What is QtWebEngineProcess.exe? Should I remove it?

QtWebEngineProcess is translated to Origin Client Service which sometimes can cause high CPU usage

QtWebEngineProcess is a legitimate executable file made to help certain Windows programs run properly. In most cases, it is related to Origin – a platform that allows players to download, update, and purchase video games.[1] It can usually be found in C:\Program Files (x86) folder on Windows operating systems.

However, the process can also be used by the following apps:

  • Chromium-based Qt WebEngine
  • Ring Central
  • Bitlord
  • Dropbox

While it is not a crucial system file, it should not be terminated if you want to ensure the normal operation of the previously mentioned programs. However, at the same time, note that it is not a Windows component, so it can be removed if it affects the performance of your device. If the process takes a generous amount of the computer's memory, you should try reinstalling the Origin app to get rid of this issue. You should also consider checking it with the security app to make sure it is not malicious. Keep in mind that malware[2] developers have been misusing legitimate files' names to hide them on the system. If your anti-spyware didn't find anything malicious, but you suspect the process is taking too long QtWebEngineProcess fix article will be helpful. 

Name QtWebEngineProcess.exe
Type Executable file/Application file
Purpose Executable for certain programs, e.g. Dropbox, Origin, Bitlord, Ring Central
Location The file is mainly found in the Program Files subfolder. Malicious versions typically reside in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folders
Issues Causes error messages, uses lots of computer's resources
Distribution Comes together with legitimate apps; infiltrates with spam if malicious
Elimination If the process is related to malware, you should eliminate with the help of anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner
System fix If malware was found, we strongly recommend using FortectIntego to fix the system damage that might have been sustained during the infection

QtWebEngineProcess.exe system error has appeared in various discussions on the Internet after users started noticing that there are several versions of the same file running in the system's background. Additionally, there have been numerous complaints about the file's tendency to use high amounts of CPU.[3] As one of such users claims:

Its using over 200mb of ram whilst its doing nothing. The CPU is always pegged at 20% usage and the GPU is always pegged around 40%+ when the system is idle and doing nothing.

Typically, reinstalling Origin and other related apps helps to bring everything to the place. However, if the process is taking high CPU can still be noticed, this may be related to the virus. Malware producers can easily misuse the name of this file to hide their malicious products on the system. The main signs showing that the file is malicious are the high consumption of the PC resources and its malfunction. 

The main facts about QtWebEngineProcess:

  • Located in C:\Program Files subfolder;
  • Known to be up to 22,024 bytes in size on most Windows;
  • If safe, it should not use computer resources all the time.

If you have been struggling with this executable, you are supposed to determine the trustworthiness of this file before QtWebEngineProcess removal. You can do that by locating this process running on the Task Manager. Find its location (it should be found in C:\Program Files) and compare the size to the upper-mentioned facts. 

Users often complain that this executable process appeared on their system out of nowhere and that they have no idea why it affects the performance of their computer in such a significant way. According to researchers[4], ending the process does not help you fix QtWebEngineProcess.exe application error because, when associated applications run on the system, this process is relaunched once again. If you want to get rid of the process permanently, you would have to uninstall the app associated with it.

Since this is an executable process related to several legitimate apps, removing it may affect the performance of some applications or services. Run a full system scan with FortectIntego to determine this executable's trustworthiness and make sure that there is no malware inside.

The spelling qtwebengineprocess can indicate a virus

Initially, the process QtWebEngineProcess is not dangerous. As we have already pointed out, it is basically used by multiple applications to ensure their smooth run during simultaneous sessions. This executable may be run by Dropbox Steam, Glyph, Origin, Ring Central,  and many other apps.

Usually, high CPU usage is triggered due to the incompatibility of the mentioned applications. However, cybersecurity experts recommend keeping an eye on the spelling of the executable file. If you find the process within Task Manager lowercased[5] (qtwebengineprocess) and several instances are running simultaneously, there's a high risk that the PC may be infected. To check if the machine is not run by ransomware, spyware, Trojan, or another malicious entry, run a scan with a professional anti-virus program. 

You may download dangerous files without realizing

Commonly seen files with .exe or .dll extensions are often found misused by malicious actors. Since the computer runs a lot of processes at the same time, you cannot spot these files running in the background and posing serious harm to your computer.

Spam email campaigns or software bundles[6] have been actively used to spread this kind of malicious data. During insecure installations, people are tricked into downloading various programs together with questionable files. The same can be said about spam email campaigns that trick users into downloading safe-looking files infected with serious viruses and their components.

.exe files have been used by malicious actors to launch background processes, such as download malware, start mining cryptocurrency mining, or open backdoors for more severe malware. Avoid these cyber infections by choosing Advanced installation settings and cleaning the email box more frequently, and paying more attention to details like typos or questionable subject lines.

QtWebEngineProcess.exe elimination is crucial if the file is found to be malicious

As we mentioned above, this process can refer to many different applications. However, if it has been causing application errors, high CPU, and similar issues, you can try to remove QtWebEngineProcess from the system and then install it again together with Origin or another app that is related to it.

However, security experts also recommend checking the trustworthiness of this executable to make sure that its purpose is not helping malware to perform its fraudulent tasks. The best diagnosis for these suspicious files is the full system scan with one of these programs SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes. If the file is found as malicious, the same apps will take care of QtWebEngineProcess.exe removal and will also get rid of related malware. 

However, note that you shouldn't delete a perfectly safe executable because it can affect the performance of related programs. In case you see a problem has left after virus elimination, we advise you to use FortectIntego for damage removal. Make sure to keep your software and programs up-to-date so you can avoid any issues caused by corrupted files in the future. As for software functionality related issues, search for driver and software updates more frequently, so there is little to no possibility of such problems. 

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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References
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