splashtop-agent.exe

Splashtop Remote Access Agent

System ProcessSafeRemote Access

CPU Usage

2-12%

Memory

60-180 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Agent

Publisher

Splashtop, Inc.

Quick Answer

splashtop-agent.exe is safe. It is the Windows client service for Splashtop remote access, running in the background to enable secure connections and unattended support sessions.

Is it a Virus?

\u2714 NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\splashtop-agent.exe

Can I Disable?

\u2714 YES

Disabling will stop remote sessions and unattended access until re-enabled

What is splashtop-agent.exe?

splashtop-agent.exe is the Windows component that powers Splashtop’s remote access and support capabilities. It runs in the background as a system/process service to establish encrypted connections between devices, manage sessions, and ensure data is relayed securely for remote control.

This agent coordinates authentication, session start/stop, and data relay. It operates as multiple background components to balance responsiveness with security during remote control or screen sharing.

Quick Fact: Splashtop uses TLS for data in transit and maintains a persistent connection to the Splashtop cloud to enable fast, low-latency remote sessions.

Types of Splashtop Processes

Splashtop Client Service: Main background service managing sessions and authentication
Networking Component: TLS-encrypted data transfer between client and cloud
UI/Tray Helper: System tray notifications and status indicators
Unattended Access Manager: Handles scheduled/unattended remote sessions
Update Service: Checks and applies Splashtop updates in the background
Telemetry/Health Reporter: Sends anonymous health data to Splashtop servers

Is splashtop-agent.exe Safe?

Yes, splashtop-agent.exe is safe when obtained from official Splashtop channels and installed from the official installer.

Is splashtop-agent.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real splashtop-agent.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify the file location and signature.

How to Tell if splashtop-agent.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location:: Must be located at C:\Program Files\Splashtop\splashtop-agent.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\splashtop-agent.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Splashtop, Inc." as the signer.
Resource Usage:: Normal idle CPU usage is 2-6%, memory 40-120 MB. Consistent high load when idle is suspicious.
Behavior:: Splashtop-agent.exe should run as a background service and only wake for remote session events or user-initiated activity.

Red Flags: If splashtop-agent.exe appears in an unusual folder (like Temp or AppData), runs when you are not actively using Splashtop, or lacks a valid signature, scan with security software immediately.

Why Is splashtop-agent.exe Running on My PC?

splashtop-agent.exe runs to maintain and manage remote access connections, background health checks, and unattended sessions configured through Splashtop's apps and cloud services.

Reasons it's running:

Active Remote Session: You are connected to a remote device or you are sharing control; the agent keeps the session active.
Auto-Start on Login: The agent is configured to start with Windows to enable quick access and continuous connectivity.
Background Monitoring: Health checks, status reporting, and connectivity tests run in the background to ensure availability.
Unattended Access Ready: Splashtop enables unattended access for admin or support needs, which keeps the agent running.
Software Updates: The agent periodically checks for and applies updates to keep security and features current.

Can I Disable or Remove splashtop-agent.exe?

Yes, you can disable splashtop-agent.exe. Disabling will stop remote sessions and unattended access until re-enabled, and you may lose remote support capabilities.

How to Stop splashtop-agent.exe

End Active Sessions: From the Splashtop console or the remote device, end any active sessions.
Disable Startup: Open Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Splashtop App or Splashtop Agent.
Quit from Tray Icon: Right-click the Splashtop tray icon and choose Exit/Close.
Stop Services: Open Services (services.msc), locate Splashtop Host Service, set Startup type to Disabled, stop the service.
Uninstall (Optional): Windows Settings > Apps > Splashtop > Uninstall, if you want to remove it completely.

How to Uninstall Splashtop

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Splashtop -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Splashtop -> Uninstall
✔ Restart your computer after uninstall

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If splashtop-agent.exe is consuming excessive resources or behaving oddly, use these targeted steps to diagnose and fix common remote-access issues.

Common Causes & Solutions

Multiple Active Sessions: Limit concurrent connections; close remote sessions you no longer need.
Background Notifications: Turn off nonessential alerts in the app; reduce telemetry if applicable.
Outdated Client: Update to the latest Splashtop client to fix performance regressions.
High Network Latency: Check network stability; switch to wired or faster wireless.
Antivirus Interference: Add Splashtop processes to antivirus exclusions to reduce scanning overhead.
High Memory Footprint: Enable Memory Saver in Splashtop settings or limit active sessions.

Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Splashtop App Task Manager or Windows Task Manager to identify active sessions and heavy tasks.
3. 2. Ensure the app is updated to the latest version.
4. 3. Disable unused remote sessions or unattended access features.
5. 4. Check settings: Settings > Performance > Enable Memory Saver if available.
6. 5. Reboot the host device if issues persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is splashtop-agent.exe safe?

Yes, splashtop-agent.exe is safe when installed from Splashtop's official applications and located in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\splashtop-agent.exe with a valid signature.

Can I disable splashtop-agent.exe?

Splashtop agent runs as a background service and can be disabled temporarily, which will stop remote access until you re-enable it.

Can I use Splashtop without internet?

Splashtop requires internet connectivity to establish remote sessions and communicate with the Splashtop servers. It won't work offline for remote access.

How do I uninstall Splashtop?

To uninstall, go to Windows Settings > Apps > Splashtop > Uninstall, or use Programs and Features in Control Panel, then restart your computer.

Why does splashtop-agent.exe run at startup?

Splashtop can be configured to start at boot or manually; adjust startup settings in Task Manager under the Startup tab or from the Splashtop app.

Why are there many splashtop processes?

Splashtop uses a client-service architecture. Each active remote session is a separate channel; you can review active sessions in the Splashtop client or tray icon.