Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\ShareX\ShareX.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ShareX\ShareX.exe
Warning
Many tasks and background uploads
ShareX can spawn background workers for captures, uploads, and clipboard monitoring
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close the tray icon or exit ShareX to stop background activity
What is sharex.exe?
ShareX is a versatile screenshot and recording utility for Windows. The sharex.exe executable orchestrates captures, annotations, and uploads, with a variety of workflows that can automate sharing across hosting services and social platforms.
ShareX uses a modular, multi-task architecture with a central controller and worker tasks for capture, editing, and uploads. It supports hotkeys, workflows, and external services, enabling automated sharing with minimal interaction.
Quick Fact: ShareX began as a lightweight screenshot tool and evolved into a full automation platform for capturing, editing, and uploading images.
Types of ShareX Processes
- Main Process: UI and settings controller that coordinates tasks and workflows
- Capture/Worker Process: Handles the actual screenshot or screen recording task
- Uploader Process: Uploads images to configured hosting services or destinations
- Clipboard Monitor: Watches the clipboard for image data to capture or upload
- Automation Task: Executes hotkeys, queue jobs, and scheduled actions
- Background Service: Manages background tasks and queued uploads
Is sharex.exe Safe?
Yes, sharex.exe is safe when downloaded from official sources (getsharex.com) or reputable distributors. Ensure the digital signature matches the ShareX Project.
Is sharex.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sharex.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if sharex.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\ShareX\ShareX.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ShareX\ShareX.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click ShareX.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "ShareX Project".
- Resource Usage: Idle usage is low. During captures/uploads it may spike. Persistent high usage when idle is suspect.
- Behavior: Should only run when triggered by user action or configured workflows. Unprompted background activity warrants a scan.
Red Flags: If sharex.exe is outside the Program Files path, lacks a valid signature, runs without user action, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus and verify the source (prefer official getsharex.com).
Why Is sharex.exe Running on My PC?
ShareX may run due to active captures, background uploads, or startup configuration. It can also run a tray listener to monitor clipboard content and trigger tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Screenshot Use: You're taking screenshots or starting a recording, which activates capture workers.
- Background Uploads: Queued uploads to hosting services may run in the background after a capture.
- Startup Programs: ShareX is configured to launch at Windows startup for quick access.
- Clipboard Monitoring: Clipboard image detection may spawn monitoring tasks to prepare captures automatically.
- Automation Tasks: Hotkeys, scheduled jobs, or workflows trigger ShareX to run specific actions.
Can I Disable or Remove sharex.exe?
Yes, you can disable sharex.exe. It’s safe to stop or uninstall ShareX if you no longer need it or prefer another tool.
How to Stop sharex.exe
- Exit from Tray: Right-click the ShareX tray icon and choose Exit or Quit
- Close Application: Close the main window or use the Exit option in the menu
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate ShareX related processes, and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ShareX
- Stop Background Apps: In ShareX Settings → After capture, disable automatic background uploads
How to Uninstall ShareX
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → ShareX → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ShareX → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove leftover data: delete ShareX settings and screenshots from your user profile
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If sharex.exe is consuming excessive resources, identify the active workflow, involved uploaders, and any problematic captures.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Captures: Limit concurrent captures or disable automatic capture on certain hotkeys; close unused captures.
- Resource-Heavy Uploaders: Review configured upload destinations; disable unnecessary uploaders or switch to lighter options.
- Clipboard Monitoring Spikes: Temporarily disable clipboard monitoring to see if usage drops; reconfigure triggers.
- Large or Repeated Screenshots: Compress or resize images before upload; adjust image quality in settings.
- Outdated Version: Update ShareX to the latest version via getsharex.com to benefit from fixes.
- Background Services Interference: Review antivirus or security software for false positives or sandboxing that increases resource use.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open ShareX Task Manager (or use Windows Task Manager) and identify heavy workflows
2. Update ShareX to the latest version
3. Disable unnecessary upload destinations in ShareX settings
4. Restart ShareX or Windows to reset resource usage
5. Clear local caches and temporary data related to ShareX
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sharex.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate sharex.exe from the official ShareX project is not a virus. Verify the path is <code>C:\Program Files\ShareX\ShareX.exe</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\ShareX\ShareX.exe</code> and that the digital signature matches the project.
Why is sharex.exe using so much CPU?
CPU spikes typically occur during captures or when streaming uploads. Check which workflow is active via the ShareX Task Manager, disable heavy uploaders, or adjust quality settings for images.
Can I delete sharex.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall ShareX via Windows Settings → Apps → Uninstall. Your screenshots and history can be removed or kept depending on whether you synchronize with an account.
Can I disable sharex.exe?
Yes. You can exit ShareX, disable startup, or turn off background tasks in Settings. This prevents automatic captures and uploads when you don’t need them.
Why is sharex.exe running at startup?
If configured, ShareX can start at Windows startup to enable quick captures. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup or within ShareX settings to prevent automatic launch.
How do I change upload destinations in ShareX?
Open ShareX → Destination Settings, configure or remove uploaders, and test a capture to ensure uploads go to your chosen service.