Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Tampermonkey is a legitimate extension installed from official stores (e.g., Chrome Web Store). Verify the extension ID matches the Tampermonkey listing.
Warning
Scripts can run automatically
Some user scripts have broad permissions. Only install scripts from trusted sources and review requested permissions before enabling.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable or remove Tampermonkey via chrome://extensions or your browser's extension manager to stop script execution.
What is tampermonkey-extension?
Tampermonkey is a popular browser extension that lets you install, manage, and run user scripts to customize how websites behave. It loads scripts on page load, injects code into the DOM, and lets you enable, disable, or update scripts from online repositories. It centralizes script management, enabling powerful client-side customization across sites without server changes.
Tampermonkey uses a small script engine to execute user scripts in a sandboxed context as pages load. It provides GM_* APIs for storage, HTTP requests, and UI prompts, while respecting the page's CSP and browser security to minimize risk.
Quick Fact: Tampermonkey is one of the most popular userscript managers, with a large ecosystem of scripts available from multiple sources.
Types of Tampermonkey Activities
- Extension Core: Manages the extension UI, storage, and script management features
- User Script Execution: Executes user scripts on matching pages, after page load
- Script Update Checker: Periodically checks for updates to installed scripts
- Editor & Importer: Provides the built-in editor and import UI for new scripts
- Storage & GM API Access: Provides GM.* API access for scripts to persist data
Is tampermonkey Safe?
Yes, tampermonkey is safe when installed from official sources and used with trusted scripts.
Is tampermonkey a Virus or Malware?
The real Tampermonkey extension is NOT a virus. Malware can imitate extensions, so verify the source and extension ID.
How to Tell if tampermonkey is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: For Chrome: C:\Users\Alice\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\dhdgffkkebhhkbebaakkhhlfefpafodd\manifest.json
- Publisher Verification:: Open chrome://extensions and click Details for Tampermonkey. Publisher should be "Tampermonkey.net".
- Permissions Review:: Review the permissions requested by installed scripts in the Tampermonkey dashboard.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is low; check Task Manager for unusual CPU/memory in the tampermonkey extension context.
Red Flags: If tampermonkey appears in an unusual folder (e.g., AppData\Local\Temp), runs without user action, lacks a publisher, or you see constant high resource usage from the extension, scan with antivirus and reinstall from official sources.
Why Is tampermonkey Extension Running on My PC?
Tampermonkey runs to manage and execute user scripts on websites you visit. It can operate in the background to check for script updates and respond to browser events.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Site Customization: You have Tampermonkey enabled and visit sites that match installed scripts, triggering execution.
- Background Script Execution: Some scripts run on page load or in response to DOM events, keeping scripts ready for interaction.
- Script Update Checks: Tampermonkey periodically checks for script updates from configured sources to keep scripts current.
- Editor and Script Import: Open the Tampermonkey editor or import new scripts, which briefly engages extension components.
- Sync and Storage: Tampermonkey may perform local storage writes or sync settings across devices when signed in.
Can I Disable or Remove tampermonkey?
Yes, you can disable tampermonkey. It's safe to disable or remove the extension if you no longer need it, or temporarily disable scripts to reduce impact.
How to Stop tampermonkey
- Disable Script Execution: Open chrome://extensions, locate Tampermonkey, toggle off Enabled.
- Pause Individual Scripts: Open Tampermonkey dashboard and disable specific scripts you don't need.
- Close Browser: Close all browser windows to ensure no scripts run during shutdown.
- Disable Startup: If the browser auto-launches with Tampermonkey, disable the extension in the startup manager.
- Uninstall Extension: In chrome://extensions, click Remove to uninstall Tampermonkey entirely.
How to Uninstall Tampermonkey
- ✔ Chrome: chrome://extensions → Remove Tampermonkey → Remove
- ✔ Edge: edge://extensions → Remove Tampermonkey → Remove
- ✔ If you need scripts later, reinstall from the official store at tampermonkey.net
Common Problems: Tampermonkey issues
If tampermonkey is misbehaving, consider common causes such as script conflicts, outdated scripts, or permission changes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Scripts Not Running: Ensure the script is enabled in Tampermonkey, matches the page includes, and has no syntax errors.
- Scripts Not Updating: Check update_url in the script header and ensure Tampermonkey can access the internet; consider forcing an update check.
- Performance Impact: Disable unused scripts, limit heavy scripts, and consider updating Tampermonkey to the latest version.
- Script Conflicts: Disable conflicting scripts or adjust include rules to prevent overlap on the same pages.
- Extension Not Loaded: Reinstall Tampermonkey from the official store; clear browser cache if needed.
- Site CSP Blocks Scripts: Some sites restrict script injections. Disable Tampermonkey on those sites or use safer script scopes.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Tampermonkey dashboard and identify high-activity scripts
3. Disable unnecessary scripts
4. Update all scripts to the latest versions
5. Check browser console for script errors
6. Restart the browser to apply changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tampermonkey safe?
Yes, Tampermonkey is safe when installed from official sources (Chrome Web Store, Edge Add-ons) and used with trusted scripts. Always verify the extension publisher and script sources.
Can Tampermonkey read my data?
Tampermonkey can access data on pages where scripts run, if those scripts request permissions. You control which scripts are installed and active.
Do scripts slow down my browser?
Possibly, especially with many heavy scripts or poorly optimized code. Disable unnecessary scripts and update to a lean set of scripts.
How do I install scripts safely?
Only install scripts from reputable sources (e.g., trusted script authors or official repositories). Review the requested permissions before installation.
How do I disable Tampermonkey at startup?
Use the browser's extension manager to disable Tampermonkey from auto-start, or uninstall the extension if you don't need it.
Can I use Tampermonkey on mobile?
Tampermonkey is primarily for desktop Chromium-based browsers. Some mobile browsers may support it through built-in add-ons, but mobile support is limited and not universal.