Quick Answer
trello.exe is safe. It's the official Trello desktop client that uses multiple processes to handle boards, synchronization, and UI components for improved stability.
What is trello.exe?
trello.exe is the executable for the Trello Desktop Client. It runs as an Electron-based application that loads boards, cards, and offline caches. Trello uses a multi-process architecture so UI, rendering, and network tasks are separated for stability and responsiveness.
This Electron-based process isolates UI rendering, data sync, and storage tasks into separate subprocesses, ensuring a responsive UI and fault tolerance during board operations.
Quick Fact: Trello’s desktop client uses a multi-process model similar to other Electron apps to keep boards responsive even during network hiccups.
Types of Trello Processes
- Browser/Window Process: Main Trello window and user interface (1+ instances)
- Renderer Process: Each board, card, or view renders in its own process
- Background Sync Process: Handles offline cache, syncs, and notifications
- Updater/Updater Helper: Keeps Trello up to date with the latest release
- Utility Process: Background tasks and network services
Is trello.exe Safe?
Yes, trello.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Atlassian released through official channels (trello.com or Atlassian downloads).
Is trello.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real trello.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may mimic names; verify the signer and location.
How to Tell if trello.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Trello or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Trello. Any trello.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Atlassian" (e.g., Atlassian Pty Ltd).
- Resource Usage: Normal Trello usage is modest: 3-18% CPU, 120-350 MB memory. Constant high usage outside activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: Trello should launch when you start the app and shouldn’t spawn many ghost processes when closed.
Red Flags: If trello.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when Trello isn't open, has no valid signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Watch for similarly named files like "trello32.exe".
Why Is trello.exe Running on My PC?
trello.exe runs when you launch the Trello Desktop Client or when Trello is configured to resume last session or run background tasks for sync and notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Trello Use: You're actively using Trello; each board view and card loads UI and data, spawning renderers and background tasks.
- Background Sync: Trello keeps boards, comments, and attachments synchronized with the cloud in the background.
- Startup and Resume: Tre llo is configured to start on Windows login or to reopen the last session after a reboot.
- Notifications and Alerts: Desktop notifications and activity alerts run in the background to keep you updated.
- Offline Caching: Local caching for offline access runs background tasks to manage data availability.
Can I Disable or Remove trello.exe?
Yes, you can disable trello.exe. It is safe to close and you can uninstall Trello if you prefer another tool.
How to Stop trello.exe
- End Active Trello Windows: Close all Trello windows or use Task Manager to End Task for trello.exe
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Trello
- Disable Background Sync: Trello Settings → General → Disable background sync / start on login
- Sign Out and Exit: Sign out of Trello and exit the app to stop background tasks
- Uninstall Trello: Windows Settings → Apps → Trello → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Trello
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Trello → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Trello → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative tools: Asana, Notion, Jira
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If trello.exe is consuming excessive resources, try targeted troubleshooting steps below.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many boards or cards loaded: Close unused boards; consider collapsing lists or archiving completed boards to reduce render load.
- Background Sync: Reduce sync frequency in Trello settings or temporarily disable background sync during heavy tasks.
- Outdated Trello Version: Update Trello to the latest version via Trello -> Help -> Check for Updates.
- Large Attachments and Offline Cache: Limit offline cache usage; offload large attachments to cloud storage and reindex boards.
- Antivirus or Firewall Scanning Trello: Exclude Trello executable from real-time scanning and ensure network access is not blocked.
- Corrupted Local Data: Reset Trello local data or reinstall Trello to repair corrupted cache files.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Trello Task Manager (Shift+Esc) and identify heavy boards
2. Close/Archive large boards and clear cache
3. Update to latest Trello version
4. Disable unnecessary Power-Ups and background tasks
5. Restart Trello or reboot the PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trello.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate trello.exe from Atlassian is not a virus. Verify the file location is C:\\Program Files\\Trello or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Trello and that the digital signature shows Atlassian.
Why is trello.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur when many boards or cards load, or when large attachments and continuous syncing occur. Use Trello Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify culprits and close or pause them.
Can I delete trello.exe?
Yes, uninstall Trello from Windows Settings → Apps, but be aware you will lose offline access and data until you sign back in or reinstall.
Can I disable trello.exe from starting at startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup tab to disable Trello, or disable Trello from Windows startup settings.
Where is trello.exe located on Windows?
Common paths are C:\\Program Files\\Trello\\trello.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Trello\\trello.exe. Use File Explorer to verify the exact path on your system.
How do I update the Trello desktop app?
Open Trello and go to Help → Check for Updates, or download the latest installer from trello.com/downloads and install to replace the older version.