Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located at C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC Server\winvnc.exe and be digitally signed by RealVNC Ltd
Warning
Remote access activity expected
RealVNC Server runs as a service to accept incoming connections; unusual traffic or unexpected access may indicate misuse
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Stop or disable the RealVNC Server service to prevent remote connections
What is winvnc.exe?
winvnc.exe is the RealVNC Server executable that enables remote desktop sharing. It runs as a background service or as a standalone process and listens for VNC client connections. RealVNC uses the RFB protocol to transmit screen, keyboard and mouse input between host and remote clients.
winvnc.exe implements the server side of RealVNC, handling authentication, encryption (where configured), and session management. It accepts connections from vncviewer clients, streams desktop output, and relays input events. It may run under Local System or a dedicated service account depending on installation.
Quick Fact: RealVNC Server supports password-based and certificate-based authentication and can run as a Windows service for unattended remote access.
Types of RealVNC Processes
- Server Process: winvnc.exe handles inbound VNC connections and manages sessions
- Viewer Process: vncviewer.exe runs on clients connecting to the server
- Service Wrapper: Windows service that starts and monitors the RealVNC Server
- Security Module: Authentication, encryption, and access control components
- Clipboard Transport: Clipboard sharing between host and remote client
- Transport Layer: RFB encoding/decoding and network transport tasks
Is winvnc.exe Safe?
Yes, winvnc.exe is safe when it comes from RealVNC Ltd and is installed from official RealVNC sources (realvnc.com or bundled with the RealVNC Server product).
Is winvnc.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real winvnc.exe is not a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names. Verify the digital signature and location to confirm legitimacy.
How to Tell if winvnc.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC Server\winvnc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RealVNC\VNC Server\winvnc.exe. Any winvnc.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "RealVNC Ltd".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per session, 60-300 MB total memory. Constant high usage with no remote connection is suspicious.
- Behavior: Server should run as a service or controlled process. If you did not install RealVNC, investigate or remove.
Red Flags: If winvnc.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs without installation, lacks a valid signature, or shows persistent network listening when you expect no remote access, scan with antivirus.
Why Is winvnc.exe Running on My PC?
winvnc.exe запускает сервер RealVNC для поддержки удаленного доступа. Он может работать как сервис и активироваться при старте Windows или по требованию, если вы запускаете RealVNC Server или Viewer.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Sessions: Remote control or screen sharing sessions are active; the server keeps connections open to transmit the desktop and inputs.
- Background Service: RealVNC Server runs as a Windows service to accept connections even when not actively opened by a user.
- Startup Service: The RealVNC Server service is configured to start automatically at boot, enabling unattended remote access.
- Network Listening: The server is listening on VNC ports (default 5900) for incoming client connections.
- Health Checks: Server performs self-monitoring and auto-recovery tasks to maintain remote session stability.
Can I Disable or Remove winvnc.exe?
Yes, you can disable winvnc.exe. Stopping the RealVNC Server service will prevent remote connections. You can uninstall RealVNC Server if you no longer need remote access.
How to Stop winvnc.exe
- Stop Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate RealVNC Server, and click Stop
- Stop via RealVNC Console: Use RealVNC Server's control panel to stop the server service
- Disable Startup: In Services, set RealVNC Server to Disabled to prevent startup
- Firewall Considerations: If you still need VNC tooling, adjust firewall rules to block inbound 5900/5901
- Confirm No Remaining Processes: Open Task Manager to ensure winvnc.exe or related RealVNC processes are no longer running
How to Uninstall RealVNC Server
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RealVNC Server → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RealVNC Server → Uninstall
- ✔ If you only need the viewer, install RealVNC Viewer instead or choose another remote access tool
Common Problems: RealVNC Server and winvnc.exe
If winvnc.exe is causing issues, review common remote-access problems and practical fixes specific to RealVNC Server.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Server not accepting connections: Check that RealVNC Server service is running, verify port 5900 is open, and ensure passwords and permissions are set correctly.
- High CPU with idle connections: Limit active sessions, disable unused viewers, and confirm encryption settings; check for outdated client software.
- Connection refused by firewall: Add an inbound rule for TCP ports 5900 and 5901, or temporarily disable firewall to test connectivity.
- No password prompt: Ensure the server configuration requires a password, update to latest RealVNC Server, and verify user access control lists.
- Clipboard sharing not working: Enable clipboard integration in both server and viewer configurations; restart the server after changes.
- Server not starting after reboot: Check Windows Service startup type, ensure the user account has permission to run the service, and verify dependencies.
Quick Fixes:
1. Verify RealVNC Server service is running in Services (services.msc)
2. Open RealVNC Server control panel and confirm settings (password, port, encryption)
3. Temporarily disable firewall or add inbound rules for 5900/5901
4. Restart RealVNC Server service
5. Update both server and viewer to latest RealVNC versions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winvnc.exe safe and legitimate for RealVNC Server?
Yes. winvnc.exe is the RealVNC Server executable. Confirm it is located in C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC Server and signed by RealVNC Ltd to ensure authenticity.
Why is RealVNC Server starting at Windows boot?
RealVNC Server often runs as a Windows service to provide unattended remote access. You can disable startup in Services (services.msc) or through the RealVNC Server control panel.
How do I secure RealVNC Server to prevent unauthorized access?
Enable password authentication, use encryption where available, restrict allowed IPs, and keep both server and viewer updated to the latest versions.
Can I run RealVNC Server without a constant internet connection?
Yes, you can run in LAN-only mode or restrict connections to internal networks; ensure firewalls and routers permit only authorized hosts.
How do I restart or reset RealVNC Server after configuration changes?
Restart the RealVNC Server service (services.msc) or use the RealVNC Server control panel to apply changes and restart the server.
What should I do if I cannot connect from a VNC viewer?
Check that the server is running, verify the correct IP/hostname and port, ensure password is correct, and review firewall rules on both ends.