rustdesk.exe

RustDesk Remote Desktop Client

Application ProcessSafeRemote Desktop

CPU Usage

2-15%

Memory

50-200 MB

Location

Program Files

Publisher

RustDesk

Quick Answer

rustdesk.exe is safe. It's the official RustDesk client executable used for remote control sessions and file transfers, with separate processes per connection and optional background services.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\\Program Files\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe

Warning

Multiple processes normal

Each remote session may spawn its own process to handle data streams

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close sessions to reduce usage or disable startup/background components in settings

What is rustdesk.exe?

rustdesk.exe is the executable for the RustDesk remote desktop client. It enables secure, peer-to-peer remote control and file transfer between devices. The process may spawn multiple instances during active sessions and can run background components if configured to start with Windows or maintain a connection.

RustDesk uses a cross-platform, Rust-based client with session handlers and optional relay/server connections. It isolates sessions for security and performance while streaming input, display data, and files between hosts.

Quick Fact: RustDesk is a cross-platform remote desktop solution built in Rust; it supports direct and relay connections with configurable security features.

Types of RustDesk Processes

Main Client Process: User interface and control flow (single instance)
Session Process: Each remote session creates a separate process to handle I/O
Relay/Connection Process: Manages network relay or direct peer connections
Background Service: Optional background tasks and keep-alive for sessions
File Transfer Process: Handles file transfers between host and client
Device Redirection Process: Clipboard and device-redirection services per session

Is rustdesk.exe Safe?

Yes, rustdesk.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from RustDesk downloaded from official sources (rustdesk.com or rustdesk.org).

Is rustdesk.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real rustdesk.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may mimic names to trick users.

How to Tell if rustdesk.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\\Program Files\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe. Any rustdesk.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "RustDesk" or the official signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per session, 50-200 MB total memory. Extremely high usage while idle is suspicious.
Behavior: RustDesk should run when you start or host a session. If it runs without user action, scan for malware and verify trust sources.

Red Flags: If rustdesk.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when you haven't started a session, has no valid digital signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly-named files like "rustdesk_loader.exe" or "rustdesk_tmp.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is rustdesk.exe Running on My PC?

rustdesk.exe runs when you start a RustDesk session, or when the client is configured to run in the background to maintain connectivity and support quick remote access.

Reasons it's running:

Active Remote Session: You are connected to a host; the session process handles input, display data, and data transfer for that connection.
Background Keep-Alive: Even with the UI minimized, RustDesk can keep a persistent connection to support quick reconnections.
Startup Entry: RustDesk may be configured to launch at Windows startup for easy remote access or unattended sessions.
Background File Transfers: Ongoing file transfers create processes to manage streaming data between devices.
Clipboard and Device Redirection: Features like clipboard sharing and device redirection can run in the background to support sessions.

Can I Disable or Remove rustdesk.exe?

Yes, you can disable rustdesk.exe. It's safe to close or disable RustDesk when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer another remote desktop solution.

How to Stop rustdesk.exe

End Active Sessions: In the RustDesk UI, disconnect sessions or close the app
Close Application: Click the X button or use Alt+F4 to close all RustDesk windows
End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate rustdesk.exe, right-click -> End Task
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable RustDesk
Stop Background Sessions: In RustDesk Settings → General → Disable background/keep-alive features

How to Uninstall RustDesk

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RustDesk → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RustDesk → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternatives: AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or native OS remote tools

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If rustdesk.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Active remote session with high-resolution display: Lower the session resolution and frame rate in RustDesk settings; reduce color depth if available
Background keep-alive enabled: Disable keep-alive in Settings → General → Keep-alive or background mode
Multiple concurrent sessions: Disconnect unused sessions; close additional UI instances
Outdated RustDesk version: Update to the latest version from rustdesk.com
Network relay congestion: Switch to direct P2P mode if possible or try a different relay server
Malicious or bundled software: Run a full antivirus scan and verify the digital signature of rustdesk.exe

Quick Fixes:
1. Inspect active sessions in the RustDesk UI and terminate unused connections
2. Lower session resolution in Settings to reduce bandwidth and CPU load
3. Disable keep-alive/background tasks in Settings
4. Update RustDesk to the latest version from rustdesk.com
5. Run a malware scan and verify the digital signature of rustdesk.exe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rustdesk.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate rustdesk.exe from RustDesk is not a virus. Verify the file location in C:\\Program Files\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe and check the digital signature for official signer.

Why is rustdesk.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can be caused by active remote sessions with high-resolution streams, large file transfers, or problematic network conditions. Reduce resolution, limit frame rate, or close unnecessary sessions; check for malware if behavior is abnormal.

Can I disable rustdesk.exe?

Yes. You can stop active sessions, disable startup, or uninstall RustDesk if you no longer need it. Use Task Manager for running processes and Settings for startup options.

How do I uninstall RustDesk on Windows?

Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RustDesk → Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RustDesk. Then remove any remaining folders in Program Files.

Where is rustdesk.exe installed?

Typically under C:\\Program Files\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\RustDesk\\rustdesk.exe, depending on your installer and OS architecture.

How can I secure RustDesk and prevent unauthorized access?

Always keep RustDesk updated, enable strong authentication, configure relay settings carefully, and ensure network access is restricted via firewall. Regularly verify the digital signature and avoid untrusted third-party builds.