turbovnc.exe

TurboVNC Remote Desktop Tool

Application ProcessSafeRemote Desktop

CPU Usage

1-20%

Memory

50-400 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\TurboVNC

Publisher

TurboVNC Project

Quick Answer

turbovnc.exe is safe. It's the TurboVNC server/viewer executable that enables fast, high‑quality remote desktop sessions via the VNC protocol on Windows.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\TurboVNC\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\TurboVNC\

Warning

Multiple TurboVNC processes may run

TurboVNC can spawn server and viewer processes for connections; this is expected but check for unknown instances.

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close VNC sessions or stop the TurboVNC service to disable

What is turbovnc.exe?

turbovnc.exe is the executable for TurboVNC, a high‑performance remote desktop suite that combines a VNC server and viewer. On Windows it can run as a service or a user‑level process, enabling fast graphical sharing of desktops across a network with optimized encoding and compression for low latency.

TurboVNC uses efficient encoding (Tight) and configurable compression to deliver responsive remote sessions. turbovnc.exe may start a server, a viewer, or both, depending on how TurboVNC is launched. It uses a multi‑process design to isolate sessions and improve stability.

Quick Fact: TurboVNC pioneered high‑speed remote desktops with optimized encoding, making it popular for low‑latency VNC usage in grid and cloud environments.

Types of TurboVNC Processes

Server Process: Runs the VNC server accepting connections from viewers
Viewer Process: Client that connects to a remote VNC server
Encryption/Tunnel Helper: Optional components for secure connections
Session Helper: Manages individual remote desktop sessions
Auxiliary Service: Background service for startup and monitoring
Log/Diagnostics: Captures events and performance data

Is turbovnc.exe Safe?

Yes, turbovnc.exe is safe when it's the legitimate TurboVNC executable from turbovnc.org or distributed by trusted sources.

Is turbovnc.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real turbovnc.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names to trick users.

How to Tell if turbovnc.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\TurboVNC\turbovnc.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\TurboVNC\turbovnc.exe. Any turbovnc.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click turbovnc.exe in Explorer → Open file location → Right-click turbovnc.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid TurboVNC project signature.
Resource Usage: Idle usage should be low; significant CPU when not connected is suspicious.
Behavior: TurboVNC should run only during an active remote session or when a client connects.

Red Flags: If turbovnc.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when you are not initiating a VNC session, has no digital signature, or uses continuous high resources, scan your system with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files.

Why Is turbovnc.exe Running on My PC?

TurboVNC may run as a service to listen for incoming VNC connections or as a user‑level process when a session or viewer is active. It enables remote control or screen sharing across networks, so it will be present whenever needed.

Reasons it's running:

Active VNC session: A remote session or viewer is connected, triggering turbovnc.exe to run to maintain the session.
Background listener service: A VNC listener service or startup task is configured to run turbovnc.exe to accept connections even when you are not actively using it.
Startup program: TurboVNC is configured to launch automatically at Windows startup, so turbovnc.exe may start before you log in.
Multiple connections: If configured, TurboVNC may spawn separate processes per connection for performance and isolation.
Software integration: Some development tools or remote-support suites integrate TurboVNC to enable screen sharing during sessions.

Can I Disable or Remove turbovnc.exe?

Yes, you can disable turbovnc.exe. It's safe to stop it when you don't need remote access, and you can uninstall TurboVNC if you prefer another solution.

How to Stop turbovnc.exe

End individual sessions: Disconnect active VNC sessions and close any TurboVNC viewers via the server UI or Task Manager.
Stop the service: Open services.msc, locate the TurboVNC service, and click Stop.
Disable startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable TurboVNC entry.
Disable background listener: If you use a system tray launcher, exit or disable the background listener component.
Uninstall: Windows Settings > Apps > TurboVNC > Uninstall

How to Uninstall TurboVNC

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → TurboVNC → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → TurboVNC → Uninstall
✔ Delete residual data: remove C:\Program Files\TurboVNC and related AppData folders

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If turbovnc.exe is consuming excessive resources or sessions behave poorly, try the following wired issues and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

Active remote session with high graphical load: Reduce color depth (16/24-bit), lower compression, and switch encoding to a lighter mode to cut CPU usage.
Multiple concurrent connections: Limit the number of concurrent viewers or servers; terminate unused sessions.
Outdated TurboVNC version: Update TurboVNC to the latest release from turbovnc.org.
Network latency or bandwidth constraints: Tune quality settings, enable efficient encoding, and use SSH tunnels to reduce bandwidth.
Background services misconfiguration: Review service startup type and disable unneeded background components.
Firewall or port blocking: Open required ports (e.g., 5900) or configure SSH tunnels; confirm firewall rules.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open TurboVNC Monitor or Task Manager to identify active sessions
2. Lower color depth and encoding; apply changes and reconnect
3. Update TurboVNC to the latest version
4. Check firewall rules and open port 5900/5901 as needed
5. Disable startup and remove unused viewers to reduce background load

Frequently Asked Questions

Is turbovnc.exe a virus?

No, turbovnc.exe is the legitimate TurboVNC executable when it comes from turbovnc.org or other trusted sources. Verify the path and signature.

Why is turbovnc.exe using so much CPU?

Remote desktop sessions with high graphics, many connected viewers, or misconfigured encoding can drive CPU usage up. Check active sessions and adjust encoding or color depth.

Can I uninstall turbovnc.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall TurboVNC via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your remote sessions will stop; you can reinstall later if needed.

How do I secure TurboVNC connections?

Use SSH tunneling or TLS encryption, set strong passwords, and restrict access by IP or VPN. Keep software up to date.

What ports does TurboVNC use and how to configure firewall?

Default VNC port is 5900 (and 5901 for display 1). Open those ports or tunnel through SSH/VPN to limit exposure.

How do I start or stop TurboVNC server or viewer?

Use the TurboVNC service or server UI to start/stop sessions; in Windows, stop the service or terminate turbovnc.exe processes or disable startup.