Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server or C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server
Warning
RTSS often runs with MSI Afterburner
Two components work together: RTSS for OSD/capping and Afterburner for GPU control
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close RTSS or disable its startup; it will stop OSD and FPS overlay
What is RTSS.exe?
riva-tuner-exe refers to the RivaTuner Statistics Server executable (RTSS). RTSS provides on-screen display (OSD) of real-time FPS, frame times, and hardware metrics while offering frame-rate limiting. It is commonly bundled with MSI Afterburner and runs as a lightweight background service.
RTSS hooks into graphics APIs (DirectX/OpenGL) to render overlays without altering game content. It reads telemetry from the GPU driver and system sensors, delivering precise performance data and optional frame-rate capping.
Quick Fact: RTSS pioneered many OSD and frame-rate control features in the early 2000s and remains a staple for enthusiasts seeking granular in-game telemetry.
Types of RTSS Processes
- RTSS Core Process: Core service for OSD rendering and frame-rate limiting (RTSS.exe)
- OSD Overlay Thread: Renders on-screen statistics over games and full-screen apps
- Configuration Loader: Loads user profiles and per-game settings
- Telemetry Reader: Collects GPU/CPU temperatures and clock data from drivers
Is rtss.exe Safe?
Yes, rtss.exe is safe when it's the legitimate RTSS binary from the MSI Afterburner/RTSS package downloaded from official sources.
Is rtss.exe a Virus or Malware?
The genuine rtss.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade with RTSS-like names; always verify digital signatures and location.
How to Tell if rtss.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server\ or C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server\. Any rtss.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "MSI Afterburner Team" or a trusted vendor associated with RTSS.
- Resource Usage: Normal RTSS usage is typically 0.5-3% CPU and 30-120 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: RTSS should not interfere with system stability. If it exhibits unexpected network activity or crashes freely, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If rtss.exe is located in unusual folders, runs when you don't use the overlay, has no digital signature, or consumes resources constantly, scan with antivirus and verify source from the MSI/RTSS official distribution.
Why Is rtss.exe Running on My PC?
RTSS runs to provide real-time telemetry overlays and optional frame-rate limiting. It may start when you launch a game, or when MSI Afterburner or RTSS auto-start is enabled.
Reasons it's running:
- Active In-Game Telemetry: You are running a game or application that requests OSD data; RTSS injects overlays for FPS and timing.
- Overlay/Frame-Rate Limiting Enabled: RTSS is actively monitoring and capping frame rates to maintain consistency and reduce tearing.
- Startup or Background Activation: RTSS is configured to start with Windows or with MSI Afterburner, causing it to run in the background even when not gaming.
- MSI Afterburner Integration: RTSS is bundled with MSI Afterburner and may start alongside its GUI, giving quick access to performance controls.
- Profile or Game-Specific Settings: RTSS loads per-game profiles, which can cause it to start or stay resident when switching titles.
Can I Disable or Remove rtss.exe?
Yes, you can disable rtss.exe. You can disable overlays or the startup option; uninstall RTSS/MSI Afterburner if you no longer need them.
How to Stop rtss.exe
- Close Overlays: Open RTSS/OSD interface and disable overlays for all games, or quit RTSS manually
- End RTSS Task: Open Windows Task Manager → Details → rtss.exe → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable RTSS or MSI Afterburner
- Disable Background Execution: In MSI Afterburner or RTSS, uncheck 'Start with Windows' and 'Start with system' options
- Uninstall RTSS: Uninstall RTSS via Programs and Features or from MSI Afterburner package
How to Uninstall RTSS
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RTSS / RivaTuner Statistics Server → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RTSS / RivaTuner Statistics Server → Uninstall
- ✔ If bundled with MSI Afterburner, consider uninstalling MSI Afterburner entirely
Common Problems: Overlay Not Showing or Crashes
If RTSS seems unresponsive or overlays are missing, try the following targeted fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Overlay Disabled: Open RTSS and ensure the overlay is enabled for the target game and the OS overlay is allowed by your OS.
- Incompatible Game: Update RTSS to a version supporting your game's DirectX/OpenGL API, or run in compatibility mode.
- Driver/Software Conflicts: Update GPU drivers and disable conflicting overlay software (e.g., conflicting capture tools).
- MSI Afterburner Conflicts: Update both MSI Afterburner and RTSS; ensure per-game profiles are correct to avoid overlaps.
- OS Permissions: Run RTSS as administrator to allow overlay rendering in full-screen applications.
- Configuration Corruption: Reset RTSS settings to default, re-add the target game, and reconfigure overlays.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open RTSS → enable overlay for the game
2. Update RTSS and MSI Afterburner to the latest version
3. Run the game in borderless windowed mode to improve overlay stability
4. Disable other capture/overlay software temporarily
5. Run RTSS as administrator
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rtss.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate rtss.exe from RTSS/MSI Afterburner is not a virus. Verify the location is C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server or C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server and check the digital signature.
Why is rtss.exe using so much CPU?
RTSS typically uses very little CPU. High CPU can indicate misconfiguration, conflicting overlays, or a problematic game. Check active overlays and update to the latest RTSS version.
Can I disable rtss.exe from starting automatically?
Yes. Disable the startup option in Task Manager or within MSI Afterburner/RTSS settings, or uninstall RTSS if you don't need overlays.
Where is RTSS located on Windows?
Common locations are <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server\RTSS.exe</code> or <code>C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server\RTSS.exe</code> depending on system architecture and installation.
How do I uninstall RTSS?
Uninstall RTSS via Settings → Apps → MSI Afterburner/RTSS → Uninstall, or remove the MSI Afterburner package if RTSS was installed as part of it.
Does RTSS affect game performance?
RTSS adds a lightweight overlay and optional FPS cap. In most cases, it has minimal impact, but poorly configured settings or conflicting tools can introduce minor overhead.