The NWJS process is a relatively common sight in Windows Task Manager for many users. But what exactly is NWJS? Is it a vital system process or a sketchy malware threat? This in-depth guide will uncover everything you need to know about NWJS.
What is the NWJS Process?
NWJS stands for Node Webkit JavaScript. It is an open source framework for developing desktop applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The NWJS framework essentially allows developers to build desktop apps with frontend interfaces powered by web UI frameworks. It bundles the Node.js runtime environment and Chromium browser capabilities into a single runtime for building these hybrid native/web apps.
Some key capabilities provided by NWJS include:
- Access to Node.js modules for backend capabilities like file system access, child processes, databases, etc.
- DOM manipulation and JavaScript execution via Chromium’s V8 engine.
- HTML5 and CSS3 support for building rich user interfaces.
- Integration of web APIs like IndexedDB and WebSockets.
- Multi-platform support for deploying on Windows, Mac and Linux.
When you see a process called NWJS running in Task Manager, it is from an app built using this framework. The process executes the underlying NWJS engine to render the UI and run the app’s JavaScript code.
Why Does the NWJS Process Run?
The main reason you will see NWJS running on your system is because you have installed apps created with NWJS, like Slack, Visual Studio Code, or Spotify.
These apps need the NWJS process to run continuously in the background to power their frontend interface and overall functionality.
Specifically, the NWJS process does things like:
- Render HTML/CSS/JS that makes up the app’s user interface
- Execute the JavaScript logic for the app
- Enable access to native OS capabilities like files and hardware
- Facilitate communication with the backend server
So in short, the NWJS process runs persistently to make apps built on this framework work properly. Ending the task would cause the associated app to stop working correctly.
Is the NWJS Process Malware? Should I Be Worried?
The NWJS process is not malware. As long as the file path for NWJS leads to the app you installed, it is a legitimate process powering the app and nothing to worry about.
Some key points:
- Open source NWJS is safe framework used by many reputable apps.
- Top apps like Slack, Spotify, Skype all rely on NWJS.
- NWJS needs to run constantly so apps function normally.
- Ending task improperly will break apps relying on it.
You only need to investigate if you see multiple NWJS processes or the file path is suspicious. But in most cases, NWJS will be linked to apps you knowingly installed.
So rest assured that seeing NWJS running is normal and not indicative of any malware or virus. It is a benign process that is required for many popular desktop programs to work properly.
What Apps Use NWJS?
Many top apps across various categories utilize the NWJS framework and will show the NWJS process in Task Manager, including:
Messaging & Communication
- Slack – Team collaboration and chat app.
- Discord – Free voice and text chat app for gamers.
- Skype – Video chat and instant messaging app.
Music & Entertainment
- Spotify – Popular music streaming service.
- Netflix – Video streaming platform for movies/TV.
- Twitch – Live game streaming and esports platform.
Developer Tools
- Visual Studio Code – Lightweight code editor from Microsoft.
- GitHub Desktop – Open source Git client.
- Apache NetBeans – Java IDE.
Productivity & Utilities
- Wunderlist – Task management and to-do list app.
- Caprine – Unofficial Facebook messenger client.
- Rambox – Messaging and email hub app.
- Shift – Work schedule management app.
And many moreacross business, design, photography, and other categories. Any desktop app built on NWJS will have the associated process running in the background.
Normal Resource Usage of NWJS
Like any process, the NWJS engine uses a certain amount of your computer’s CPU, memory, disk and network bandwidth to function. This resource usage varies depending on which NWJS app you are running.
Here are some general guidelines for normal NWJS behavior:
- CPU – Up to 2-4% utilization with spikes during active use.
- Memory – 50 to 150 MB range typically. Can go higher for certain apps.
- Disk – Very minimal read/write activity.
- Network – Low traffic. Mainly checks for app updates.
High CPU or RAM utilization by NWJS could indicate an issue with the associated app hogging resources. But in general, the NWJS process aims to be lightweight and is not intensive itself.
You mainly need to watch for any NWJS processes using abnormally high resources beyond expected levels. That would signify a problem with the individual app, not NWJS itself.
How to Check NWJS File Location
As mentioned before, the key way to verify NWJS is safe is to check where it originates from. The file path will tell you which app it is tied to.
Here are quick steps to check NWJS file location in Windows:
- Launch Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Go to the “Processes” tab
- Right click on any NWJS process
- Select “Open file location”
This will open Windows Explorer to the executable file path of NWJS. You can then see which app directory it is contained within, and verify it matches an app you knowingly installed.
You can also use the Properties window or command line tools like Handle or Process Explorer to check NWJS file path if needed.
Is Ending the NWJS Process Safe?
In most cases, manually ending the NWJS process is not recommended. The apps relying on NWJS will immediately stop working properly if you forcibly end it.
NWJS needs to run persistently for the associated app to function. You are essentially terminating the app by ending NWJS. Any app crashes, lost data, or instability caused will be on you.
However, ending NWJS may very rarely be needed as a last resort if an app is completely frozen with runaway NWJS usage. This forcibly restarts the app and NWJS process. But this should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Restarting your PC will also safely restart NWJS if you just need to reset it without directly ending the task. This is the best approach if you suspect NWJS-related issues.
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Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
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Download Malwarebytes
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Restart Your Computer
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If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
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Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
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Open the Malwarebytes setup file
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
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Restart Your Mac
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
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Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
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Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Remove Selected”.
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Restart your phone.
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Conclusion
While its name may seem vague at first glance, NWJS is actually a key process that runs many popular desktop applications on Windows. It executes the necessary engine to power apps built with the NWJS framework.
Now that you understand its pivotal role in delivering the frontend experience for Slack, Spotify, Visual Studio Code and more, you can rest easy knowing NWJS is not malware.
The NWJS process is a benign and expected part of running apps that rely on it. While its resource usage and troubleshooting may require occasional monitoring, you need not proactively end the task or worry about security risks.
With the tips in this guide, you can optimize NWJS performance, resolve any issues that arise, and verify the process is tied to legitimate applications.
So the next time you notice NWJS running in Task Manager, remember it is simply enabling many of your favorite programs to function normally. As long as the file path checks out, NWJS is safe to ignore and allow to operate smoothly in the background.
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