Is it a Virus?
714 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe
Can I Disable?
YES - You can disable the HID service, but devices may stop functioning until you re-enable it
Disabling may stop peripheral input, lighting, macros, and profile loading
Where is razerhid.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe
Location and safety verification help confirm legitimacy
What is razerhid.exe?
razerhid.exe is the Windows service/driver component for Razer peripherals that enables HID communication between Razers hardware and the operating system. It runs alongside Razers Synapse software to support device discovery, input routing, lighting control, and macro execution for supported devices.
This component handles device enumeration, input events, lighting commands, and profile application. It runs with user-mode privileges and collaborates with the kernel input stack to deliver low-latency responses.
Quick Fact: Razer HID is part of the Synapse driver stack and may run as a background service to ensure instant device responsiveness when peripherals are connected.
Types of Razer HID Processes
- HID Driver Service: Core service handling communication with connected Razers HID devices
- Device Enumeration Process: Discovers Razers peripherals and registers them with the OS
- Input Routing Process: Routes button presses, DPI changes, and macro commands to devices
- Lighting Control Process: Applies lighting profiles and effects to Razers devices
- Firmware Update Process: Manages firmware updates for supported HID devices
- Telemetry/Diagnostics: Collects safe diagnostic data (if enabled) for Razers support
Is razerhid.exe Safe?
Yes, razerhid.exe is safe when it originates from Razers official software installed by Razers Synapse and is located in the legitimate program folders.
Is razerhid.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real razerhid.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names; always verify location and signature.
How to Tell if razerhid.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe. Any razerhid.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click
razerhid.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid Razers signature such as "Razer USA Ltd" or "Razer Inc.".
- Resource Usage:: Idle CPU usage should be low (a few percent at most) and memory under 100 MB. Sustained high usage with no Razers software is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Razer HID runs when peripherals are connected or Razers Synapse is active. Persistent background activity without a legitimate Razers install is a red flag.
Red Flags: If razerhid.exe is found in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs without Razers software, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses unusual resources, scan immediately. Beware of similarly named files such as "razerhid.dll" or "razerhid64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is razerhid.exe Running on My PC?
razerhid.exe runs to support Razers peripherals whenever you connect devices or Razers Synapse is managing profiles and lighting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Peripheral Use: You're using Razers hardware (keyboard, mouse, or headset) and HID needs to process input and lighting in real time.
- Background Synapse Tasks: Razer Synapse runs background tasks to apply profiles, macros, and lighting effects even when you are not actively interacting with a device.
- Startup Launch: Razer software is configured to start with Windows so devices are ready when you connect them.
- Driver and Firmware Maintenance: The HID service may update drivers or firmware for supported devices as part of Synapse maintenance.
- Lighting Synchronization: The HID process ensures consistent lighting across multiple Razers and profiles across devices.
Can I Disable or Remove razerhid.exe?
Yes, you can disable razerhid.exe. However, doing so may disable device input, lighting, macros, and profile loading for Razers peripherals.
How to Stop razerhid.exe
- Close Razer Synapse: Exit the Razer Synapse application to stop associated background tasks.
- Stop the Razer HID Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'Razer HID Service', right-click, and choose Stop.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > locate Razer HID Service and Razer Synapse, set to Disabled.
- Uninstall or Reconfigure: If you still want no HID support, uninstall Razers software or modify its device settings to disable HID loading.
- Reboot: Restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.
How to Uninstall RazER HID Software
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Razer Synapse → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Razer Synapse → Uninstall
- ✔ If you only want device features offline, disable HID loading via Razers software settings before uninstalling
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If razerhid.exe is consuming excessive resources or acting unexpectedly:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Multiple Razers or Complex Profiles: Each connected device and profile increases HID workload; simplify setups or disable unused devices/macros
- Background Lighting: Intense lighting effects can raise HID activity; reduce or optimize lighting in Synapse
- Outdated Driver/Software: Update Razers Synapse and HID drivers to the latest version
- Conflicting HID Software: Disable other HID-related software (e.g., other macro tools) that may compete for input handling
- Malformed Profiles: Reset or recreate lighting/macro profiles to remove corrupted instructions
- Malware or PUP: Ensure Razers software is installed from official sources; scan for malware if suspicious
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Razer Synapse Task Manager (or Windows Task Manager) and identify high-usage devices
3. 2. Update or reinstall Razers Synapse to ensure drivers are current
4. 3. Disable unnecessary lighting profiles and macros
5. 4. Disconnect unused Razers devices to reduce load
6. 5. Check for conflicts with other HID drivers or macro software
Frequently Asked Questions
Is razerhid.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate razerhid.exe is part of the official Razer Synapse HID driver. Verify location and digital signature in Properties to confirm authenticity.
Why does razerhid.exe run at startup?
Razer HID runs at startup to ensure peripherals are ready when you plug them in, and profiles can be applied immediately by Synapse.
Can I disable razerhid.exe without losing features?
Disabling may disable input and lighting for Razers devices. You can stop it temporarily through Services, but restore functionality by re-enabling.
Where is razerhid.exe located?
Typical installations place it under C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\HID\razerhid.exe.
How do I fix high CPU usage from razerhid.exe?
Identify heavy devices in Synapse Task Manager, disable unnecessary profiles/macros, update drivers, or temporarily unplug devices to reduce load.
Do I need Razers Synapse installed to use razerhid.exe?
Yes. The HID service is part of Razers Synapse ecosystem; removing Synapse usually removes razerhid.exe functionality.