Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Updater\YandexBrowserUpdater.exe
Warning
Updater runs in background
Many updater tasks run periodically to fetch and apply updates
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable startup entry or stop the updater task to prevent automatic updates
What is yandex-browser-updater.exe?
yandex-browser-updater.exe is the background updater for Yandex Browser. It checks for new browser versions, downloads updates, and applies them without requiring manual intervention, helping keep the browser secure and feature-complete.
This updater runs as a lightweight background process with elevated security practices, contacting YANDEX servers to verify available updates and applying them in a controlled manner to minimize user disruption.
Quick Fact: Yandex Browser updater operates on a scheduled cadence to balance timely security patches with system performance.
Types of Yandex Processes
- Browser Process: Main Yandex Browser window and UI (1 instance)
- Renderer Process: Each tab and iframe (multiple instances)
- GPU Process: Graphics rendering and hardware acceleration
- Extension Process: Each Yandex extension gets its own process
- Updater Process: Yandex Browser updater that checks and applies updates
- Utility Process: Background tasks and network services
Is yandex-browser-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, yandex-browser-updater.exe is safe when it comes from official YANDEX sources and is located in the endorsed updater directory.
Is yandex-browser-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real updater is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if yandex-browser-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Updater\YandexBrowserUpdater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Yandex\Browser\Updater\YandexBrowserUpdater.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "YANDEX LLC" as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal updater activity uses low CPU/memory in the background; noticeable spikes during update checks may occur but should be transient.
- Behavior: Updater should run intermittently and not continuously consume resources. Constant high activity without updates may indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If the file is outside standard Yandex paths, has no valid signature, or runs constantly without performing updates, scan with a reputable antivirus and verify system integrity.
Why Is yandex-browser-updater.exe Running on My PC?
The updater runs to ensure Yandex Browser stays current with security patches and new features. It may run on a schedule or when an update is available.
Reasons it's running:
- Scheduled Update Check: The updater periodically checks for new browser versions and downloads them in the background.
- Pending Update to Apply: If a new update was downloaded previously, the updater may run to complete installation.
- Background Maintenance: Keeps update metadata synchronized and verifies integrity of browser components.
- Startup Service: Updater may initialize at Windows startup to ensure updates are available when the browser starts.
- Manual Trigger: A user action or system policy may trigger an updater check or silent install in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove yandex-browser-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable the updater. It will stop automatic update checks, but you can still use Yandex Browser. Uninstalling Yandex Browser will remove the updater too.
How to Stop yandex-browser-updater.exe
- End Updater from Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) -> Processes -> find Yandex Browser Updater -> End Task
- Disable Startup Entry: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable 'Yandex Browser Updater' if present
- Disable Background Updates: In Yandex Browser settings -> Advanced -> Update, toggle off automatic updates if available
- Stop Related Services: Open services.msc and disable any Yandex updater related service entries if present
- Remove Scheduled Tasks: Task Scheduler -> Task Library -> look for Yandex updater tasks and disable/delete them
How to Uninstall Yandex Browser (and updater)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Yandex Browser → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Yandex Browser → Uninstall
- ✔ If you only want to remove the updater, consider leaving the browser installed and disabling updater tasks
Common Problems: Updater Not Working or Consuming Resources
If yandex-browser-updater.exe misbehaves or uses excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Stale updater data: Clear updater cache or reinstall Yandex Browser to reset updater state
- Background scanner stuck: Restart updater service or disable and re-enable updater via Task Manager
- Outdated updater component: Ensure you have the latest Yandex Browser installed; check for updates in the browser
- Conflicting extensions: Temporarily disable Yandex-specific extensions that may trigger updater activity
- Corrupted user profile: Create a new browser profile and migrate data as needed
- Antivirus false positives: Whitelist yandex-browser-updater.exe in your antivirus and run a scan to confirm legitimacy
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and end the updater if needed
2. Restart Yandex Browser
3. Check for updates in Yandex Browser settings
4. Clear updater cache or reinstall Yandex Browser if problems persist
5. Ensure antivirus is not falsely flagging updater
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yandex-browser-updater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate updater is part of Yandex Browser and should be located in C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Updater with a valid signature from YANDEX LLC.
Why is the updater running when I didn't open Yandex Browser?
Updaters may run in the background to check for updates or to apply pending updates, even if the browser isn't open, depending on startup and scheduled-task settings.
How do I disable automatic updates?
In Yandex Browser, go to Settings -> Advanced -> Update and disable automatic updates, or disable the updater entry in Task Manager startup.
Can I uninstall the updater without removing Yandex Browser?
Uninstalling Yandex Browser will remove the updater as part of the application package. If you want to keep the browser but stop updates, disable the updater via startup tasks.
Where can I find updater logs or verify its legitimacy?
Check the updater log location inside C:\Program Files\Yandex\Browser\Updater or the browser's internal update logs (Settings -> Help). Verify signatures and source from YANDEX LLC.
What should I do if updater uses high CPU for extended periods?
Identify update activity with Task Manager, ensure Chrome/Yandex Browser is up to date, disable problematic startup tasks, and scan for malware if unusual behavior persists.