Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\SoundSwitch\SoundSwitch.exe
Warning
Multiple related processes
SoundSwitch uses a UI, an audio monitor, and a lighting backend; not unusual to see several instances if profiles are loaded
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close UI or disable startup in Task Manager; to stop lighting activity, quit the app
What is soundswitch.exe?
soundswitch.exe is the executable for SoundSwitch, a Windows lighting utility that automatically changes RGB profiles on connected peripherals (like keyboards, mice, and LEDs) based on audio input or pre-set scenes. It runs in the background and responds to hotkeys to switch profiles on demand.
SoundSwitch uses a lightweight architecture to coordinate with RGB SDKs (Razer Chroma, Corsair iCUE, SteelSeries) and apply lighting profiles in real time as audio is detected or when a user selects a scene.
Quick Fact: SoundSwitch supports multiple lighting profiles and hotkeys, enabling instant transitions between scenes during music playback.
Types of SoundSwitch Processes
- Main UI Process: User interface and settings window
- Background Audio Monitor: Watches microphone/audio input to trigger lighting
- Lighting Backend: Sends commands to RGB SDKs (Chroma, iCUE, etc.)
- Profile Loader: Loads and applies lighting profiles from disk
- Hotkey Listener: Monitors global hotkeys to switch profiles
- Updater: Checks for updates and applies patches
Is soundswitch.exe Safe?
Yes, soundswitch.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from SoundSwitch downloaded from official sources.
Is soundswitch.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real soundswitch.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade with similar names; verify sign and path.
How to Tell if soundswitch.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\SoundSwitch\SoundSwitch.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SoundSwitch\SoundSwitch.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer or process in Task Manager → Open file location → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "SoundSwitch, LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 50-150 MB memory during operation. Abnormally high or constant usage requires further check.
- Behavior: Should run when SoundSwitch is active or foreground. If it auto-launches without user action and without a legitimate UI, investigate.
Red Flags: If soundswitch.exe appears outside its installation folder, lacks a valid digital signature, or consumes CPU/memory constantly when idle, scan with antivirus or reset.
Why Is soundswitch.exe Running on My PC?
soundswitch.exe runs to manage lighting profiles tied to audio input or user-defined scenes and to maintain the UI and background services for lighting changes.
Reasons it's running:
- Active lighting profile in use: You have a profile actively applying to RGB devices, so the backend stays loaded to push updates.
- Audio-triggered changes: SoundSwitch monitors audio; loud music or mic input prompts lighting transitions.
- Background services: The updater and background workers keep the software in sync and responsive even when the UI is minimized.
- Startup launch: SoundSwitch is configured to start with Windows or when you log in, keeping lighting ready.
- UI throttling: The main UI may stay resident for quick access to profiles, causing a light background footprint.
Can I Disable or Remove soundswitch.exe?
Yes, you can disable soundswitch.exe. It’s safe to close the app; you can uninstall it if you no longer need lighting control.
How to Stop soundswitch.exe
- Exit from system tray: Right-click SoundSwitch icon in the system tray and choose Exit
- Close the UI: Open the app and click the close button, or use Ctrl+W
- Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable SoundSwitch
- End the process: Ctrl+Shift+Esc, locate soundswitch.exe, right-click End Task
- Prevent future startup: If you previously installed a startup helper, uninstall or disable that option
How to Uninstall SoundSwitch
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SoundSwitch → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → SoundSwitch → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, remove remaining config folders if desired under: C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\SoundSwitch
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If soundswitch.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many lighting profiles loaded: Limit active profiles; unload unused profiles and switch to a smaller profile set
- Audio input heavy processing: Lower microphone sensitivity or disable mic input in settings; use a different audio source
- Incompatible RGB SDK: Update or reinstall RGB SDK integrations (Razer Chroma, iCUE, SteelSeries) to match the app version
- Outdated SoundSwitch version: Update to the latest build from the official site
- Background updater: Disable automatic updates if not needed; run updates manually to avoid constant checks
- Conflicting lighting software: Close other lighting apps that may fight for RGB control and cause CPU hitch
Quick Fixes:
1. Open SoundSwitch and review active profiles; reduce number of active profiles
2. Disable mic listening in Settings to lower load
3. Update to the latest SoundSwitch version
4. Restart SoundSwitch or Windows
5. Check for conflicting lighting software and exit them
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soundswitch.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate soundswitch.exe from SoundSwitch is not a virus. It should be located at C:\Program Files\SoundSwitch\SoundSwitch.exe and be digitally signed by SoundSwitch, LLC.
Why is soundswitch.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usually comes from active audio-triggered lighting or multiple profiles. Check the SoundSwitch task in the tray, inspect active profiles, and disable or adjust audio sensitivity.
Can I delete soundswitch.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall SoundSwitch via Windows Settings → Apps, but your lighting profiles will be removed unless you back them up.
Can I disable soundswitch.exe?
Yes. Exit the app, end the process from Task Manager, or disable startup to stop it from launching automatically.
How do I uninstall SoundSwitch?
Open Settings → Apps → SoundSwitch → Uninstall. Remove remaining config folders if desired under AppData. Reboot if needed.
Does SoundSwitch support my RGB hardware?
SoundSwitch supports major RGB SDKs like Razer Chroma, Corsair iCUE, and SteelSeries; check the official site for compatibility with your devices.