Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\\Program Files\\TunnelBear or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\TunnelBear; the executable is signed by TunnelBear Inc.
Warning
Multiple processes may be active
TunnelBear may spawn several processes for connections, background checks, and server switching
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the app or disable startup; you can stop background activity from within the TunnelBear settings
What is tunnelbear.exe?
tunnelbear.exe is the Windows executable for the TunnelBear VPN client. It manages the VPN connection by launching a virtual tunnel interface, authenticating with TunnelBear servers, and coordinating background tasks that keep your traffic encrypted and routed through TunnelBear servers.
This process runs the TunnelBear client user-space daemon that creates and maintains a virtual network adapter and tunnels. It authenticates, monitors connection health, and exposes UI controls to start, stop, or switch VPN servers.
Quick Fact: TunnelBear began emphasizing accessibility; tunnelbear.exe is responsible for establishing and maintaining encrypted tunnels behind the scenes.
Types of TunnelBear Processes
- Main GUI Process: User interface and connection controls (1 instance)
- Background Service: Background tasks for reconnects, notifications, and health checks
- VPN Driver Service: Manages the virtual network adapter used for tunneling
- Updater/Helper: Keeps the TunnelBear client up to date and performs supportive tasks
- Logging/Telemetry: Diagnostics and event logging for troubleshooting
- Runtime Helper: Miscellaneous helpers to maintain tunnel stability
Is tunnelbear.exe Safe?
Yes, tunnelbear.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from TunnelBear Inc. downloaded from the official installer or the Microsoft Store.
Is tunnelbear.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real tunnelbear.exe is not a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if tunnelbear.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\\Program Files\\TunnelBear\\tunnelbear.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\TunnelBear\\tunnelbear.exe. Any tunnelbear.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer 'TunnelBear, Inc.' and a valid certificate.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-10% CPU per active tunnel and 70-300 MB memory. Abnormal spikes when idle deserve a malware check.
- Behavior: TunnelBear should run only when the app is active or the VPN is connected. Persistent background activity without user action warrants scanning.
Red Flags: If tunnelbear.exe is found in unusual folders (e.g., Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when you’re not using VPN, or lacks a digital signature, scan your system with antivirus software. Watch for similarly named files like "tunnelbeardummy.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is tunnelbear.exe Running on My PC?
TunnelBear starts or remains active to provide a ready-to-connect VPN tunnel, monitor connection health, and support background notifications and server switching.
Reasons it's running:
- Active VPN Connection: If you are connected to TunnelBear, tunnelbear.exe maintains the tunnel and manages data routing.
- Background Checks and Notifications: The client runs background tasks to monitor server status, update server lists, and alert you to connection changes.
- Startup Launch: TunnelBear can be configured to start automatically when Windows boots, causing tunnelbear.exe to run at startup.
- Server Switching: Switching VPN servers or enabling features like VigilantBear can spawn and manage additional processes.
- Background Subsystems: Driver and network-subsystem components run to maintain a stable virtual network adapter, even when the main window is closed.
Can I Disable or Remove tunnelbear.exe?
Yes, you can disable tunnelbear.exe. You can stop the VPN or uninstall TunnelBear if you no longer need it.
How to Stop tunnelbear.exe
- End VPN Connection: Open the TunnelBear app and disconnect the VPN or exit the app, which stops tunnelbear.exe.
- Close the App: Quit the TunnelBear GUI window to terminate the main process.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable TunnelBear
- Stop Background Services: In Windows Services (services.msc), disable the TunnelBear service if present
- Prevent Background Run: In the TunnelBear app, turn off "Continue running background apps when TunnelBear is closed" if available
How to Uninstall TunnelBear
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → TunnelBear → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → TunnelBear → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If tunnelbear.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many VPN connections or server switches: Limit server changes or disconnect unused connections; minimize server switching while idle
- Background notifications or updater active: Disable non-essential notifications and periodic update checks in settings
- Outdated TunnelBear client: Update to the latest version via the app or visit tunnelbear.com/downloads
- Conflicting VPN or security software: Temporarily disable other VPNs or security suites to test for conflicts
- Malicious extensions or scripts: Inspect and remove suspicious browser or system extensions and scan for malware
- Corrupted cache or logs: Clear TunnelBear cache/logs from the app or delete logs in the user profile and restart
Quick Fixes:
1. Open TunnelBear Task Manager within the app and end heavy tasks
2. Disconnect VPN and re-connect after a moment
3. Clear app cache and temporary data
4. Update to the latest TunnelBear version
5. Disable background tasks in the app settings if available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tunnelbear.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate tunnelbear.exe from TunnelBear Inc. is a VPN client executable. Ensure it is located at C:\\Program Files\\TunnelBear\\tunnelbear.exe and signed by TunnelBear Inc.
Why is tunnelbear.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during server connections, server switching, or analyzing encrypted traffic. Use the TunnelBear task manager, disconnect unused tunnels, and update the client.
Can I delete tunnelbear.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall TunnelBear through Windows settings if you no longer need it. Your VPN profiles will be removed unless you back them up.
Can I disable tunnelbear.exe from starting at boot?
Yes. Disable TunnelBear in the Windows Startup tab or within the app settings to stop it from launching automatically.
Why is TunnelBear running when I’m not using it?
TunnelBear may run background services for notifications, updates, or a ready-to-connect tunnel. You can disable background tasks in the app or exit the app completely.
How do I verify tunnelbear.exe is legitimate?
Verify file location (C:\\Program Files\\TunnelBear\\tunnelbear.exe), check the digital signature (TunnelBear, Inc.), confirm a valid certificate, and ensure the process matches the expected behavior.