What is veeam-agent.exe?
veeam-agent.exe is the executable for the Veeam Agent for Windows. The agent runs as a service and a set of processes that perform file-level and image-based backups, restore operations, and health checks across the protected system.
It uses a small service and worker processes to coordinate backup jobs. Backup data can be stored on local storage or network repositories; encryption and scheduling are handled by the agent and service.
Quick Fact: Veeam Agent for Windows can run both as a service and on demand, enabling scheduled backups even when you are not actively logged in.
Types of Veeam Agent Processes
- Agent Service: Windows service that manages backup jobs and coordinates components
- Job Worker: Worker process that executes backup or restore tasks
- Notification Handler: Sends status updates to the console or monitoring tools
- Mount/Restore Engine: Mounts backup images or restores to target locations
- Scheduler: Schedules backup windows and retention policies
- Verification/Integrity: Post-backup verification ensuring backup integrity
Is veeam-agent.exe Safe?
Yes, veeam-agent.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Veeam Software downloaded from official sources.
Is veeam-agent.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real veeam-agent.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names.
How to Tell if veeam-agent.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Veeam\Endpoint Backup\veeam-agent.exe or C:\Program Files\Veeam\Backup\veeam-agent.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click veeam-agent.exe in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show an issuer like "Veeam Software".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage during backup windows is variable; idle usage is low. Constant high usage outside backup times warrants attention.
- Behavior: The legitimate agent runs as a service and only runs backups according to configured schedules or user-initiated actions.
Red Flags: If veeam-agent.exe is not in a Veeam folder, is unsigned, or runs constantly outside backup windows, scan with a trusted antivirus and verify against official Veeam sources.
Why Is veeam-agent.exe Running on My PC?
The Veeam Agent for Windows runs to manage and execute backup jobs, restore tasks, and monitoring activities as part of a protected workload. It may also respond to schedule changes or user actions.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Job: A backup job is actively running or a restore operation is in progress.
- Scheduled Backups: The agent is executing a scheduled job from Veeam Backup & Replication or the standalone agent.
- Background Tasks: Notifications, integrity checks, or repository synchronization run in the background.
- Startup and Services: The Veeam agent service starts at boot to protect devices automatically if configured.
- Maintenance and Health Checks: The agent periodically performs health checks, retention housekeeping, and verification tasks.
Can I Disable or Remove veeam-agent.exe?
Yes, you can disable veeam-agent.exe. You can pause or stop backups, or uninstall the Veeam Agent for Windows if you no longer need it.
How to Stop veeam-agent.exe
- Pause or Stop Backups: Open the Veeam Agent UI and pause scheduled backups, or stop a running backup job.
- Stop the Service: Open Services.msc, locate Veeam Agent for Windows Service, and stop it.
- Prevent Startup: In Services or Task Manager, disable startup for the Veeam Agent service.
- Turn Off Background Tasks: Within the Veeam Agent settings, disable background job execution if available.
How to Uninstall Veeam Agent for Windows
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Veeam Agent for Windows → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Veeam Agent for Windows → Uninstall
- ✔ Back up or export configuration if needed before removal
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If veeam-agent.exe is consuming excessive resources during backup or maintenance tasks:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Backup Window: Backups can use CPU while processing data; ensure backup window is appropriate and reduce parallel tasks if possible.
- Large File Transfers: Large file backups can spike CPU and I/O; exclude unnecessary directories if safe.
- Background Jobs: Background repository sync and verification may spike I/O; review configuration.
- Outdated Software: Update to latest Veeam Agent version to fix known performance issues.
- Antivirus Interaction: Exclude backup folders from real-time scanning to improve performance.
- Resource Limits: Adjust CPU/memory limits in backup job settings or disable Memory Integrity features temporarily if needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Veeam Agent and review active jobs
2. Pause long-running backups
3. Update to the latest version
4. Exclude backup folders from antivirus real-time scanning
5. Check for conflicting extensions or scripts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veeam-agent.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate veeam-agent.exe from Veeam Software is not a virus. Ensure the path is a Veeam folder and the digital signature matches Veeam Software.
Why is veeam-agent.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during data-intensive backups or large file sets. Check active jobs in the Veeam Agent UI and review backup scope; ensure destination storage isn't bottlenecked.
Can I delete veeam-agent.exe?
If you no longer need backups, uninstall the Veeam Agent for Windows via Settings → Apps. Backups and configurations may be removed unless you export them.
Can I disable veeam-agent.exe?
Yes. You can disable backups, stop the service, or remove the agent. To prevent startup, disable the Veeam Agent service in Services.msc.
Where are Veeam backups stored by the agent?
Backups can be stored on local drives, network shares, or cloud repositories configured in the Veeam Agent. Open the UI or backup job settings to view the target.
How do I update veeam-agent.exe?
Update via the Veeam Agent UI or install the latest version from Veeam's website. Backups should be completed or paused during upgrade.