Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server or C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server
Warning
Overlay modules may spawn multiple instances
Each active game/monitoring session may create an RTSS instance
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable in MSI Afterburner overlay options or exit RTSS and stop startup entry
What is rtss.exe?
rtss.exe is the executable for RivaTuner Statistics Server, a lightweight overlay tool used with MSI Afterburner to display live hardware metrics. It provides an on-screen display (OSD) of FPS, frame times, GPU/CPU temps, clocks, and utilization. It runs alongside games to render the overlay without affecting gameplay.
RTSS hooks DirectX/OpenGL to render the OSD and collects sensor data. It relies on the MSI Afterburner integration to pull metrics and apply per-game profiles, then renders a high-contrast overlay on top of the game window.
Quick Fact: RTSS pioneered efficient per-frame overlays and remains a staple for players who want precise hardware metrics without heavy performance cost.
Types of RTSS Processes
- RTSS Core Process: Main overlay engine that renders the on-screen display.
- Overlay Hook Module: DirectX/OpenGL hook responsible for drawing the OSD.
- Sensor Data Provider: Reads GPU/CPU temperatures, clocks, and utilization.
- MSI Afterburner Companion: Interfaces with MSI Afterburner for profile data.
- Helper Utilities: Support utilities for settings and profiling.
Is rtss.exe Safe?
Yes, rtss.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Guru3D and downloaded from official sources (guru3d.com or via MSI Afterburner).
Is rtss.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real rtss.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise with the same name. Always verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if rtss.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server\.
- Digital Signature: Right-click RTSS.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signer such as "Guru3D".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low: ~1-5% CPU, 10-60 MB memory.
- Behavior: RTSS should only run when an overlay is needed for a game or when MSI Afterburner is active.
Red Flags: If rtss.exe is found outside expected folders (like AppData or Temp), lacks a digital signature, or runs without an overlay/game context, scan for malware and remove.
Why Is rtss.exe Running on My PC?
rtss.exe runs to support on-screen display of hardware metrics and to respond to game and overlay configuration requests. It can stay resident to be ready for quick game launches.
Reasons it's running:
- Active overlay use: You have a game open or an OSD profile active; RTSS renders the overlay per frame.
- Background overlay support: MSI Afterburner or other monitoring tools request persistent overlay hooks for quick data access.
- Startup/auto-run: RTSS may be configured to start with Windows or with MSI Afterburner.
- Per-game profiling: RTSS loads per-game profiles to adjust OSD density and content automatically.
- Overlay configuration: Settings for position, size, colors, and metrics are cached for faster startup.
Can I Disable or Remove rtss.exe?
Yes, you can disable rtss.exe. If you don’t use the OSD, you can disable it or uninstall RTSS from the system. It will not affect core system stability.
How to Stop rtss.exe
- End Overlay in MSI Afterburner: Open MSI Afterburner and uncheck 'Show on-screen display' or disable overlays for apps.
- Close RTSS: Right-click the RTSS tray icon (if present) and exit, or end the process from Task Manager.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable 'RivaTuner Statistics Server' or disable RTSS-related startup items.
- Stop Background Apps: In MSI Afterburner, ensure 'Start with Windows' is off and disable background monitoring.
- Guard Against Re-enable: If OS overlays reappear after reboot, revisit MSI Afterburner settings to permanently disable OSD.
How to Uninstall RTSS
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RivaTuner Statistics Server → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RivaTuner Statistics Server → Uninstall
- ✔ If part of MSI Afterburner package, uninstall MSI Afterburner or deselect the RTSS component during install
- ✔ Delete leftover RTSS folders: C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server and C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server
Common Problems: Overlay Not Visible or Not Responding
If RTSS overlay isn’t showing or behaves oddly, try these targeted fixes before reinstalling.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Overlay disabled for the game: Enable OSD for the game in MSI Afterburner or RTSS settings.
- Outdated RTSS version: Update RTSS/MSI Afterburner to the latest version.
- Conflicting overlay software: Disable other overlay tools (e.g., GeForce Overlay, Steam Overlay) to prevent conflicts.
- Invalid game profile: Remove or edit the per-game profile in RTSS to ensure correct metrics are shown.
- Hook or driver issues: Update graphics drivers and ensure Windows has the latest updates; reinstall RTSS if needed.
- High DPI or scaling problems: Run RTSS and MSI Afterburner as administrator and adjust DPI scaling in compatibility settings.
Quick Fixes:
1. Restart RTSS and MSI Afterburner after a game launch
2. Verify overlay is enabled for the target game in RTSS
3. Update graphics drivers to the latest version
4. Limit overlay content to essential metrics to reduce conflicts
5. Run RTSS/MSI Afterburner as administrator
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rtss.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate rtss.exe from Guru3D is not a virus. Verify the path: C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server\RTSS.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server\RTSS.exe with a valid digital signature.
Why is rtss.exe running at startup?
RTSS may be configured to start with Windows or together with MSI Afterburner to provide immediate overlay capabilities when you launch a game.
Can I disable the RTSS overlay?
Yes. In MSI Afterburner, uncheck Show on-screen display or disable RTSS for all apps. You can also stop the RTSS process from Task Manager.
Where is RTSS installed?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files\RivaTuner Statistics Server\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\RivaTuner Statistics Server\. If you installed via MSI Afterburner, RTSS may be bundled there.
Can I uninstall RTSS?
Yes. Use Windows Settings → Apps → Uninstall RTSS, or uninstall MSI Afterburner if RTSS was installed as part of that package.
RTSS conflicts with other overlays, what should I do?
Disable other overlays (GeForce Experience, Steam Overlay) or adjust their configurations to avoid conflicts with RTSS.