Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-telemetry.exe
Warning
Telemetry can run as a background service
Not every telemetry component is a threat, but verify digital signature and location
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling data sharing in Yandex Browser settings and stopping the process will reduce telemetry
What is yandex-browser-telemetry.exe?
yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is the telemetry background service for Yandex Browser. It collects anonymized usage statistics, performance metrics, crash data, and feature interactions to help improve stability and user experience. It runs alongside the browser and respects user consent settings.
It runs as a dedicated background process that aggregates telemetry data locally and periodically sends it to Yandex servers. The design focuses on minimizing personal content while providing valuable insights for product improvements.
Quick Fact: Yandex started telemetry to understand how users interact with features; data is processed in aggregate to protect individual privacy.
Types of Yandex Telemetry Processes
- Telemetry Process: Background collection and transmission of usage data
- Browser Process: Main Yandex Browser window and UI (1 instance)
- Renderer Process: Per-tab rendering and script execution
- GPU Process: Graphics and hardware acceleration tasks
- Extension Process: Active extensions may have dedicated processes
- Utility Process: Background helpers and services
Is yandex-browser-telemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Yandex downloaded from official sources (yandex.com or pre-installed by the browser).
Is yandex-browser-telemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-telemetry.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Application\yandex-browser-telemetry.exe. Any yandex-browser-telemetry.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Yandex LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-2% CPU, 10-40 MB memory. Extremely high usage or continuous activity when the browser is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Telemetry should run in the context of Yandex Browser and typically only while the browser is installed and in use.
Red Flags: If yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when the browser isn't open, has no valid signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Be wary of similarly named files.
Why Is yandex-browser-telemetry.exe Running on My PC?
yandex-browser-telemetry.exe runs to collect anonymized usage and performance data for Yandex Browser. It may operate in the background to monitor stability and feature adoption aligned with user consent.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Browser Use: You're actively using Yandex Browser; telemetry runs to capture interactions and performance metrics per feature.
- Background Data Collection: Telemetry may operate when the browser is idle to gather statistics and crash data for improvements.
- Startup Configuration: If privacy settings allow, telemetry can start alongside Windows login for background reporting.
- Crash Reporting: Telemetry collects crash data to help diagnose stability issues and improve handling.
- Feature Telemetry: Opt-in data about how features are used may be sent to refine UX and performance.
Can I Disable or Remove yandex-browser-telemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable telemetry. You can turn off data sharing in Yandex Browser settings or stop the background process, and you may uninstall the browser if you prefer another product.
How to Stop yandex-browser-telemetry.exe
- Pause Telemetry: In Yandex Browser Settings, Privacy or Data Sharing, toggle off telemetry/usage data sharing.
- Close Browser: Exit Yandex Browser completely to stop telemetry from collecting while idle.
- End Telemetry Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find yandex-browser-telemetry.exe, right-click End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Yandex Browser to prevent telemetry from starting at login.
- Stop Background Apps: In Windows Settings -> Privacy -> Background apps, disable Yandex Browser background tasks.
How to Uninstall Yandex Browser
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Yandex Browser -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Yandex Browser -> Uninstall
- ✔ If you want a different browser, install it first and keep telemetry off.
Common Problems: Telemetry-Related Performance
If yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is causing issues, try the following fixes to reduce data collection impact and improve performance.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many telemetry events: Disable unnecessary feature telemetry in the browser settings. Limit event logging.
- Background data transmission: Ensure stable network; consider turning off data sharing during high-bandwidth tasks.
- High CPU when idle: Update to the latest Yandex Browser; check Task Manager for background telemetry; restart if needed.
- Memory usage grows with tabs: Close unused tabs; reduce feature usage; consider using memory saver options in browser.
- Telemetry causing network spikes: Disable telemetry temporarily and verify firewall or proxy settings if corporate network blocks.
- Telemetry not responding: Reset the browser settings or reinstall Yandex Browser if telemetry service remains stubborn.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Yandex Browser Task Manager (Alt+Shift+Esc) to inspect telemetry related entries
2. Toggle off data sharing in Settings > Privacy
3. Restart Yandex Browser
4. Check for updates and install the latest version
5. Verify network settings and firewall allowances
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yandex-browser-telemetry.exe a virus?
No. The legitimate telemetry executable from Yandex is a normal background service and should reside in the browser's Application folder with a valid signature.
Why is yandex-browser-telemetry.exe running all the time?
Telemetry runs to collect anonymized usage and crash data. It can run in the background even when the browser window is closed if enabled by settings.
Can I disable telemetry without uninstalling Yandex Browser?
Yes. In Settings > Privacy, turn off usage data sharing. You can also stop the process from Task Manager and disable startup, though complete removal isn't required.
Where is telemetry data stored or sent?
Telemetry data is transmitted to Yandex servers based on consent and privacy settings; exact data is limited and used to improve stability and UX.
How do I verify yandex-browser-telemetry.exe is legitimate?
Check location (C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Application or C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Application), and verify the Digital Signature shows 'Yandex LLC'.
Will disabling telemetry affect browser features?
Disabling telemetry only stops data sharing; the browser remains functional but may have limited improvement feedback for features.