yandex-browser-service.exe

Yandex Browser Service

Application ProcessSafeBrowser Service

CPU Usage

1-6%

Memory

60-250 MB

Location

C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Application

Publisher

Yandex LLC

Quick Answer

yandex-browser-service.exe is safe. It's a legitimate Yandex Browser service process that helps manage background tasks, updates, and synchronization for Yandex Browser.

Is it a Virus?

NO - Safe

Must be located in the Yandex Browser application folder

Warning

Multiple processes normal

Each tab + background task can spawn separate processes

Can I Disable?

YES

Close the browser or disable background behavior in settings

What is yandex-browser-service.exe?

yandex-browser-service.exe is the background service component for Yandex Browser. It coordinates background tasks, including updates, data synchronization, and resource management, so the UI remains responsive while the browser runs in separate processes.

Yandex Browser Service runs as multiple background processes to support the Chromium-based browser, handling update checks, sync, sandboxed tabs, and task scheduling. It helps stability and security without blocking the main UI.

Quick Fact: Yandex Browser uses a service process model to offload background work from the main UI, improving responsiveness and reliability.

Types of Yandex Browser Processes

Browser Process: Main window and user interface (1 instance)
Renderer Process: Each tab and iframe (multiple instances)
GPU Process: Hardware acceleration and graphics rendering
Extension Process: Each extension gets its own process
Plugin Process: For plugins like PDF viewer
Utility Process: Background tasks and network services

Is yandex-browser-service.exe Safe?

Yes, yandex-browser-service.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Yandex downloaded from official sources (yandex.com or bundled by the installer).

Is yandex-browser-service.exe a Virus or Malware?

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

How to Tell if yandex-browser-service.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-service.exe or C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-service.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Yandex LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically 1-6% CPU per process and 60-250 MB memory. Significantly higher usage when the browser is closed is a red flag.
Behavior: The service should be part of the Yandex Browser process tree. If it runs independently or from temp folders, scan for malware.

Red Flags: If yandex-browser-service.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when the browser 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 "ya-minid.exe" or "yandex-service.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is yandex-browser-service.exe Running on My PC?

yandex-browser-service.exe runs to support the browser's background tasks and to ensure features like updates, sync, and notifications work even when the main window is open or minimized.

Reasons it's running:

Active Browser Use: You're currently using Yandex Browser - each tab may spawn its own renderer, and the service manages update checks and background tasks.
Background Apps: Extensions or web apps configured to run in the background may keep the service active.
Startup Program: Yandex Browser may be set to start with Windows, launching the service automatically.
Background Sync: The service handles syncing bookmarks, history, and preferences with your Yandex account.
System Tray/Notifications: The service can stay alive to deliver notifications and ensure quick startup for browser actions.

Can I Disable or Remove yandex-browser-service.exe?

Yes, you can disable yandex-browser-service.exe. It's safe to close Yandex Browser when not in use, and you can prevent startup or background execution if you prefer a different setup.

How to Stop yandex-browser-service.exe

End Individual Tabs: Open Yandex Browser Task Manager (Shift+Esc) and end specific tabs or extensions.
Close Browser: Close all Yandex Browser windows to stop the service from active tasks.
End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find yandex-browser-service.exe, right-click → End Task.
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Yandex Browser.
Stop Background Apps: Yandex Browser Settings → Advanced → System → Disable 'Continue running background apps when Yandex Browser is closed'.

How to Uninstall Yandex Browser

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Yandex Browser → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Yandex Browser → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If yandex-browser-service.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Tabs Open: Each tab uses memory; close unused tabs or use tab management to suspend inactive tabs.
Resource-Heavy Extensions: Disable unnecessary extensions in Yandex Browser (Settings → Extensions) and remove suspicious ones.
JavaScript-Heavy Websites: Web apps (email, social media, streaming) can spike usage; reload problematic tabs or disable the tab's content.
Malicious Extensions: Remove extensions from extensions list; run antivirus scan.
Outdated Yandex Browser Version: Update to the latest version via Settings → Help → About Yandex Browser.
Hardware Acceleration Issues: Disable hardware acceleration: Settings → Performance → Use hardware acceleration when available (toggle off).

Quick Fixes:
1. Press Shift+Esc to open Yandex Browser 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 Settings → Extensions
4. Update Yandex Browser: Settings → Help → About Yandex Browser
5. Enable Memory Saver: Settings → Performance → Memory Saver

Frequently Asked Questions

Is yandex-browser-service.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate yandex-browser-service.exe from Yandex is not a virus. Verify the file path is in C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-service.exe and that it is digitally signed by Yandex LLC.

Why is yandex-browser-service.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU is usually caused by active pages, plugins, or extensions. Use Yandex Browser Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify culprits, then close or disable them and update the browser.

Can I delete yandex-browser-service.exe?

You can uninstall Yandex Browser from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Deleting the file manually is not recommended and may leave the browser unusable.

Can I disable yandex-browser-service.exe?

Yes. Close the browser and use Task Manager → Startup to disable auto-start. In Settings → System, disable 'Continue running background apps when Yandex Browser is closed'.

Why does Yandex Browser start with Windows?

Startup options are configured by the installer or browser settings. Disable in Task Manager → Startup to prevent automatic launch.

Why are there multiple yandex-browser-service.exe processes?

Yandex Browser uses a multi-process architecture so each tab/extension runs in its own process, improving security and stability. You can view each process in Yandex Browser Task Manager.

Related Processes

chrome.exe

Chromium-based core process family used for rendering and extension hosting inside Yandex Browser.

yandex-browser.exe

Core Yandex Browser executable responsible for launching the browser and coordinating components.