Quick Answer
roboform-helper.exe is safe. It is RoboForm's background service that coordinates secure autofill, vault synchronization across devices, and browser-extension communication.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Program Files\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe
Warning
Background activity is normal
Multiple RoboForm components may run: helper, extension bridge, and sync client
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling may stop background autofill until re-enabled
What is roboform-helper.exe?
roboform-helper.exe is a dedicated background service for RoboForm that coordinates password autofill, secure data synchronization across devices, and seamless browser extension communication. It runs alongside RoboForm, ensuring quick login experiences while maintaining encrypted vault access.
This multi‑process component handles inter‑process communication with the RoboForm browser extension, encrypted vault access, and server sync calls. It isolates tasks for security and reliability while enabling fast autofill across sites.
Quick Fact: RoboForm pioneered multi‑process handling to separate vault operations from browser rendering, improving security and reliability.
Types of RoboForm Helper Processes
- Background Sync Client: Keeps RoboForm vault synchronized across devices and browsers
- Browser Extension Bridge: Mediator between the RoboForm extension and core service
- Autofill Orchestrator: Manages secure autofill across form fields
- Encryption Key Manager: Handles local encryption keys and session tokens
- Update & Compatibility Service: Checks for updates and maintains extension compatibility
Is roboform-helper Safe?
Yes, roboform-helper is safe when sourced from official RoboForm/Siber Systems channels.
Is roboform-helper a Virus or Malware?
The real roboform-helper is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if roboform-helper is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe. Any roboform-helper.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show publisher "Siber Systems".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU and 20-60 MB memory when RoboForm is active; consistently high usage with no RoboForm activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: RoboForm helper should run when RoboForm features are active (extension open or vault syncing). Unprompted network activity or background runs with no user action warrants a malware check.
Red Flags: If roboform-helper.exe is located in unusual folders (e.g., Temp, AppData\Local, or System32), runs when RoboForm isn't installed, has no valid signature, or shows unexpected network activity, scan your system with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files like "roboform-helper64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is roboform-helper Running on My PC?
roboform-helper runs to coordinate RoboForm's background features, including vault synchronization, browser extension bridging, and secure autofill across sites and devices.
Reasons it's running:
- Active RoboForm Use: You're using RoboForm in the browser; the helper coordinates autofill and vault access for a seamless login experience.
- Background Sync Enabled: Vaults, identities, and form data are kept in sync across devices even when the browser is closed.
- Browser Extension Bridge: The helper acts as a bridge between the RoboForm browser extension and the core service, enabling real-time autofill.
- Startup or Service: RoboForm service may start at Windows startup to enable quick login as soon as any browser is opened.
- Update and Compatibility Checks: The helper runs periodically to ensure the extension remains compatible with the core service and browser updates.
Can I Disable or Remove roboform-helper?
Yes, you can disable roboform-helper. It’s safe to close RoboForm when not in use, and you can uninstall RoboForm completely if you prefer a different password manager.
How to Stop roboform-helper
- Close All Browsers: Exit all browser windows to minimize RoboForm background activity.
- End roboform-helper Process: Open Task Manager → Processes → right-click roboform-helper.exe → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable RoboForm (roboform-helper may be listed)
- Pause Background Sync: RoboForm Settings → Security → Background Sync → Turn off
- Disable Extension Bridge: In RoboForm Settings, turn off the browser bridge for non-essential usage
How to Uninstall RoboForm
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RoboForm → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RoboForm → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider switching to an alternative password manager such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If roboform-helper.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Excessive vaults syncing across many devices: Limit the number of synchronized devices or disable unnecessary device sync in RoboForm settings
- Background sync enabled while browsers are idle: Pause or schedule sync; disable persistent background syncing in settings
- Outdated RoboForm version: Update RoboForm to the latest version from robomform.com/downloads
- Conflicting browser extensions: Disable other password managers or security extensions that may compete for autofill
- Corrupted RoboForm profile: Reset RoboForm profile or reinstall RoboForm while preserving local data if possible
- Malware masquerading as roboform-helper: Verify digital signature and file location; run a full malware scan
Quick Fixes:
1. Close all browsers to stop extension activity
2. Pause RoboForm background sync in settings
3. Update RoboForm to the latest version
4. Clear RoboForm cache or reset the app data
5. Run a full antivirus/antimalware scan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is roboform-helper safe?
Yes. The legitimate roboform-helper.exe is part of RoboForm and should reside in C:\Program Files\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe (or C:\Program Files (x86)\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe) with a valid signature from Siber Systems.
Why is roboform-helper running when I didn’t start RoboForm?
RoboForm may run helper services in the background to keep vaults synced and the extension ready. You can disable background sync or stop the process from Task Manager if you don’t use RoboForm.
Can I disable roboform-helper without disabling RoboForm?
Yes. You can disable background sync and the extension bridge via RoboForm settings, or stop the helper process temporarily in Task Manager.
How do I uninstall RoboForm and its helper?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → RoboForm → Uninstall, or Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RoboForm. Then remove any leftover browser extensions if needed.
Does RoboForm Helper access my data when offline?
RoboForm uses encrypted local vaults and only syncs with servers when online. Offline usage remains private, but sync will occur once a connection is re-established.
Where is roboform-helper.exe located on Windows?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RoboForm\roboform-helper.exe. Always verify the digital signature for legitimacy.