Quick Answer
splashtop-svc.exe is safe. It's the Splashtop service that enables remote access, background connectivity, and session management for Splashtop's client applications.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop-svc.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Splashtop uses multiple background services for connectivity; verify each splashtop-svc.exe instance is located under the official install folder.
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling the service will stop remote access features. You can stop it via Services.msc or from the Splashtop client settings, then remove if not needed.
What is splashtop-svc.exe?
splashtop-svc.exe is the Windows service component of Splashtop's remote desktop software. It runs in the background to maintain connections, handle authentication, and coordinate data transfer between the Splashtop client and remote devices. This service typically starts with Windows and remains active for quick remote access.
splashtop-svc.exe runs as a Windows service, handling network communication, session management, and keep-alive signals for Splashtop clients. It may spawn helper processes for tasks like connection negotiation and encryption, and it can run continuously even when the main UI is closed.
Quick Fact: Splashtop's service architecture splits remote session handling into dedicated background processes to improve responsiveness and stability during remote access.
Types of Splashtop Processes
- Service Process: Main Windows service that starts at boot and manages remote connections (splashtop-svc.exe)
- Session Handler: Manages active remote sessions and keeps them alive
- Network Listener: Listens for incoming connections from Splashtop clients
- Updater/Helper: Background component for updates and feature checks
- Wake-on-LAN Helper: Assists wake-on-LAN and quick resume features
- Security/Certificate Handler: Manages encryption keys and certificates for authentication
Is splashtop-svc.exe Safe?
Yes, splashtop-svc.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Splashtop downloaded from splashtop.com or your vendor-provided installer.
Is splashtop-svc.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real splashtop-svc.exe is not a virus. However, malware sometimes masquerades with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if splashtop-svc.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop-svc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\splashtop-svc.exe. Any splashtop-svc.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from Splashtop, Inc.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU per service and modest memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: The service should run in the background and only start when Splashtop is installed or a remote session is initiated.
Red Flags: If splashtop-svc.exe is located outside official folders (like System32 or Temp), runs when the PC is idle, has no valid digital signature, or uses constant high resources, scan for malware and verify the installation source.
Why Is splashtop-svc.exe Running on My PC?
splashtop-svc.exe runs as part of Splashtop's remote access software to support connections, wake-up and background tasks. It may run at startup and stay resident to provide quick remote sessions.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Sessions: You're connected to a remote device or a session is active; the service maintains the connection and session data.
- Background Connectivity: The service keeps network listeners and heartbeats for ongoing remote sessions and admin tasks.
- Startup and Automatic Launch: Splashtop is configured to launch at Windows startup to provide instant access when needed.
- Wake-on-LAN and Quick Resume: WOL features keep the host accessible and allow rapid resume of sessions after sleep or hibernation.
- Update Checks and Health Monitoring: Background checks ensure security updates, license validation, and feature checks for the client.
Can I Disable or Remove splashtop-svc.exe?
Yes, you can disable splashtop-svc.exe. It's safe to disable if remote access is not needed, but you will lose Splashtop functionality until re-enabled.
How to Stop splashtop-svc.exe
- End the Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate the Splashtop service, right-click, and choose Stop
- Disable Startup: In the same Services window, set Startup type to Disabled to prevent auto-start
- Close Related Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end any splashtop-svc.exe or splashtop-related processes
- Adjust Client Settings: In the Splashtop client, disable background/auto-start options if available
- Uninstall if Desired: Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Splashtop > Uninstall
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-svc.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Remote Sessions: Close idle sessions or limit automatic session reconnects from the client settings.
- Background Tasks or Heartbeats: Disable nonessential background tasks in the Splashtop client and ensure only needed sessions remain active.
- Outdated Splashtop Version: Update to the latest Splashtop version from the official site or client update.
- Conflicting Firewall/Antivirus Rules: Allow Splashtop through the firewall and create exceptions for splashtop-svc.exe ports.
- Malware Masquerading as Splashtop: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify the installation path against the official Splashtop directory.
- Corrupted Installation: Repair or reinstall the Splashtop client to restore a clean service setup.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager -> Shift+Esc in Splashtop app to identify high-usage sessions
2. Update Splashtop: Check for updates in the client or install the latest version
3. Disable unnecessary sessions and extensions within Splashtop settings
4. Ensure Splashtop ports are allowed through firewall
5. Restart Splashtop services or reboot the machine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is splashtop-svc.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate splashtop-svc.exe from Splashtop is safe when located in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\ and signed by Splashtop, Inc.
Why is splashtop-svc.exe running when Windows starts?
It runs to provide immediate remote access and background connectivity for Splashtop clients. This helps you connect quickly without starting the app manually.
Can I disable splashtop-svc.exe at startup?
Yes. Use Services.msc to set the Splashtop service Startup type to Disabled, or disable it from the Splashtop client settings if available.
How do I uninstall Splashtop?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Splashtop > Uninstall, or use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Splashtop. Restart after uninstall.
Why is Splashtop using CPU when idle?
Background heartbeats, licensing checks, and service maintenance can cause brief CPU usage. If usage is constant at high levels, verify sessions and update or reinstall.
Where is splashtop-svc.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Splashtop\Splashtop Remote Desktop\, signed by Splashtop, Inc.