WinSCP.exe

WinSCP File Transfer Client

Application ProcessSafeSFTP/FTP Client

CPU Usage

0-6%

Memory

20-120 MB

Location

C:\Program Files (x86)\WinSCP

Publisher

Martin Prikryl / WinSCP Team

Quick Answer

winscp.exe is safe. WinSCP.exe is the legitimate Windows file transfer client; it uses SFTP/FTP/SCP protocols and runs as a GUI app with background helpers.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\WinSCP\WinSCP.exe or C:\Program Files\WinSCP\WinSCP.exe

Warning

Typically a legitimate process; malware can mimic names

Ensure digital signature from 'Martin Prikryl' and path confirmation

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close WinSCP when not in use; disable startup if desired

What is WinSCP.exe?

WinSCP.exe is the executable for the WinSCP client, a Windows-based tool that securely transfers files using SFTP, SCP, FTP, and WebDAV. It includes a GUI and a powerful CLI scripting interface, integrating with PuTTY tools for SSH key authentication.

WinSCP uses a multi-utility architecture including a GUI, scripting, and integration with PuTTY-based components; it negotiates SSH/SFTP sessions, handles file transfers, and preserves permissions with remote servers.

Quick Fact: WinSCP supports SFTP and SCP over SSH, with an optional integrated text editor and scripting for automated file transfers.

Types of WinSCP Processes

GUI Process: WinSCP main window and user interactions
Session Process: Active SSH/SFTP session management
Background Helper: Transfer queue and file operations in background
CLI Script Runner: WinSCP.com for automation scripts
PuTTY/SSH Tools: Key agent and PuTTY-related utilities when enabled
Editor Helper: Integrated editor interactions for remote files

Is winscp.exe Safe?

Yes, winscp.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from WinSCP transmitted from official sources (winscp.net) or installed by a trusted vendor.

Is winscp.exe a Virus or Malware?

The genuine winscp.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may attempt to imitate the name or location, so verify path and signature.

How to Tell if winscp.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\WinSCP\WinSCP.exe or C:\Program Files\WinSCP\WinSCP.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer's name as "Martin Prikryl" or the official WinSCP certificate.
Execution Context: Check how it was started; if not from a normal user action or a trusted shortcut, investigate.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is light; high CPU in idle state is suspicious and should be scanned for malware.

Red Flags: If winscp.exe is in an unexpected folder (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when you did not start WinSCP, lacks a valid signature, or shows unusual network activity, scan with a reputable antivirus. Beware of similarly named files.

Why Is winscp.exe Running on My PC?

WinSCP.exe runs when you actively use the WinSCP client or when configured to monitor folders, queue transfers, or run automated scripts. In some cases, it may launch a helper component for background tasks.

Reasons it's running:

Active File Transfer Session: You are connected to an SSH/SFTP/FTP server and a transfer or synchronization is in progress.
Background Synchronization: WinSCP may monitor local/remote directories for automated sync tasks or scheduled jobs.
Automation Script Running: WinSCP.com or scripted tasks may execute to perform batch transfers or backups.
Startup or Scheduled Launch: WinSCP can be configured to start at Windows login or run via Task Scheduler.
Session Management Tools: PuTTY-related helpers or authentication agents may run as dependencies when SSH keys are used.

Can I Disable or Remove winscp.exe?

Yes, you can disable winscp.exe. It's safe to close WinSCP when not in use, and you can uninstall it or disable startup if you don’t need it.

How to Stop winscp.exe

Close WinSCP GUI: Click the X button or File > Exit to close the application
End Active Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate WinSCP.exe or WinSCP.com, and End Task
Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable WinSCP
Stop Background Queue: If you use automation, disable scheduled tasks or scripts that call WinSCP
Disconnect SSH Keys: If you use PuTTY agents, close them to avoid new sessions

How to Uninstall WinSCP

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → WinSCP → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → WinSCP → Uninstall
✔ Delete remaining configuration files if needed in %APPDATA% or %LOCALAPPDATA%\WinSCP

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If winscp.exe is consuming excessive resources during transfers or idle time:

Common Causes & Solutions

Active transfers in progress: Let transfers complete or pause them; Do not force-close the app during transfers
Large directory listings: Limit remote directory depth or disable directory caching in WinSCP settings
Background scripts: Review and optimize or disable automated scripts calling WinSCP
Wi-Fi/Network issues: Check network stability and consider increasing timeouts in WinSCP.
Outdated software: Update WinSCP to the latest version from winscp.net
Antivirus interference: Add WinSCP to exclusions in antivirus software to avoid scans during transfer

Quick Fixes:
1. Pause or cancel active transfers via the WinSCP GUI
2. Limit directory searches or disable caching in Preferences
3. Update to the latest version from winscp.net
4. Run a malware/virus scan to rule out infections
5. Ensure firewall/antivirus is not blocking WinSCP

Frequently Asked Questions

Is winscp.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate winscp.exe from WinSCP is not a virus. Verify the path is C:\Program Files (x86)\WinSCP\WinSCP.exe or C:\Program Files\WinSCP\WinSCP.exe and that the digital signature shows 'Martin Prikryl' or the official WinSCP certificate.

Why is winscp.exe using CPU?

CPU usage typically happens during active transfers, directory listings, or when using scripting and SSH keys. Check the Transfer queue and session details in the GUI for the culprit.

Can I delete winscp.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall WinSCP via Windows Settings → Apps. Your saved sessions may be removed unless you export them first.

Can I disable winscp.exe from starting automatically?

Yes. Disable startup in Task Manager > Startup, or disable any scheduled tasks calling WinSCP.

Does WinSCP have a portable version?

Yes, WinSCP Portable is available and can run without a traditional install. Make sure to download from official source.

How do I securely transfer files with WinSCP?

Use SFTP or SCP over SSH, set proper permissions, and consider key-based authentication. Open a site, configure host, port, user, and authentication in the WinSCP GUI.