vivaldi.exe

Vivaldi Web Browser

Application ProcessSafeWeb Browser
CPU Usage
5-25%
Memory
120-600 MB
Location
C:\Program Files\Vivaldi
Publisher
Vivaldi Technologies

Quick Answer

vivaldi.exe is safe. It's the official Vivaldi browser executable using a multi-process architecture to isolate tabs, extensions, and internal tasks for stability and security.

Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Vivaldi\Application\vivaldi.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Vivaldi\Application\vivaldi.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Each tab + extension = separate process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close individual tabs to reduce usage; use Vivaldi Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to end tasks or disable background behavior in Settings

What is vivaldi.exe?

vivaldi.exe is the executable that launches the Vivaldi web browser on Windows. Vivaldi uses a Chromium-based engine with a multi-process architecture, so you may see several vivaldi.exe processes in Task Manager—one per tab, extension, and plugin. This file starts the browser and coordinates core features.

Built on Chromium, vivaldi.exe runs multiple sandboxed processes for tabs, rendering, extensions, and plugins. This separation improves stability and security by isolating failures and reducing cross-process access.

Quick Fact: Vivaldi is built on Chromium and embraces per-tab processes to isolate content, while offering user-focused features and customization.

Types of Vivaldi Processes

Is vivaldi.exe Safe?

Yes, vivaldi.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Vivaldi Technologies downloaded from official sources (vivaldi.com) or pre-installed by a trusted manufacturer.

Is vivaldi.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real vivaldi.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if vivaldi.exe is Legitimate or Malware

  1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Vivaldi\Application\vivaldi.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Vivaldi\Application\vivaldi.exe. Any vivaldi.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
  2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Vivaldi Technologies" as signer.
  3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 5-25% CPU per tab, 120-700 MB memory. Extremely high usage when the browser is idle is suspicious.
  4. Behavior: Vivaldi should only run when you open the browser. Multiple instances when closed indicates malware.

Red Flags: If vivaldi.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Vivaldi isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "vivaldi_old.exe" or "vivald.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is vivaldi.exe Running on My PC?

vivaldi.exe runs when you open Vivaldi or when the browser is configured to run in the background.

Reasons it's running:

Can I Disable or Remove vivaldi.exe?

Yes, you can disable vivaldi.exe. It's safe to close Vivaldi when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different browser.

How to Stop vivaldi.exe

How to Uninstall Vivaldi

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If vivaldi.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Quick Fixes:
1. Press Shift+Esc to open Vivaldi Task Manager and identify high-usage tabs/extensions
2. Clear browsing data: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (select Cached images and files)
3. Disable unnecessary extensions in vivaldi://extensions
4. Update Vivaldi: Help → Check for updates
5. Enable Memory Saver: Settings → Performance → Memory Saver

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vivaldi.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate vivaldi.exe from Vivaldi Technologies is not a virus. Verify the file location and signature: it should be in C:\Program Files\Vivaldi\Application\vivaldi.exe and digitally signed by Vivaldi Technologies.

Why is vivaldi.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually caused by active or problematic tabs, JavaScript-heavy sites, or extensions. Use Vivaldi Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify culprits, then close or disable them, and consider updating the browser.

Can I delete vivaldi.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall Vivaldi via Windows Settings → Apps, or Control Panel. Your data may be preserved if you use cloud sync; otherwise it will be removed with the program.

Can I disable vivaldi.exe?

Yes. You can close Vivaldi, stop background processes, or disable startup entry in Task Manager. To fully prevent launch, remove it from Startup and disable background running in Settings.

Why does Vivaldi start on Windows startup?

Vivaldi may be configured to launch at startup to restore your session quickly. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup tab or in Vivaldi settings under System startup options.

Why are there so many vivaldi.exe processes?

Vivaldi uses a multi-process architecture (renderer, browser, GPU, and extensions). Each tab and extension can run in its own process for stability; you can inspect them with Shift+Esc.

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