screenrec.exe

What is screenrec.exe?

screenrec.exe is the main executable for ScreenRec, a lightweight desktop screen recording tool for Windows. It launches a small set of processes to capture your screen, audio, and webcam (if enabled), then encodes and saves videos locally or uploads them if you opt in. This article explains its role and resource behavior.

ScreenRec uses a multi-component structure: a UI/launcher, a capture/renderer module, an encoding service, and optional cloud sync. This design minimizes impact on the desktop while delivering smooth recordings and overlays.

Types of ScreenRec Processes

• UI/Launcher Process: Main window, controls, and start/stop buttons
• Capture/Renderer Process: Frame capture, region selection, and live preview
• Encoding Service: Video encoding pipeline (e.g., H.264) in the background
• Audio Capture Service: Records microphone and system audio during capture
• Cloud Sync Service: Optional upload/sync to ScreenRec cloud when enabled

Is screenrec.exe Safe?

Yes, screenrec.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from ScreenRec downloaded from official sources.

Is screenrec.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real screenrec.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names. Always verify the file location and signature.

How to Tell if screenrec.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\ScreenRec\screenrec.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ScreenRec\screenrec.exe. Any screenrec.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show 'ScreenRec Ltd.' as the signer.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage during idle is 2-10% CPU and 50-150 MB memory; during recording, CPU/memory will rise. Consistent 50%+ idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: ScreenRec should only run while recording or when the app is open. If screenrec.exe runs continuously outside recording, scan for malware.

Why Is screenrec.exe Running on My PC?

screenrec.exe runs when ScreenRec is recording, when its background services are enabled, or when the app is configured to start with Windows. Understanding these triggers helps you manage resource usage.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Recording: You're currently capturing the screen or have an active recording region; the process remains running to sustain the capture stream.
• Background Tasks: ScreenRec may keep background services alive to handle audio capture, overlays, or cloud sync after a recording completes.
• Startup Launch: ScreenRec is configured to launch at Windows startup, which keeps the processes ready for quick recording.
• Hotkeys and Overlay: Global hotkeys or the on-screen overlay may keep related ScreenRec components active to support immediate control.
• Encoding Pipeline: Encoding and buffering components run to process video frames, which can extend lifetime until encoding finishes.

Can I Disable or Remove screenrec.exe?

Yes, you can disable screenrec.exe. It's safe to close ScreenRec when not recording, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different screen recorder.

How to Stop screenrec.exe

• End Active Recording: In ScreenRec, click the Stop button or press the configured hotkey to terminate the current capture.
• Close the App: Quit ScreenRec from the system tray or main window.
• End Background Services: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find screenrec.exe and End Task if it remains after closing the UI.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ScreenRec to prevent auto-launch on login.
• Stop Cloud/Overlay Features: In ScreenRec settings, disable cloud sync and overlay to reduce background activity.

How to Uninstall ScreenRec

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ScreenRec → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ScreenRec → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternative screen recording tools that fit your needs

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If screenrec.exe is consuming excessive resources during recording or idle time, use these checks to identify and resolve the issues.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Active recording with high-resolution region: Reduce capture region size or lowering frame rate, and consider subscribing to hardware-accelerated encoding in Settings.
• Background tasks enabled: Disable cloud sync or overlay in ScreenRec settings when not needed to cut background resource use.
• Outdated version: Update ScreenRec to the latest version from the official site or app store.
• Intense UI overlays or webcams: Disable webcam capture or overlays during heavy tasks; adjust quality settings.
• Conflicting extensions or apps: Close conflicting apps and test ScreenRec in a clean boot environment.
• Hardware acceleration issues: Toggle hardware acceleration off/on in ScreenRec Settings and update graphics drivers.

Related Processes