Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Atlassian\Sourcetree\CrashReporter.exe (or in C:\Program Files (x86)\Atlassian\Sourcetree\CrashReporter.exe)
Warning
Crash reporter processes may launch in the background during issues
Sourcetree may spawn one or more CrashReporter.exe instances while collecting diagnostics
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable via Sourcetree: Tools → Options → General → turn off crash reporting, or end the process when not needed
What is SourcetreeCrashReporter.exe?
Sourcetree-crash-reporter is the dedicated helper executable that runs alongside Atlassian Sourcetree to automatically collect crash data when the Sourcetree GUI or its background services fail. It bundles diagnostic information, logs, and environment details to speed up debugging and issue resolution.
It operates as a separate process from the main UI, capturing stack traces, timestamped events, and system context. This design helps Atlassian support reproduce issues and improve stability while minimizing user impact. It collects only diagnostic data needed for debugging.
Quick Fact: Sourcetree's crash reporter is designed to collect crash data quickly and securely, helping Atlassian fix issues without significant user disruption.
Types of Sourcetree Processes
- Crash Reporter Process: Dedicated helper that runs to package and submit crash data
- Main Sourcetree UI: The graphical interface users interact with
- Telemetry/Reporting Helper: Sub-process that handles data packaging and submission
- Background Task Runner: Background services used by the reporter to collect logs
- Updater Helper: Temporary process spawned during Sourcetree updates
Is sourcetree-crash-reporter Safe?
Yes, sourcetree-crash-reporter is safe when installed from official Atlassian Sourcetree packages or updates.
Is sourcetree-crash-reporter a Virus or Malware?
The real crash reporter is not a virus. If you find it outside expected paths or without a valid signature, investigate.
How to Tell if sourcetree-crash-reporter is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\Atlassian\Sourcetree\CrashReporter.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Atlassian\Sourcetree\CrashReporter.exe
- Digital Signature:: Right-click CrashReporter.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Atlassian Pty Ltd
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 0-8% CPU across all CrashReporter.exe processes, 20-100 MB memory
- Behavior:: Should run only when Sourcetree is installed and appropriate crash reporting is enabled
Red Flags: If CrashReporter.exe is located in Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32, runs when Sourcetree isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Beware of similarly named files like "CrashReporterOld.exe".
Why Is sourcetree-crash-reporter Running on My PC?
Sourcetree-crash-reporter runs to gather crash diagnostics when Sourcetree encounters issues or to support background telemetry for stability improvements.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sourcetree Usage: You're actively using Sourcetree; the crash reporter runs in the background to capture any crash data if it occurs.
- Background Diagnostics: When errors occur, the reporter collects logs and environment details even if the UI is minimized or closed.
- Startup or Auto-Launch: Sourcetree may launch the crash reporter at Windows startup to monitor for issues and prepare reports.
- Update or Reinstall: During updates or reinstallation, the reporter may start to gather context for troubleshooting.
- Telemetry Preferences: If crash telemetry is enabled, the reporter runs to collect anonymous diagnostic data to improve stability.
Can I Disable or Remove sourcetree-crash-reporter?
Yes, you can disable the crash reporter. It’s safe to disable if you don’t want diagnostic collection. You can turn it off via Sourcetree settings or remove it by uninstalling Sourcetree.
How to Stop sourcetree-crash-reporter
- End Individual Crash Reporter Processes: Open Task Manager, locate CrashReporter.exe, and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Atlassian Sourcetree Crash Reporter
- Turn Off Crash Reporting in Sourcetree: Sourcetree → Tools → Options → General → uncheck 'Send crash reports'
- Close Sourcetree: Fully exit Sourcetree to stop background reporters
- Prevent Background Running: Windows Settings → Privacy → Diagnostics & feedback → Set to Basic or disable telemetry if available
How to Uninstall Sourcetree (and its crash reporter)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Sourcetree → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Sourcetree → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, optionally remove leftover Atlassian folders in C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\Sourcetree and C:\Program Files\Atlassian
Common Problems: Crash Reporter-Related Issues
If sourcetree-crash-reporter causes issues or behaves unexpectedly, review these typical scenarios and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Crash Reporter Keeps Running After Sourcetree Exit: End the CrashReporter.exe process and disable startup in Task Manager; reboot if needed
- High Disk I/O from Logs: Clear or rotate crash logs located under C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\Sourcetree\CrashReporter\logs
- Crash Reports Not Uploading: Check network/firewall settings and allow outbound connections to crash reporting endpoints; verify proxy if used
- Crash Reporter Not Launching with Sourcetree: Ensure Sourcetree is up to date; reinstall Sourcetree to restore CrashReporter.exe
- Antivirus Blocking Reporter: Whitelist CrashReporter.exe in your antivirus/EDR solution to prevent false positives
- Multiple Crash Reporter Instances: Close all instances, disable startup, and repair Sourcetree installation to prevent duplicate processes
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Sourcetree Task Manager overview (Shift+Esc) to identify active crash reporter tasks
3. Disable crash reporting in Sourcetree settings
4. Update Sourcetree to the latest version
5. Ensure CrashReporter.exe is in C:\Program Files\Atlassian\Sourcetree\CrashReporter.exe
6. Whitelist CrashReporter.exe in antivirus and firewall rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sourcetree-crash-reporter a virus?
No, the legitimate crash reporter is part of Sourcetree and is designed to collect crash data for Atlassian to fix issues. Verify its path at C:\Program Files\Atlassian\Sourcetree\CrashReporter.exe and a valid signature.
Why is sourcetree-crash-reporter running after I close Sourcetree?
The reporter may run in the background to finish collecting diagnostics or to submit queued crash reports. You can disable crash reporting and end the process if desired.
Where are crash reports stored and how can I view them?
Crash reports are stored under C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\Sourcetree\CrashReporter\logs. Review the latest.log files to inspect diagnostic data.
Can I disable crash reporting completely?
Yes. In Sourcetree: Tools → Options → General → uncheck 'Send crash reports'. You can also disable the startup entry and end the CrashReporter.exe process.
Will crash reporting capture sensitive data?
Crash reports collect diagnostic context and non-sensitive environment details to help debugging. It does not include full personal data unless explicitly included by a user action.
How do I completely remove the crash reporter?
Uninstall Sourcetree via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Remove leftover folders such as C:\Program Files\Atlassian\Sourcetree and C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\Sourcetree\CrashReporter