standardnotes.exe

What is standardnotes.exe?

standardnotes.exe is the Windows desktop executable for the Standard Notes application. The desktop client provides offline note editing, end-to-end encryption, and cloud sync across devices, all within a native-like Electron window. It also supports offline access and local encryption to protect data when you're offline.

The desktop client runs as an Electron-based multi-process app: a main process controls the lifecycle and a renderer process handles the UI. It encrypts notes locally before syncing to the service.

Types of Standard Notes Processes

• Main Process: Controls app lifecycle, menus, and global shortcuts (1 instance)
• Renderer Process: Renders the app UI in a window (multiple instances per window)
• Background Sync Service: Handles cloud sync and encryption operations in the background
• Security/Encryption Module: Performs client-side encryption/decryption
• Notification/Tray Helper: Manages system tray interactions and notifications

Is standardnotes.exe Safe?

Yes, standardnotes.exe is safe when it comes from official sources (Standard Notes website or trusted distribution channels) and is located in the appropriate Program Files directory with a valid signature.

Is standardnotes.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate standardnotes.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names. Always verify the location and digital signature.

How to Tell if standardnotes.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Standard Notes\StandardNotes.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Standard Notes\StandardNotes.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click StandardNotes.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Standard Notes LLC".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 120-350 MB memory. Abnormally high usage when the app is not actively used is suspicious.
4. Behavior: The app should launch when opened by the user and not auto-run excessively in the background without interaction.

Why Is standardnotes.exe Running on My PC?

The Standard Notes desktop client runs when you start the app, or when background sync is enabled, so your notes stay updated across devices even if you are offline briefly.

Reasons it's running:

• Active App Use: You have the Standard Notes window open or you are actively editing notes; the main and renderer processes stay active.
• Background Sync: The app syncs changes to the cloud in the background to keep notes consistent across devices.
• Startup Program: If Windows startup is enabled for Standard Notes, the process will launch on login.
• Offline Access: Notes may be available offline; the app maintains a local encrypted store that syncs when online.
• Notifications: System notifications or live updates from the app can keep a background process alive.

Can I Disable or Remove standardnotes.exe?

Yes, you can disable standardnotes.exe. You can close the app to stop activity or uninstall it if you no longer need it.

How to Stop standardnotes.exe

• Close the App: Click the X button or use Exit to close Standard Notes
• End Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Processes → StandardNotes.exe → End Task
• Prevent Startup: Windows Settings → Apps → Startup → Disable Standard Notes
• Disable Background Sync: In Standard Notes settings, turn off auto-sync or background sync options
• System Tray Settings: Disable 'Show tray icon' or close from tray to prevent background activity

How to Uninstall Standard Notes

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Standard Notes → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Standard Notes → Uninstall
• ✔ Reinstall only if you need the app again or use the web client

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If standardnotes.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Active editing of large notes or many notes loaded: Close large notes, limit open notes, or log out of devices to reduce sync traffic
• Background Sync enabled with poor network: Pause sync or check network stability; re-login if necessary
• Old app version: Update Standard Notes to the latest version from the official site
• Corrupted cache or data: Clear app cache or refresh the app data from Settings
• Malicious extension or integration: Review integrations and disable suspicious ones; use web client for sensitive notes
• Hardware acceleration issues: Disable hardware acceleration in Settings → Advanced

Related Processes