Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)\Telemetry\reaper-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry can start with REAPER
Most usage events are collected per session and are anonymized
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable via REAPER Preferences or firewall if needed
What is reaper-telemetry.exe?
reaper-telemetry.exe is a small background service embedded with REAPER that collects anonymous usage statistics, performance metrics, and crash-related events to help Cockos improve the DAW. It runs alongside REAPER and can be turned off or limited by user preferences.
It operates as a separate, minimal process that aggregates session events, plugin activity, and crash data, then transmits compact, anonymized payloads over HTTPS to Cockos telemetry endpoints. Privacy-conscious design and opt-out options are provided.
Quick Fact: Telemetry data is designed to be anonymized and rate-limited to protect user privacy.
Types of REAPER Telemetry Activity
- Session Metrics: Aggregates performance and usage data from a REAPER session
- Crash Reporting: Captures crash events to aid debugging and fixes
- Plugin Activity: Records plugin interactions for compatibility improvements
- Version & Environment: Sends build, OS, and configuration info for analytics
Is reaper-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, reaper-telemetry.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Cockos installed with REAPER from official sources. If you downloaded REAPER from an untrusted source, verify digital signatures and location.
Is reaper-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real reaper-telemetry.exe is not a virus. Malware could mimic names; always verify the file path and signature.
How to Tell if reaper-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)\Telemetry\ or alongside the REAPER installation. Any telemetry executable elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click reaper-telemetry.exe → Open file location → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Cockos, LLC".
- Resource Usage:: Typical idle CPU < 5% and memory under 60 MB. Abnormally high usage when REAPER is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior:: Telemetry should not perform network calls without REAPER running or user opt-in; unexpected activity warrants scanning.
Red Flags: If reaper-telemetry.exe is found outside the REAPER directory, lacks a valid signature, or runs without REAPER being active, run antivirus/anti-malware scans and verify with Cockos support.
Why Is reaper-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
reaper-telemetry.exe runs to collect anonymous usage and stability data to help improve REAPER. It may start when REAPER is active or when user opt-ins are enabled for telemetry.
Reasons it's running:
- Active REAPER Session: Telemetry runs to associate data with the current REAPER session and report performance metrics.
- Crash Reporting Enabled: If crash reporting is enabled, telemetry captures crash events to aid debugging.
- Background Data Sync: Telemetry can perform background data aggregation while REAPER is running.
- Recent Update or Install: New REAPER installs or updates may trigger telemetry initialization for sanity checks.
- User Opt-In: Telemetry may run when the user has explicitly opted-in to data collection in preferences.
Can I Disable or Remove reaper-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable reaper-telemetry. It is safe to disable telemetry; REAPER will operate normally without sending usage data.
How to Stop reaper-telemetry
- Disable Telemetry in REAPER: Open REAPER → Options (or Preferences) → General → Telemetry, and turn off 'Submit usage data' or similar setting.
- Close REAPER: Exit all REAPER windows to ensure telemetry stops.
- End Telemetry Process: Open Task Manager → Details → locate reaper-telemetry.exe → End Task.
- Block Networking (Optional): Use a firewall to block outbound connections for reaper-telemetry.exe if needed.
- Uninstall REAPER (Last Resort): If you wish to remove all components, uninstall REAPER; note this removes the DAW as well.
How to Uninstall REAPER Telemetry (via REAPER uninstall)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → REAPER → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → REAPER → Uninstall
- ✔ If you only want to remove telemetry, use REAPER preferences to disable data collection and keep the DAW installed
Common Problems: Telemetry Causes High Resource Usage or Connectivity Issues
If reaper-telemetry.exe exhibits abnormal behavior, refer to these common problems and fixes related specifically to REAPER telemetry.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry enabled during heavy REAPER sessions: Reduce telemetry data scope in Preferences or update to a newer REAPER build with fan-out optimizations.
- Telemetry attempting to run without REAPER: Ensure REAPER is closed or telemetry is disabled; check for stray processes and terminate if needed.
- Firewall or antivirus blocking telemetry traffic: Allow reaper-telemetry.exe in firewall rules or temporarily disable security software to test.
- Outdated REAPER or telemetry module: Update REAPER to the latest stable version which includes telemetry improvements.
- Unstable plugins affecting telemetry: Disable suspect plugins or run REAPER without plugins to see if telemetry behavior changes.
- Privacy settings not saved: Reset telemetry settings in REAPER and re-apply opt-in/opt-out choices; restart REAPER.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open REAPER Task Manager, identify reaper-telemetry.exe and terminate if necessary
3. Disable telemetry in REAPER preferences and restart the application
4. Update REAPER to the latest build from the official website
5. Check firewall settings and allow telemetry traffic if you want to keep it enabled
6. If issues persist, reinstall REAPER
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reaper-telemetry.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate reaper-telemetry.exe is part of REAPER’s telemetry system provided by Cockos. Always verify its location at C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)\Telemetry and the digital signature from Cockos, LLC.
What data does reaper-telemetry.exe collect?
It collects anonymous usage data, performance metrics, plugin interactions, and crash events. Data is anonymized and not tied to individual project files unless you explicitly opt-in to additional reporting.
Can I disable reaper-telemetry.exe?
Yes. Disable in REAPER Preferences under Telemetry, or block network access via firewall. Telemetry can be turned off without impacting core audio capabilities.
Where does the telemetry data go?
Telemetry data is sent to Cockos telemetry endpoints via HTTPS. Data is designed to be anonymized and used to improve REAPER features, stability, and performance.
Will turning off telemetry affect my projects or settings?
No. Disabling telemetry only stops data reporting and does not affect project files, audio rendering, or real-time performance of REAPER itself.
How do I completely remove telemetry from REAPER?
Uninstall REAPER from Windows Settings → Apps or Control Panel, or keep REAPER installed and disable telemetry via Preferences. There is no separate telemetry-only uninstaller.