Quick Answer
tiny-media-manager.exe is safe. It is the native Windows executable for the Tiny Media Manager application, a local metadata manager that collects details, posters, and artwork for your media library.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be located under the official install path and signed by the Tiny Media Manager team
Warning
Multiple background tasks
TM Manager may fetch metadata in background and scan libraries; expect multiple related processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close the app or disable startup to stop background activity
What is tiny-media-manager.exe?
tiny-media-manager.exe is the Windows executable for Tiny Media Manager, a cross‑platform desktop app that helps you organize your movie and TV collections. It fetches metadata, posters, and artwork from online databases and saves them into a local library.
Tiny Media Manager uses a Java-based runtime to gather metadata from TMDB/OMDb, IMDb, and local folders, then stores it in a structured database. It supports batch edits, multi‑library setups, and export options.
Quick Fact: Tiny Media Manager supports multiple data sources and exports to formats like Kodi/Nox, making it a flexible cataloging tool for media collections.
Types of Tiny Media Manager Processes
- Main Application Process: GUI and core management module that coordinates library operations
- Metadata Fetcher: Background fetcher for metadata like plot, cast, genres
- Artwork Downloader: Downloads posters, backdrops, and artwork assets
- Database Writer: Writes and updates the local library database
- Batch Export / Import: Handles library export/import, including formats for media centers
- Utility/Background Process: Other background tasks and scheduled checks
Is tiny-media-manager.exe Safe?
Yes, tiny-media-manager.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official Tiny Media Manager release downloaded from the project's site or reputable software repositories.
Is tiny-media-manager.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real tiny-media-manager.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes imitates names, so verify location and signature.
How to Tell if tiny-media-manager.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\tinyMediaManager\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\tinyMediaManager\. Any tiny-media-manager.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer or Task Manager → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signer like "tinyMediaManager Team".
- Resource Usage: Moderate memory usage when actively organizing, and normal CPU spikes during metadata fetch. Constant high usage with no UI is suspicious.
- Behavior: The app should run only when launched; unexpected background persistence without user action may indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If tiny-media-manager.exe is found in Temp folders or AppData, runs without user launch, lacks a valid signature, or exhibits unusual network activity, scan with antivirus and verify official release.
Why Is tiny-media-manager.exe Running on My PC?
Tiny Media Manager runs when you open the application or when background tasks are enabled for metadata fetching, library scanning, or scheduled checks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Library Management: You are actively organizing or viewing a media library; the app processes items and updates metadata.
- Background Metadata Fetch: Metadata, posters, and artwork are fetched in the background to speed up later access.
- Library Scans or Import: New or added files trigger library scans to catalog content and download metadata.
- Scheduled Checks: Automatic checks for updates or metadata refreshes may run at intervals.
- Startup or Tray Launch: If configured to start with Windows or to stay in the system tray, the process may run in background.
Can I Disable or Remove tiny-media-manager.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove tiny-media-manager.exe. Close the application when not in use, disable startup entries, or uninstall Tiny Media Manager completely if you no longer need it.
How to Stop tiny-media-manager.exe
- Close Application: Exit the Tiny Media Manager UI to stop processes
- End Background Tasks: In Task Manager, locate tiny-media-manager.exe and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Tiny Media Manager
- Disable Background Fetch: Within Tiny Media Manager Settings, disable automatic metadata fetch and background scanning
How to Uninstall Tiny Media Manager
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Tiny Media Manager → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Tiny Media Manager → Uninstall
- ✔ Reinstall later from the official Tiny Media Manager site if desired
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If tiny-media-manager.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large or multiple libraries: Large libraries with many items can increase fetch times; consider limiting active views or indexing options.
- Background metadata fetch: Disable or adjust fetch settings; limit concurrent requests in preferences.
- Slow network sources: Check your internet connection or temporarily disable remote metadata sources.
- Outdated app: Update Tiny Media Manager to the latest version from the official site.
- Corrupt database: Back up library, repair or recreate the database via the app's utilities.
- Faulty plugins: Disable or remove problematic plugins or scripts.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused libraries and UI tabs
2. Restart Tiny Media Manager
3. Check for updates and install the latest version
4. Limit concurrent metadata fetches in settings
5. Disable or remove troublesome plugins
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tiny-media-manager.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate tiny-media-manager.exe is part of the Tiny Media Manager application downloaded from official sources. Verify the install path: C:\Program Files\tinyMediaManager or C:\Program Files (x86)\tinyMediaManager, and ensure a valid signature.
What is Tiny Media Manager and what does it do?
Tiny Media Manager is a cross‑platform desktop app that aggregates metadata, posters, and artwork for movies and TV shows, organizing them into a local library for use with media centers like Kodi or Plex.
Where is tiny-media-manager.exe installed on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\tinyMediaManager or C:\Program Files (x86)\tinyMediaManager. If you installed via an updater, check the directory you chose during install.
How do I update Tiny Media Manager?
Open the app and use the built-in update checker, or download the latest release from the official Tiny Media Manager site and install it over the existing directory.
Can Tiny Media Manager run on startup or in the background?
It can be configured to start with Windows or to run background metadata fetches. Adjust settings in the preferences and Windows startup entries if needed.
Does Tiny Media Manager support batch edits?
Yes. It offers batch editing, multi-library support, and export options for media centers; consult the official docs for step‑by‑step instructions.