Quick Answer
sensecncproxy.exe is safe. It runs the Sense CNC Proxy Engine, handling communication between the Sense CNC software and hardware, typically in background for remote and local CNC operations.
What is sensecncproxy.exe?
sensecncproxy.exe is the dedicated proxy component of the Sense CNC software suite. It runs in the background to mediate communications between the Sense CNC application, CNC hardware controllers, and local or remote devices. It enables device discovery, command routing, and secure data channels.
This proxy service operates as a lightweight, multi-threaded process that does not present a UI. It maintains network sockets, protocol negotiation, and encryption so CNC commands reach hardware reliably while isolating core apps.
Quick Fact: Sense CNC proxy started with the suite and keeps CNC communications responsive, even when the UI is minimized.
Types of Sense CNC Proxy Processes
- Main Proxy Process: Orchestrates lifecycle, configuration, and global state
- Connection Handler: Each connected CNC device or server session runs here
- Security / TLS Handler: Manages encryption and certificate validation
- Discovery Service: Broadcasts and detects local CNC devices on the network
- Logging / Telemetry Process: Writes operation logs and sends diagnostic data
- Utility / Update Processor: Performs background tasks like updates and health checks
Is sensecncproxy.exe Safe?
Yes, sensecncproxy.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Sense CNC downloaded from official sources (sensecnc.com or official installers).
Is sensecncproxy.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sensecncproxy.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; always verify integrity.
How to Tell if sensecncproxy.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\SenseCNC\\Proxy\\sensecncproxy.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\SenseCNC\\Proxy\\sensecncproxy.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Sense CNC, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-20% CPU and 120-420 MB memory depending on connected devices.
- Behavior: It should start when Sense CNC software starts or the Windows Service is enabled; unexpected startup without CNC activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If sensecncproxy.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData) or lacks a proper digital signature, or runs when CNC software is idle, run full antivirus and verify with the official installer.
Why Is sensecncproxy.exe Running on My PC?
sensecncproxy.exe runs to manage CNC communications and keep Sense CNC operations responsive even when the main UI is not actively presented.
Reasons it's running:
- Active CNC Sessions: Sense CNC proxy maintains connections to controllers or remote sessions; each active device adds a handler.
- Background Status Monitoring: Continuously monitors machine status, job queues, and device health in the background.
- Startup and Auto-Reconnect: Configured to launch at Windows startup or to automatically reconnect after a disconnect.
- Local Network Discovery: Detects and pairs with nearby Sense CNC devices for quick setup and switching.
- Maintenance and Telemetry: Sends diagnostic data and checks for updates to keep the proxy secure and up-to-date.
Can I Disable or Remove sensecncproxy.exe?
Yes, you can disable sensecncproxy.exe. It's safe to stop if CNC operations are paused; you can uninstall Sense CNC entirely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop sensecncproxy.exe
- Close Sense CNC UI: Exit the Sense CNC application to stop new proxy activity.
- Stop the Windows Service: Open Services (services.msc), find 'Sense CNC Proxy Service', and click Stop.
- End the Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate sensecncproxy.exe, and End Task.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable 'Sense CNC Proxy Service' or its launcher.
- Disable Background Running: Sense CNC Settings > System > Disable 'Continue running in background' if available.
How to Uninstall Sense CNC Proxy
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Sense CNC Proxy / Sense CNC Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Sense CNC Proxy / Sense CNC → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative CNC software: verify data backup and export before removal
Common Problems: Proxy Performance or Connectivity
If sensecncproxy.exe isn't behaving as expected, consider these common scenarios and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Device Connections: Limit connections or adjust polling intervals in Sense CNC settings to reduce load.
- Network Firewall Blocking Ports: Allow necessary ports for proxy traffic and discovery on the firewall; check router multicast settings.
- Outdated Proxy Version: Update Sense CNC to the latest version which includes proxy improvements.
- Corrupted Proxy Configuration: Reset proxy configuration to default via Sense CNC setup or delete the config file and reconfigure.
- Service Not Running at Startup: Verify the proxy service is set to start automatically or start manually from services.msc.
- Antivirus False Positives: Add sensecncproxy.exe to allowlist or exclusions in your antivirus software.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused CNC device connections in Sense CNC
2. Restart the Sense CNC Proxy Service
3. Check for updates to Sense CNC and the proxy
4. Temporarily disable antivirus to test the proxy (re-enable after test)
5. Verify network connectivity to CNC hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensecncproxy.exe?
sensecncproxy.exe is the background proxy service for Sense CNC that bridges communication between the CNC software, hardware controllers, and network devices, enabling remote and local CNC operations.
Is sensecncproxy.exe safe to run on Windows?
Yes, when obtained from the official Sense CNC installer. Verify the file path is under C:\Program Files\SenseCNC\Proxy and that the digital signature shows Sense CNC, Inc.
Why does sensecncproxy.exe run even when Sense CNC UI is closed?
The proxy maintains active device connections, monitors hardware status, and supports auto-reconnect in the background for seamless CNC operations.
Can I disable or uninstall sensecncproxy.exe without harming my CNC setup?
Yes. You can stop the service or quit the UI; uninstalling Sense CNC removes the proxy. Ensure you back up any job data before removal.
Where should sensecncproxy.exe be located?
Expected location is C:\Program Files\SenseCNC\Proxy\sensecncproxy.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SenseCNC\Proxy\sensecncproxy.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
How can I reduce the proxy's resource usage?
Limit active devices, disable unnecessary discovery, update to latest version, and adjust polling intervals in the Sense CNC settings.