splashtop.exe

Splashtop Remote Desktop Client

Application ProcessSafeRemote Desktop

CPU Usage

1-10%

Memory

50-250 MB

Location

C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop

Publisher

Splashtop, Inc.

Quick Answer

splashtop.exe is safe. It is the Splashtop Remote Desktop client/process, used for secure remote access and screen sharing between devices.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each remote session or service can spawn separate splashtop-related processes

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close sessions to reduce usage or disable auto-start in Splashtop settings

What is splashtop.exe?

splashtop.exe is the executable for the Splashtop Remote Desktop Client. It enables remote access to another computer and hosts the local viewer and service components for secure connections.

Splashtop uses a client-service model with a background service and a user-facing window. The executable coordinates encryption, session negotiation, and data transfer between devices.

Quick Fact: Splashtop started as a consumer remote access tool and now targets enterprise deployments with secure connections and low-latency streams.

Types of Splashtop Processes

Client Process: User interface and session initiation (splashtop.exe)
Service Process: Background service handling connections (splashtop-srv.exe)
Driver/Filter: Optional input/output driver for optimized streaming
Viewer Process: Remote screen viewer rendering on the client
Updater/Helper: Update helper and background maintenance tasks
Networking Stub: Keeps NAT traversal and relay connections alive

Is splashtop.exe Safe?

Yes, splashtop.exe is safe when obtained from official Splashtop sources (splashtop.com) or installed via trusted app stores.

Is splashtop.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real splashtop.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may imitate names. Verify digital signature and location.

How to Tell if splashtop.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop.exe or C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop.exe.
Digital Signature: Right-click splashtop.exe in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show the vendor as "Splashtop, Inc.".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU per session, 50-250 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Splashtop should only run when you actively use remote access or have it configured to start. Background persistence without user action may indicate compromise.

Red Flags: If splashtop.exe is located outside the Splashtop directories, lacks a valid signature, or runs as SYSTEM without a clear reason, scan with reputable antivirus software and verify source.

Why Is splashtop.exe Running on My PC?

splashtop.exe runs to establish and maintain remote sessions, handle input, video, and audio streaming, and support background connection maintenance.

Reasons it's running:

Active Remote Session: A connected or incoming remote session keeps the client and service active for streaming.
Background Listener: The process waits for connection requests and keeps NAT traversal ready for quick access.
Auto-Start Configuration: Splashtop may be configured to start with Windows to allow unattended access.
Streaming Data: Video, audio, and input data streams keep the process busy to minimize latency.
Software Updates: Background update checks and maintenance tasks can briefly run splashtop.exe.

Can I Disable or Remove splashtop.exe?

Yes, you can disable splashtop.exe. You can stop sessions and prevent startup to reduce resource use, or uninstall Splashtop entirely if not needed.

How to Stop splashtop.exe

End Active Sessions: In the Splashtop client, disconnect any active remote sessions.
Close Client: Quit the Splashtop application gracefully.
Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Splashtop
Stop Background Services: Open Services (services.msc) -> Splashtop service -> Stop
Uninstall: Windows Settings -> Apps -> Splashtop -> Uninstall

How to Uninstall Splashtop

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Splashtop Remote Desktop -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Splashtop Remote Desktop -> Uninstall
✔ Restart after uninstall

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If splashtop.exe is consuming excessive resources, try targeted fixes for remote sessions and client configurations.

Common Causes & Solutions

Active remote session with high video quality: Reduce streaming quality in the Splashtop client settings or pause the session.
Background listener active with no session: Disable auto-start or exit the client to stop background processes.
Outdated Splashtop client: Update to the latest version from splashtop.com to fix performance issues.
Excessive peripherals or input events: Disconnect extra input devices or adjust capture settings in the client.
Resource-heavy remote host: Ask the remote host to lower its screen resolution to reduce bandwidth and load.
Malicious extensions or plugins: Disable or uninstall extensions that interact with Splashtop or crash the client.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Splashtop client and disconnect idle sessions
2. Lower streaming quality in Settings
3. Update to the latest Splashtop version
4. Disable unnecessary extensions or plugins that interact with remote sessions
5. Restart the computer if resource usage remains high

Frequently Asked Questions

Is splashtop.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate splashtop.exe from Splashtop, Inc. is not a virus. Verify it resides in a Splashtop folder and is signed by Splashtop, Inc.

Why is splashtop.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can come from high-quality remote video streams or background sessions. Check active sessions in the client and lower the streaming quality.

Can I disable splashtop.exe?

Yes, you can stop sessions and remove startup entries to disable. Uninstall if you no longer need remote access.

How do I uninstall Splashtop?

Windows Settings -> Apps -> Splashtop Remote Desktop -> Uninstall. Reboot after uninstall.

Where is splashtop.exe located?

Common install path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop.exe or C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop.exe

Is Splashtop secure for remote access?

Splashtop uses end-to-end encryption and secure authentication. Always ensure you enable strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and only connect to trusted devices.