Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\RemNote\RemNote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RemNote\RemNote.exe
Warning
Multiple processes expected
RemNote uses a main process plus renderer/background processes; if you see many RemNote processes, it's normal.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the app to stop processes; disable startup in Task Manager if desired
What is remnote.exe?
remnote.exe is the executable for the RemNote desktop application. It launches the Electron-based UI, coordinates local note storage, and manages background syncing with the RemNote cloud. The desktop client enables offline editing and fast access to your knowledge base while keeping data synchronized when online.
RemNote’s architecture runs a main process and several renderers, plus a background sync service that uploads changes to RemNote servers. This multi-process approach improves responsiveness and stability, while sandboxing note data for safety.
Quick Fact: RemNote pioneered its desktop multi-process approach to keep note editing fast and resilient against single-tab crashes.
Types of RemNote Processes
- Main Process: Controls the app UI and core logic (single instance)
- Renderer Process: Renders each open note or document window
- Sync Service: Handles cloud synchronization and conflict resolution
- Updater Service: Checks for and applies RemNote updates
- Local DB / Cache: Manages local storage, indexing, and quick access to notes
Is remnote.exe Safe?
Yes, remnote.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from RemNote downloaded from official sources (remnote.io or the official app installer).
Is remnote.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real remnote.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names. Always verify location and signature.
How to Tell if remnote.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\RemNote\RemNote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RemNote\RemNote.exe. Any remnote.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "RemNote, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per process, 60-180 MB total memory during typical use. Extremely high or constant usage outside active use is suspicious.
- Behavior: RemNote should run when you open the app or when background sync is active. If it launches without user action, run a malware scan.
Red Flags: If remnote.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming) or lacks a valid signature, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files like 'remnote.exe' in untrusted directories.
Why Is remnote.exe Running on My PC?
remnote.exe runs when you launch the RemNote desktop app or when background synchronization is enabled. It may also start a background updater or a system tray helper.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Note Editing: You are editing or viewing notes; renderer processes run to display content and respond quickly.
- Background Sync: Notebook changes are synced to RemNote servers to keep devices up to date.
- Startup Launch: RemNote is configured to start with Windows or your OS login to provide immediate access.
- Update / Updater: An updater service may run to check for and apply new versions of the desktop app.
- System Tray / Background Tasks: A tray helper or background tasks keep notifications and offline edits ready even when the UI is minimized.
Can I Disable or Remove remnote.exe?
Yes, you can disable remnote.exe. It's safe to close RemNote when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different note-taking solution.
How to Stop remnote.exe
- Close Active Windows: Close all RemNote windows to end most UI processes
- Quit from Tray: Use the system tray icon to exit RemNote completely
- End Task: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate remnote.exe, right-click → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable RemNote
- Pause Background Sync: In RemNote Settings → Advanced → Sync, disable background sync temporarily
How to Uninstall RemNote
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RemNote → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RemNote → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative note apps: Obsidian, Notion, Obsidian.md
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If remnote.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Open Notes: Close unused notes or groups; consider splitting large notes into smaller sections
- Background Sync Activity: Pause or limit background sync in Settings; ensure stable network
- Outdated RemNote Version: Update RemNote to the latest version via Settings → Help → Check for updates
- Conflicting Extensions or Plugins: Disable or remove extensions that integrate with RemNote or modify the UI
- Corrupted Local Cache: Reset app state from Settings → Advanced → Reset App State (note: this may remove local edits not synced)
- Antivirus Interference: Add RemNote to antivirus allowlist and perform a clean scan
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused notes or windows to reduce renderer load
2. Pause background syncing in RemNote Settings
3. Restart RemNote and allow it to reinitialize
4. Check for updates to ensure optimal performance
5. If issues persist, reset app state or reinstall RemNote
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remnote.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate remnote.exe is safe when sourced from RemNote's official installer. Verify location at C:\Program Files\RemNote\RemNote.exe (or C:\Program Files (x86)\RemNote\RemNote.exe) and ensure the digital signature shows 'RemNote, Inc.'.
Why is remnote.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage spikes can occur during heavy editing, syncing large notebooks, or when many renderers are active. Check RemNote Task Manager (in-app) to identify heavy notes or plugins, then close or optimize those items.
Can I uninstall remnote.exe?
Yes. Uninstall RemNote via Windows Settings → Apps → RemNote → Uninstall. Your cloud notes will remain accessible if you sign in on another device; local copies will be removed unless synced.
Can RemNote run offline?
RemNote supports offline editing with local storage. Changes sync to the cloud once an internet connection is available, keeping your notebook up to date across devices.
How do I disable RemNote at startup?
Open Task Manager → Startup tab → locate RemNote and click Disable. This prevents automatic startup but does not uninstall the software.
Where is remnote.exe located on Windows?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files\RemNote\RemNote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RemNote\RemNote.exe. If you find remnote.exe elsewhere, be cautious and scan for malware.