splashtop-service.exe

Splashtop Remote Access Service

System ProcessSafeRemote Access Service

CPU Usage

2-12%

Memory

50-180 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote\splashtop-service.exe

Publisher

Splashtop Inc.

Quick Answer

splashtop-service.exe is safe. It is the core background service for Splashtop Remote Access, enabling secure remote connections and screen sharing.

Is it a Virus?

\u2714 NO - Safe

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

Can I Disable?

\u2714 YES - Will interrupt remote access

Stopping the service will disconnect active remote sessions and prevent new connections until the service is started again

What is splashtop-service.exe?

splashtop-service.exe is the executable that runs the Splashtop Remote Access service in the background. It handles secure connections, session management, and keeps the remote tools available whenever you or your team need access, even when a user is not actively controlling the client. This background service ensures low-latency connections.

This design enables secure, low-latency remote access by handling connection handshakes, session state, and encryption in a dedicated background process.

Quick Fact: Splashtop designed this service to run as a background process, allowing uninterrupted remote sessions and quick reconnects when a user opens the Splashtop Client.

Types of Splashtop Processes

Service Process: Core background service that manages remote connections
Broker Process: Handles authentication and session routing
Viewer Process: Client-side viewer for remote sessions
Connection Manager: Maintains active sessions and network tunnels
Updater Process: Keeps Splashtop components up to date
Helper Utilities: Background tools for diagnostics and config

Is splashtop-service.exe Safe?

Yes, splashtop-service.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Splashtop downloaded from official sources (splashtop.com or official app store bundles).

Is splashtop-service.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real splashtop-service.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate names, so verify the path and signature.

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

File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote\splashtop-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote\splashtop-service.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Splashtop, Inc." as the signer.
Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU and 50-180 MB memory per session. Consistently higher usage may indicate issues.
Behavior:: Splashtop service should launch with Windows or when the Splashtop client starts. Unexpected background activity with no user activity is suspicious.

Red Flags: If splashtop-service.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when Splashtop isn't active, has no digital signature, or shows abnormal network activity, scan with antivirus immediately. Watch for similarly named files like "splashtop-service.exe" from untrusted sources.

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

splashtop-service.exe runs to manage remote connections, respond to client requests, and maintain sessions as part of Splashtop's remote access software.

Reasons it's running:

Active Remote Sessions: An active Splashtop session keeps the service running to facilitate input and viewing from the remote device.
Background Connectivity: The service maintains long-lived tunnels for quick connection and to receive wake signals.
Startup Auto-Launch: The Splashtop client or system tray component is configured to start at logon, launching the service.
Network Keep-Alive: Persistent network connections maintain low-latency access even when the remote device is idle.
Security Features: The service runs to enforce encryption, authentication, and access control for remote sessions.

Can I Disable or Remove splashtop-service.exe?

Yes, you can disable splashtop-service.exe. Disabling stops remote access until you re-enable the service, and may affect your ability to connect to remote devices.

How to Stop splashtop-service.exe

End Current Sessions: In the Splashtop client, disconnect any active remote sessions before stopping the service.
Stop Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate splashtop-service, and click Stop
Prevent Startup: In Task Manager > Startup, disable Splashtop-related items (Splashtop Tray, Splashtop Service)
Uninstall: Go to Apps & Features, select Splashtop, and Uninstall
Consider Alternatives: If remote access is not required, you can remove Splashtop and use another remote tool.

How to Uninstall Splashtop

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Splashtop → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Splashtop → Uninstall
✔ Reboot your PC after completion

Common Problems: Remote Service High CPU/Memory

If splashtop-service.exe is consuming excessive resources or behaving oddly:

Common Causes & Solutions

Active Remote Sessions: Terminate or end sessions from the Splashtop client to reduce load
Background Telemetry: Review privacy/settings to limit telemetry; keep essential ones enabled
Outdated Software: Update Splashtop to the latest version; reinstall if necessary
Excessive Open Sessions: Reduce number of concurrent connections or use fewer devices connected
Antivirus/Firewall Interference: Ensure Splashtop is allowed by firewall and not sandboxed by antivirus
Corrupted Profile: Create a new user profile and reconfigure Splashtop settings

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Splashtop Tray or Task Manager to identify active remote sessions
2. Disconnect idle sessions and close the Splashtop client
3. Update Splashtop to the latest version
4. Restart the splashtop-service.exe via Services or Task Manager
5. Check firewall/antivirus for blocked connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Is splashtop-service.exe a virus?

No, splashtop-service.exe is not a virus when installed from Splashtop's official sources. Verify path and signature.

Why does splashtop-service.exe use CPU?

High CPU or memory usage can occur during active remote sessions or due to heavier screen sharing; check Splashtop Tray and disconnect idle sessions.

Can I disable splashtop-service.exe?

Yes, you can disable or uninstall Splashtop if you no longer need remote access; ensure you close sessions before uninstall.

Does splashtop-service.exe start with Windows?

Splashtop can be configured to start at login; disable startup items in Task Manager under the Startup tab or use the Services manager.

Is splashtop-service.exe secure?

Yes, Splashtop emphasizes encryption and secure connections; ensure you're downloading from splashtop.com and keep software updated.

What should I do if I suspect malware?

If you suspect issues, run a full malware scan, verify digital signatures, and compare the file path to the typical Splashtop install location.