Quick Answer
webstorm-telemetry is a background data collection component from JetBrains. It collects anonymized usage data to help improve WebStorm's performance, reliability, and features, while respecting your privacy choices.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin\webstorm64.exe
Warning
Telemetry runs in background
Data is anonymized; frequent background activity can occur during use
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable in WebStorm settings: Preferences/Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Data Sharing
What is webstorm-telemetry.exe?
webstorm-telemetry is the background data collection component for JetBrains WebStorm. It anonymously gathers usage signals such as features used, editor actions, startup duration, and plugin interactions to help improve the IDE.
Telemetry runs as a background service or thread, batching anonymized metrics and sending them to JetBrains servers. It relies on privacy controls, and aims to minimize resource impact while preserving data usefulness.
Quick Fact: WebStorm telemetry is designed to be lightweight and opt-in; you can disable data sharing at any time from the IDE preferences.
Types of Telemetry Components
- Telemetry Core: Core data collection and batching of events from the IDE
- Event Dispatcher: Sends anonymized usage data to JetBrains servers
- Privacy Controller: Manages user opt-in/out settings and data scope
- Error Reporter: Captures anonymized crash/diagnostic data
- Update Monitor: Checks policy and privacy updates for telemetry
- Diagnostics Logger: Records telemetry events locally for troubleshooting when enabled
Is webstorm-telemetry Safe?
Yes, webstorm-telemetry is safe when used with the official JetBrains WebStorm, and data is anonymized and governed by privacy controls.
Is webstorm-telemetry a Virus or Malware?
The real webstorm-telemetry is NOT a virus. However, malware can disguise itself in similar-named files, so verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if webstorm-telemetry is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\JetBrains\WebStorm 2024.3\bin\webstorm64.exe or the official IDE bin folder. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Windows Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "JetBrains s.r.o." as the signer.
- Resource Usage:: Normal telemetry activity is lightweight. Unusually high CPU/memory when WebStorm is idle is a red flag.
- Behavior:: Telemetry should only run when WebStorm is installed and with data sharing enabled. Unexpected background processes outside the IDE indicate tampering.
Red Flags: If you find webstorm-telemetry.exe in folders like Temp or AppData, without JetBrains signing, or it runs when WebStorm is closed, scan for malware and verify the IDE installation from JetBrains.
Why Is webstorm-telemetry Running on My PC?
webstorm-telemetry runs to collect anonymized usage data for product improvement. It may start with the IDE or run during active sessions to track events, errors, and performance metrics.
Reasons it's running:
- Active IDE Use: As you edit, WebStorm records features and actions to understand how people use the editor.
- Background Data Sync: Telemetry may transmit data in the background to minimize impact on the UI while you work.
- Startup and Shutdown Metrics: Telemetry captures startup duration and shutdown events to identify bottlenecks.
- Plugin and Feature Feedback: Telemetry collects plugin usage and feature adoption signals to guide improvements.
- Privacy-Aware Sampling: Only anonymized, aggregated data is collected; you can opt out entirely via settings.
Can I Disable or Remove webstorm-telemetry?
Yes, you can disable webstorm-telemetry. You can stop data collection without uninstalling WebStorm; removing data and turning off sharing is supported.
How to Stop webstorm-telemetry
- Open Settings: In WebStorm, go to File → Settings (Ctrl+Alt+S) or WebStorm → Preferences on macOS
- Data Sharing: Navigate to Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Data Sharing and turn off data sharing
- Apply and Restart: Click Apply/OK and restart WebStorm
- Check Telemetry Status: Verify that data sharing is disabled in Settings
- Stop Background Tasks: If WebStorm still runs telemetry, ensure no related services start with Windows and disable in startup apps
How to Uninstall WebStorm
- ✔ Windows: Settings → Apps → WebStorm → Uninstall
- ✔ macOS: Drag WebStorm.app from Applications to Trash and remove related preferences
- ✔ JetBrains Toolbox: If installed via Toolbox, you can remove WebStorm from Toolbox
Common Problems: Telemetry-Related Issues
If webstorm-telemetry causes problems, use these checks and fixes to resolve common scenarios.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Telemetry disabled but still active: Double-check Data Sharing setting and restart WebStorm; ensure there are no conflicting policies.
- High network usage: Limit payload size or disable data sharing; ensure firewall isn't blocking or throttling webstorm telemetry endpoints.
- Telemetry not sending data: Check Internet connection; ensure JetBrains servers are reachable; verify Data Sharing is enabled and you are logged into JetBrains account.
- Telemetry log errors: Update WebStorm to the latest version; clear log files and re-enable telemetry to reinitialize.
- Privacy concerns: Review Data Sharing settings and disable if necessary; delete existing telemetry data from the designated folder.
- Telemetry affecting startup: Opt out temporarily and restart; check for background processes that may be started by plugins
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open WebStorm Settings (Ctrl+Alt+S) and disable Data Sharing
3. Restart WebStorm
4. Check telemetry status in Settings
5. Update WebStorm to the latest version
6. Clear caches and temporary files if issues persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is webstorm-telemetry safe?
Yes. WebStorm telemetry is designed to be privacy-conscious, collecting anonymized usage data to help improve the product. You can disable it at any time.
How do I disable webstorm-telemetry?
In WebStorm, open Settings (Ctrl+Alt+S) → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Data Sharing and turn off 'Share usage statistics'. Restart the IDE afterward.
Where is telemetry data stored?
Telemetry data is stored locally in the WebStorm logs and in JetBrains' servers as anonymized metrics. Local data typically resides under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\JetBrains\WebStorm2024.3\telemetry.
Can I delete telemetry data?
Yes. You can delete local telemetry logs from the WebStorm log directory and turn off data sharing to stop future collection.
Will telemetry slow down WebStorm?
Telemetry is designed to be lightweight, but enabling it may add minor overhead during heavy usage. You can disable it if you notice performance impact.
Is telemetry shared with JetBrains employees?
Collected data is anonymized and used to improve the product. JetBrains uses aggregated metrics to analyze trends without exposing personal information.