Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Program Files\SoftEther VPN Server or C:\Program Files\SoftEther VPN Client
Warning
Multiple related processes may run
SoftEther uses separate components for server, client, and command line admin; multiple processes can exist concurrently
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Stop or disable the SoftEther VPN Server service or the SoftEther VPN Client task in Services
What is softether.exe?
softether.exe is the Windows executable that powers SoftEther VPN server and client functionality. It runs as a service or a user process to manage virtual hubs, VPN tunnels, and bridge networking across supported protocols.
SoftEther employs a modular, multi thread architecture. softether.exe coordinates the server/client daemon, handles inter process communication, and interacts with virtual hubs and NAT/Bridge components to route VPN traffic securely.
Quick Fact: SoftEther VPN supports multiple protocols and runs on Windows as a service through softether.exe
Types of SoftEther Processes
- Server Process: Main vpnserver service that hosts virtual hubs and site to site connections
- Client Process: vpnclient component that connects to remote SoftEther VPN servers
- Command Line Tool: vpncmd.exe for administration and configuration
- Management Interface: SoftEther VPN Server Manager interacts with the server graphically
- Driver/Networking Layer: Virtual network adapters created by SoftEther for VPN traffic
- Background Service: Background tasks such as NAT, DHCP, and relay services
Is softether.exe Safe?
Yes, softether.exe is safe when it comes from a legitimate SoftEther installer or official package and resides in the proper Program Files location.
Is softether.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real softether.exe is not a virus. Malware may imitate names; always verify signature and path.
How to Tell if softether.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\SoftEther VPN Server\vpnserver.exe or C:\Program Files\SoftEther VPN Client\vpnclient.exe
- Digital Signature: Right click the executable in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show SoftEther Project
- Resource Usage: Normal usage ranges 1-12% CPU and 40-160 MB memory when idle; sustained high values warrant inspection
- Behavior: The process should be a persistent service or client connection only when VPN is active
Red Flags: If softether.exe is found outside official directories or lacks a valid signature, or runs when no VPN is configured, scan for malware immediately and restore from official sources.
Why Is softether.exe Running on My PC?
softether.exe runs when SoftEther VPN server or client functionality is active, when a VPN connection is established, or when the service is configured to start on boot.
Reasons it's running:
- Active VPN Service: The SoftEther VPN Server service is running to host virtual hubs and remote connections
- Background VPN Client: The SoftEther VPN Client is connected to a remote VPN server or waiting for connections
- Startup Service: The Windows service is configured to start automatically on system boot
- Site to Site/Bridge: A site to site or bridge connection is active, creating persistent tunnels
- Multiple Instances: If multiple SoftEther server/client instances are installed, each may run its own softether.exe process
Can I Disable or Remove softether.exe?
Yes, you can disable softether.exe. Stop the SoftEther service or client and uninstall if you no longer need VPN functionality.
How to Stop softether.exe
- Stop Service: Open Services.msc, locate SoftEther VPN Server, click Stop
- Disable Startup: In Services.msc, set Startup type to Disabled for SoftEther VPN Server
- Close Client: Right click the SoftEther VPN Client icon in the system tray and disconnect
- End Task: Open Task Manager, locate softether.exe and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Remove installed startup shortcuts or disable in Task Scheduler if present
How to Uninstall SoftEther VPN
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SoftEther VPN Server/Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → SoftEther VPN Server/Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot the computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If softether.exe is using excessive resources, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active VPN sessions with many clients: Limit concurrent sessions or adjust session timeouts in the server configuration
- Outdated SoftEther version: Update to the latest SoftEther VPN version from official sources
- Misconfigured virtual hubs: Review hub configurations and disable unused hubs
- Background gateway services: Disable unnecessary NAT or gateway services if not required
- Heavy encryption or large data transfers: Evaluate VPN algorithms; consider enabling hardware acceleration support if available
- Malicious plug-ins or scripts: Scan for malware, remove suspicious plugins from vpncmd or manager
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Services.msc and restart the SoftEther VPN Server service
2. Update SoftEther VPN to the latest version
3. Ensure the server has adequate CPU and memory resources
4. Review and disable unused virtual hubs
5. Run a malware scan and verify digital signatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Is softether.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate softether.exe is part of SoftEther VPN Server/Client and should reside in the official installation directories. Verify the digital signature and path.
What is softether.exe used for?
softether.exe is the core executable for SoftEther VPN Server and Client, managing virtual hubs, tunnels, and network adapters.
Can I uninstall SoftEther VPN completely?
Yes, use Windows Settings or Control Panel to uninstall SoftEther VPN Server and/or Client. Your VPN configurations will be removed unless you back them up.
How do I tell if SoftEther is running?
Check the Services list for SoftEther VPN Server, review the system tray icon for the client, or open Task Manager to find softether.exe running.
How do I restart SoftEther Server?
Open Services.msc, locate SoftEther VPN Server, and click Restart. You can also use vpncmd to reinitialize settings.
Why are there multiple softether.exe processes?
SoftEther can run multiple components (server, client, and VPN command line tool) as separate processes, especially if multiple instances or modules are active.