Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in the Splashtop installation folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\SSStreamer.exe
Warning
Typically legitimate; may run as a background service
If you see SSStreamer.exe in unusual folders or without the Splashtop suite, investigate for malware
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can stop it from running by stopping the Splashtop Streamer service or closing remote sessions
What is splashtop-streamer.exe?
splashtop-streamer.exe is the core background service for Splashtop Remote Desktop. It runs on your computer to accept and manage remote connections, streaming your screen, keyboard, and mouse inputs to authorized clients.
Splashtop Streamer uses a lightweight, low-latency streaming protocol, negotiates secure session keys, and maintains a continuous connection with Splashtop servers to support remote access.
Quick Fact: Splashtop Streamer is designed to minimize CPU and memory use while maintaining responsive screen sharing.
Types of Splashtop Processes
- Streamer Service: Core background service that handles connections
- User Session Process: Runs per remote session for input and display streaming
- Driver/Helper: Low-level components required for streaming
- Update/Launcher: Launches and updates streamer components
- Audio/Video Bridge: Manages audio and video streams for remote sessions
- Networking Helper: Keeps NAT traversal and connectivity healthy
Is splashtop-streamer.exe Safe?
Yes, splashtop-streamer.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Splashtop downloaded from official sources (splashtop.com or bundled by your device manufacturer).
Is splashtop-streamer.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real splashtop-streamer.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; always verify the file path and signature.
How to Tell if splashtop-streamer.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\SSStreamer.exe or C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\SSStreamer.exe. Any SSStreamer.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click SSStreamer.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show the publisher as "Splashtop, Inc." and certificate valid.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per active remote session, 40-180 MB memory. Consistently high usage with no remote session is suspicious.
- Behavior: Streamer should run as a service and only initiate streaming when a client connects. Unexpected auto-start with no Splashtop client is a red flag.
Red Flags: If splashtop-streamer.exe is found in unexpected folders (like Temp, AppData) or lacks a valid digital signature, run a full antivirus scan and verify with your IT admin.
Why Is splashtop-streamer.exe Running on My PC?
splashtop-streamer.exe runs to enable remote access, maintain sessions, and manage streaming between devices when Splashtop is installed and configured.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Session: A user or client is connected to this computer; streamer handles input/output for the session.
- Background Service: The Splashtop Streamer service runs in the background to listen for connections and handle keep-alives.
- Startup/Auto-launch: Splashtop can be configured to start at Windows boot, bringing the streamer process online automatically.
- Network Keep-Alive: Streamer maintains NAT traversal and firewall permissions to keep sessions reachable.
- Security/Authentication: The process maintains session keys and validates client credentials for secure connections.
Can I Disable or Remove splashtop-streamer.exe?
Yes, you can disable splashtop-streamer.exe. It's safe to stop remote access if you no longer need Splashtop on this device.
How to Stop splashtop-streamer.exe
- End Active Sessions: In the Splashtop client, end any active remote sessions or disconnect clients
- Stop the Service: Open Windows Services (services.msc), locate 'Splashtop Streamer Service' and click Stop
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable 'Splashtop Streamer' so it doesn't start on boot
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Splashtop Streamer → Uninstall or use the installer to remove it
- Post-Disable Check: Ensure SSStreamer.exe is not running in Task Manager and no remote connections are possible
How to Uninstall Splashtop Streamer
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Splashtop Streamer → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Splashtop Streamer → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot the computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Network Usage
If splashtop-streamer.exe is causing issues:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Remote Sessions: Disconnect clients to reduce streaming workload.
- Background Keep-Alive: Review Splashtop settings to minimize keep-alives or disable auto-start.
- Poor Network Conditions: Check network stability; enable lower quality streaming if needed.
- Software Conflicts: Close conflicting VPN clients or firewall restrictions that block streaming.
- Outdated Software: Update Splashtop Streamer to the latest version via the official installer.
- Malware/Adware: Run antivirus/anti-malware scans and verify the SSStreamer.exe path.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Splashtop Streamer client and disconnect sessions
2. Update to the latest version from splashtop.com
3. Restart the host computer
4. Check for and disable unnecessary background tasks
5. Run a full malware scan if suspicious activity continues
Frequently Asked Questions
Is splashtop-streamer.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate splashtop-streamer.exe from Splashtop is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in the official Splashtop installation path and is digitally signed by Splashtop, Inc.
Why is splashtop-streamer.exe running on startup?
Splashtop Streamer can be configured to start automatically to allow remote connections. Disable startup in Task Manager or uninstall if you don't need it.
Can I disable splashtop-streamer.exe?
Yes, you can stop remote access by closing remote sessions, stopping the service, or removing Splashtop Streamer from Windows.
How do I stop SSStreamer.exe from consuming resources?
End remote sessions, reduce streaming quality in settings, and ensure you don't have unnecessary clients connected.
How do I uninstall Splashtop Streamer?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Splashtop Streamer → Uninstall or run the official uninstaller. Reboot after uninstall.
Is Splashtop Streamer safe in corporate networks?
Yes, when deployed through approved IT channels with correct configuration and authentication. Always follow your organization's security policy.