What is splashtop-remote-exe?
splashtop-remote.exe is the main executable for Splashtop Remote Desktop Client. It launches multiple processes to manage active remote sessions, background connectivity, and peripheral control. When you use Splashtop to access another computer, the executable handles session streams and encryption.
Splashtop Remote uses a client-server model with TLS encryption. The splashtop-remote.exe process negotiates session keys, manages data streams, and renders the remote desktop view. It may spawn separate processes per session for stability and to prevent a single crash from impacting the whole client.
Quick Fact: Splashtop pioneered efficient remote session isolation, launching per-session processes to keep streams secure and responsive even with multiple concurrent connections.
Types of Splashtop Processes
- Main GUI Process: User interface and connection manager for Splashtop
- Session Renderer Process: Each remote session uses its own rendering/stream process
- Background/Keep-Alive Process: Maintains connectivity and heartbeat with the Splashtop service
- Peripheral/Clipboard Handler: Manages clipboard, file transfer, and input routing
- Updater/Helper Process: Checks for updates and coordinates client components
- Security/Encryption Broker: Handles session encryption and authentication tokens
Is splashtop-remote.exe Safe?
Yes, splashtop-remote.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Splashtop downloaded from official sources.
Is splashtop-remote.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real splashtop-remote.exe is not a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if splashtop-remote.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote\splashtop-remote.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote\splashtop-remote.exe. Any splashtop-remote.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click splashtop-remote.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Splashtop, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-20% CPU per session, 80-400 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when no remote session is active is suspicious.
- Behavior: Splashtop should only run when you use the client or have an active remote session. Unprompted activity or background mining is atypical.
Red Flags: If splashtop-remote.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, System32), runs when Splashtop isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files like "splashtop-remote.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is splashtop-remote.exe Running on My PC?
splashtop-remote.exe runs to support remote connections, screen sharing, and background connectivity for quick access to remote machines and ongoing sessions.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Session Use: You are connected to a remote computer or sharing your screen; each session requires its own process to stream data.
- Background Connectivity: The client maintains heartbeats and keeps the remote service ready for quick reconnection even when the window is minimized.
- Startup Launch: If Splashtop is configured to start at Windows boot, splashtop-remote.exe will run on system startup.
- Tray/Background App: The Splashtop tray/app monitors connections and may keep processes active to support notification and quick access.
- Session Synchronization: Background syncing of permissions, device lists, and connection policies can spawn additional helper processes.
Can I Disable or Remove splashtop-remote.exe?
Yes, you can disable splashtop-remote.exe. It's safe to close Splashtop when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer another remote access solution.
How to Stop splashtop-remote.exe
- Disconnect Sessions: In the Splashtop client, disconnect all active remote sessions or close the client entirely.
- Close Client: Quit Splashtop from the system tray or the main window.
- Stop Background Service: Open Windows Services (services.msc), locate Splashtop Remote Service, and set Startup type to Disabled or Stop the service.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Splashtop Remote Client.
- Toggle Background Apps: In Splashtop settings, disable any option like 'Start with Windows' or 'Continue running in background' to prevent auto-start.
How to Uninstall Splashtop
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Splashtop Remote Desktop -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Splashtop Remote Desktop -> Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative remote tools: AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If splashtop-remote.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Remote Sessions: Disconnect or close inactive sessions; each session may consume 100+ MB and CPU resources.
- Background Connectivity Enabled: In Splashtop settings, disable automatic background connections when not in use.
- Outdated Client: Update Splashtop to the latest version via the client or official site.
- Conflicting Extensions or Services: Disable conflicting system utilities or antivirus overlays that interfere with Splashtop streams.
- Malicious Software Impersonation: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify the executable path and digital signature.
- Heavy Web Content in Remote Session: Limit resource-heavy content in the remote session and pause streaming when not needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Splashtop and disconnect unnecessary sessions
2. Close the Splashtop client and reopen
3. Update the Splashtop client to the latest version
4. Disable 'Start with Windows' in Settings
5. Check for background processes through Task Manager and end stale splashtop-remote.exe instances
Frequently Asked Questions
Is splashtop-remote.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate splashtop-remote.exe from Splashtop is not a virus. Verify its location is in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote\splashtop-remote.exe and that it carries a valid digital signature from 'Splashtop, Inc.'
Why is splashtop-remote.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during active remote sessions with video streaming or when connections are unstable. Use the Splashtop client task manager, reduce session quality, or disconnect idle sessions.
Can I delete splashtop-remote.exe?
You can uninstall Splashtop Remote Desktop to remove the executable. This will remove the client and its processes; your remote access history will depend on your settings.
Can I disable splashtop-remote.exe?
Yes. You can quit the Splashtop client, disable startup, or stop the Splashtop service to prevent it from running when not needed.
Why does Splashtop start at Windows startup?
If configured, Splashtop starts at login to provide quick remote access. Disable startup in Task Manager > Startup or in Splashtop settings.
How do I verify the integrity of splashtop-remote.exe?
Check the file path, inspect the digital signature (Splashtop, Inc.), verify that the executable is located under the official program directory, and ensure the process behavior matches remote access activity.