What is surfshark-audio-service.exe?
surfshark-audio-service.exe is the Surfshark Audio Service component that runs in the background to manage secure audio routing when the VPN is active. It supports VPN-protected mic input, speaker output, and in-app audio notifications, helping protect your audio data while connected.
This process is a Windows service that operates continuously to coordinate audio streams through Surfshark's VPN tunnel, using inter-process communication and service control APIs to couple with the main Surfshark app.
Quick Fact: Surfshark Audio Service helps prevent audio leakage by routing mic and speaker data through the VPN tunnel when enabled.
Types of Surfshark Audio Service Processes
- Service Process: Background Windows service that starts with Windows and runs continuously
- Audio Router: Manages routing of input/output audio through the VPN tunnel
- Notification Handler: Delivers VPN status and audio-related notifications
- Updater Process: Checks for and applies updates to the Surfshark audio components
- Telemetry Helper: Collects non-identifying telemetry for product improvements
- Helper Process: Auxiliary tasks aiding the main service
Is surfshark-audio-service.exe Safe?
Yes, surfshark-audio-service.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Surfshark file downloaded from Surfshark's official website or installed via the Surfshark app.
Is surfshark-audio-service.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real surfshark-audio-service.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if surfshark-audio-service.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Surfshark\SurfsharkAudioService\surfshark-audio-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Surfshark\SurfsharkAudioService\surfshark-audio-service.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Surfshark Ltd" as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-8% CPU and 20-60 MB memory. Persistent spikes or high usage when VPN is off are suspicious.
- Behavior: The service should run only while Surfshark is active or Windows has VPN protections enabled.
Red Flags: If surfshark-audio-service.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when VPN is off, has no digital signature, or uses resources continuously, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly-named files.
Why Is surfshark-audio-service.exe Running on My PC?
Surfshark Audio Service runs to support secure audio routing when the VPN is active and to deliver audio-related notifications and enhancements.
Reasons it's running:
- Active VPN Connection: The service starts or stays active when Surfshark is connected to route audio through the VPN.
- Background Audio Routing: It handles mic input and speaker output so audio stays protected across the VPN tunnel.
- Startup/Auto-Launch: Windows may launch Surfshark components at startup for a ready-to-go VPN experience.
- Notification and Telemetry: The service may spawn components to show VPN status and audio-related notifications.
- Software Updates: Updater components ensure the audio service is kept current with Surfshark releases.
Can I Disable or Remove surfshark-audio-service.exe?
Yes, you can disable surfshark-audio-service.exe. It is safe to stop if you don't use Surfshark's audio features, but some VPN functions may be affected.
How to Stop surfshark-audio-service
- End Service via Services: Open services.msc, find Surfshark Audio Service, and stop the service. Set Startup type to Manual or Disabled.
- Close Surfshark App: Exit the Surfshark app; the service may stop automatically.
- Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager, look for surfshark-audio-service.exe and End Task
- Disable Startup: In Task Manager → Startup tab, disable Surfshark components to prevent auto-start
- Uninstall Surfshark: If you no longer need Surfshark, uninstall via Settings or Control Panel
How to Uninstall Surfshark (and audio service)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Surfshark → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Surfshark → Uninstall
- ✔ Reboot after uninstall to ensure all components are removed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If surfshark-audio-service.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Excessive audio devices or channels: Limit active audio devices or disable unused inputs/outputs in Windows sound settings; restart Surfshark if needed.
- Background Notifications: Disable unnecessary notifications in Surfshark app or reduce telemetry settings.
- VPN not active: Service should idle when VPN is disconnected; if not, check VPN connectivity or restart Surfshark app.
- Outdated Surfshark software: Update Surfshark to the latest version; this fixes known resource leaks.
- Conflicting audio drivers: Update audio drivers or roll back to stable versions; disable other apps that access audio exclusively.
- Corrupt service files: Repair or reinstall Surfshark client to restore sane service behavior.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Surfshark, check status; ensure VPN is connected
2. Restart Surfshark Audio Service via Services or Task Manager
3. Restart Windows Audio service
4. Update Surfshark to latest version
5. Limit active audio devices and test VPN audio routing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surfshark-audio-service.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate surfshark-audio-service.exe is part of Surfshark's software and should be located under C:\Program Files\Surfshark\SurfsharkAudioService\surfshark-audio-service.exe with a valid signature from Surfshark Ltd.
Why is Surfshark Audio Service running when VPN is off?
It may be installed to support optional audio features or to run in background for quick VPN startup; if you don't use audio features, you can disable it.
Can I delete surfshark-audio-service.exe?
You can uninstall Surfshark software; deleting the file manually may break the VPN. Use Settings → Apps to uninstall.
Can I disable Surfshark Audio Service?
Yes, you can disable it via Services or Task Manager, but some VPN features may rely on it.
Why is Surfshark Audio Service consuming memory?
Temporary caching and active audio routing can consume memory; ensure VPN is connected and update to latest version to fix leaks.
How do I reinstall Surfshark Audio Service?
Reinstall the full Surfshark client from surfshark.com/download and ensure components install correctly.