in to sending diagnostics.