smartftp.exe

What is smartftp.exe?

smartftp.exe is the executable for the SmartFTP Client, a Windows-based FTP/SFTP client used to upload, download, and manage files across servers. It supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS/TLS, and HTTP-based transfers, with queueing, scheduling, and Windows Explorer integration. It runs as a GUI application and can perform background transfers.

SmartFTP employs asynchronous sockets and a multi-connection model to perform parallel transfers in separate sessions (FTP/FTPS/SFTP). It negotiates TLS encryption, supports passive/active modes, proxies, and queue-based transfers, making reliable, resumable file operations across servers.

Types of SmartFTP Processes

• Main GUI Process: User interface and session management (1 instance)
• Transfer Engine: Handles file transfers and queues (multi-instance per session)
• Background Service: Runs scheduled transfers and monitor tasks
• Security/Proxy Module: TLS/SSL handling, proxy connections
• Integration Utilities: Explorer context integrations and drag-and-drop helpers
• Updater Component: Checks for and applies updates

Is smartftp.exe Safe?

Yes, smartftp.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the SmartFTP project downloaded from official sources (smartftp.com) or pre-installed by the device vendor.

Is smartftp.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real smartftp.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade under similar names; always verify the path and signature.

How to Tell if smartftp.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\SmartFTP Client\smartftp.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SmartFTP Client\smartftp.exe. Any smartftp.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click smartftp.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures -> Details. Should show a valid publisher like "SmartFTP, LLC".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage fluctuates with transfers; idle CPU should be low. Constant 100% usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: The process should only run when SmartFTP Client is active. Unexpected startup or background spawning may indicate malware.

Why Is smartftp.exe Running on My PC?

smartftp.exe runs when you use the SmartFTP Client or when its background features are enabled. It may also start when a transfer queue or scheduled task is active.

Reasons it's running:

• Active FTP/SFTP Transfers: An ongoing upload, download, or directory listing launches the transfer engine per connection
• Background Transfer Queue: Queued jobs for automated backups or sync operations run without visible windows
• Startup or Auto-Launch: Windows startup entries or startup scan tasks trigger the client to initialize
• Explorer Integration: Context menu items or drag-and-drop actions invoke SmartFTP routines to handle files
• Update Checks: The updater component may run periodically to verify newer versions

Can I Disable or Remove smartftp.exe?

Yes, you can disable smartftp.exe. You can close SmartFTP when not in use, disable startup entries, or uninstall the client entirely.

How to Stop smartftp.exe

• End Active Transfers: In SmartFTP, pause or cancel transfers; close the application window
• Close Application: Use the X button or Alt+F4 to exit the client
• End Task in Task Manager: Open Task Manager, locate smartftp.exe, right-click → End Task
• Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable SmartFTP Client
• Stop Background Transfers: In SmartFTP settings, disable automatic background transfers and queue processing

How to Uninstall SmartFTP

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SmartFTP Client → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → SmartFTP Client → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternative FTP clients if needed (FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck)

Common Problems: Transfer Failures or Slower Speeds

If smartftp.exe misbehaves, investigate common transfer and connectivity issues.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Network or firewall blocking FTP ports: Ensure passive mode is enabled when needed and open ports 21/990/13389 (for FTPS) in firewall; verify passive data ports if applicable
• Incorrect credentials or server config: Double-check host, username, password, and port; verify SSH/FTP server settings; consider key authentication for SFTP
• Passive/active mode mismatch: Toggle between Passive and Active in connection settings to match server requirements
• Outdated client: Update SmartFTP to the latest version from the official site to fix known issues
• Antivirus or firewall interference: Add SmartFTP to whitelist; temporarily disable protection to test transfers
• Large queue causing timeouts: Split large transfer sets into smaller batches; enable retry on failure

Related Processes